WASHINGTON — Rye flour production in 2008 totaled 1,081,000 cwts, down 26.3% from the recent peak of 1,466,000 in 2007, according to the annual summary released by the Census Bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Production in 2008 was also well below earlier years, including 1,453,000 in 2006, 1,262,000 in 2005 and 1,320,000 in 2004. No report was issued for 2003 "to avoid disclosing data for individual companies."

The North American Millers’ Association provides funding to the Census Bureau in support of the compilation of these data.

Rye grind in 2008 aggregated 2,430,000 bus, down 12.4% from 2,774,000 in 2007. Grind totaled 2,998,000 in 2006, 2,462,000 bus in 2005 and 2,388,000 in 2004.

Rye millfeed production in 2008 amounted to 8,222 tons, against 9,856 in 2007, 9,894 in 2006 and 10,698 in 2005.

Fourth-quarter daily capacity of U.S. rye mills in 2008 totaled 9,000 cwts, against 11,000 in 2007, 10,000 in 2006 and 9,000 in 2005 and 2004.