The November USDA crop report estimates the 1997 aggregate (winter and spring) wheat output at 68.8 million tons, some 10 percent above the harvest in 1996. Most of the increase is due to a sharp recovery in winter wheat output after last year's poor crop, while the spring wheat harvest output remained virtually unchanged from the previous year. Planting of winter wheat for the 1998 harvest is virtually complete, and early estimates point to an increased area compared to the previous year and the crop is reported to be in generally good condition. Harvesting of the 1997 coarse grains crop is virtually completed, and latest estimates confirm another good crop close to last year’s output. In the USDA's November crop report aggregate coarse grain production was raised slightly to 265.6 million tons, compared to 267.8 million tons in 1996. Maize Output is estimated at 237.7 million tons, virtually unchanged from 1996.