NORTH AMERICA: The United States' wheat area is expected to be down again this year but assuming normal weather for the rest of the season a larger harvested area and better yields could lead to a recovery in production. Early indications point to increased maize plantings this spring but a sharp decrease for sorghum. In Canada, early indications point to a decrease in wheat plantings this spring but an increase for coarse grains. However, if weather conditions return to normal, yields should recover from last year's drought-reduced levels and overall cereal output could increase.