Commodities: Page 35

US corn, soybean, wheat planting behind 2010 due to weather

U.S. corn, soybean and wheat planting has remained behind 2010 numbers due to wet weather in the eastern Midwest and northern regions preventing fieldwork, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Roughly 86% of the corn crop was planted as of May 29, compared to 79% a week earlier and 97% during the same time in 2010.

Food processing company acquires Maryland grain producer

Mountaire Farms of Delaware Inc. has acquired Maryland's Carmean Grain. Mountaire, a purchaser of commodity grains, says the addition of Carmean will position the company to better serve the local farming community and further its business initiatives.

FAO: High agricultural commodity prices to continue

High and volatile agricultural commodity prices are likely to prevail for the rest of this year and into 2012, according to the latest analysis in the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Food Outlook. The report cites a sharp rundown on inventories and only modest overall production increases for the majority of crops as reasons for continuing strong prices.

India poultry farmers using wheat, bajra as chicken feed alternatives

Wheat and bajra, also known as pearl millet, are being used as substitutes for corn in chicken feed as corn prices in India continue to rise. Wheat is currently selling for Rs 7.50 (US$0.17) per kilogram, while bajra and broken rice are selling for Rs 11,000 (US$242.89) per metric ton.

Feed Mill Management

US corn consumption raises concerns

Current consumption of U.S. corn and soybeans is a great deal higher than industry analysts expected, according to Tim Brusnahan, vice president of Brock and Associates, speaking at the recent WATT Online Animal Forum: Feeding the Globe. The production of ethanol, together with several other factors, appears to be at the heart of current fluctuations in the feed ingredients market and as a result, in the livestock markets as well.

US wheat prices, demand up as corn prices continue to rise

Wheat prices have increased by 4.5% in the last three months as demand for the grain's use in animal feed has strengthened and stockpiles have decreased in the wake of rising corn prices, according to the Chicago Board of Trade. On April 12, corn futures traded above CBOT wheat prices for the first time in 15 years — an event that analysts said could encourage even more wheat use in feed rations.

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US farmers must plant 237 million acres corn, other crops to meet global demand

The Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group's report, "The Battle For Acres: U.S. Field Crops in Competition,” has concluded that in order to build U.S. and global supplies to acceptable levels, 237 million acres of corn, wheat, soybeans and cotton will need to be planted this year in the U.S. The 237 million acres estimate represents an increase of 7 million over 2010’s total planted acres and an increase of 3 million over 2008’s record high of 234 million planted acres.

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Demand for GE corn for ethanol on the rise

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced full deregulation of “Enogen,” a GM corn cultivar developed by Syngenta. The strain produces the enzyme amylase, enhancing production of ethanol.

South African wheat, feed corn prices fall slightly in response to drop in US prices

South African wheat and feed corn prices have fallen slightly in response to dropped prices in the U.S., according to reports. Wheat for May delivery dropped Rand 25 (0.8%) to close at Rand 3,165 (US$455) per metric ton in Johannesburg, while it slid $0.0675 (0.8%) to settle at $8.1025 per bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade.

Global feed crops production down while prices, demand continue to rise

World output of crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat is expected to drop 2.1% due to droughts in parts of Europe and excessive rains in the U.S., Canada and Australia, according to analysts. The decrease in output coupled with a rise in demand is causing prices to rise significantly.

Weather delays Chicago Board of Trade open-outcry trading

Due to poor weather conditions and travel delays, the Chicago Board of Trade open-outcry trading will begin at 10 a.m. CST Feb. 2. Wheat, corn and soybeans all are forecast to open higher, with weather-threatened crops cited as a factor in wheat futures possibly opening 12-15 cents higher.

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January 2011 estimates for US corn, soy harvest revised

U.S. feed grain supply estimates for 2010-2011 were revised according to data in the December 2010 World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates Report 490-2, released on January 12, 2011. Corn production is approximately 90 million bushels lower than the previous estimate based on a combination of a reduction in yield and a slight increase in harvested area.

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