Australian wheat crop almost out of woods

Australia’s wheat crop, initially forecast to be near its biggest ever, is nearly out of the woods after a series of downgrades due to poor rains and recent hot weather, removing one element of uncertainty for global markets. At an estimated 20 million tonnes, the 2008-09 wheat crop will still rank among the best in

Lower grain prices seen dragging down fertilizers

Prices of fertilizer, which soared to record highs late this summer, are poised to come down to earth in coming months as sharply lower grain prices sour demand from farmers. Meanwhile, tight credit markets and growing fears that a global recession may further dampen demand for commodities could add pressure. “Purchasing and applications will be


China shores up falling crop prices

China will purchase grains for reserves at prices above current market levels, set up national soybean reserves and buy grains, rapeseed and cotton, in order to help shore up incomes of farmers whose commodity prices are falling sharply. The moves are in line with a pledge by top policy-makers this month to increase rural incomes.

U. S. farmers consider wet corn

Farmers around the U. S. Midwest were trying to decide if they should begin harvesting corn that will need to be dried manually after it is cut, agronomists and grain dealers say. Most growers had hoped to let their corn dry naturally but leaving crops in the field late into the fall is risky. Farmers


High-moisture corn has advantages, disadvantages

“If you were planning to use the corn as livestock feed, highmoisture storage may be an option worth checking out.” High-moisture corn offers many advantages for producers who feed beef or dairy cattle, according to a North Dakota State University livestock expert. “However, successfully using high-moisture corn requires attention to storage conditions, feeding management and