Markets

Energy prices fundamental to corn

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 by Contributing Writers

URBANA, Ill. — Corn and soybean markets are not reliant solely on energy or futures prices to support their levels, said a University of Illinois Extension marketing specialist.

“Some suggest that corn and soybean prices have not been following fundamentals, but have traded on outside markets like crude oil,” said Darrel Good. “However, energy prices are […]

Crude oil drives commodities

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 by Contributing Writers

By MIKE WOOLVERTON
Extension Grain Economist

Sighs of relief were heard throughout the grain trade last week as corn and soybean planting both progressed.
Ordinarily, prices would drop as the Battle for Acres was resolved, but corn and soybean prices have remained strong due to rising energy prices.

Close scrutiny

Corn and soybeans are now lumped together with […]

Syngenta and Monsanto reach agreement

Friday, May 23, 2008 by Farm and Dairy Staff

BASEL, Switzerland — Syngenta has reached a definitive agreement with Monsanto, which settles all outstanding litigation relating to the two companies’ global corn and soybean businesses.

The agreement gives Syngenta enhanced flexibility in serving its customers and will expand the technology choices available to growers.

Terms
Terms of the agreement include:

— Monsanto receives a royalty-bearing license to Syngenta’s […]

Oil to blame for high production costs

Thursday, May 22, 2008 by Farm and Dairy Staff

URBANA, Ill. — Between 2003 and 2007, the majority of corn and soybean production cost increases can be attributed to crude oil price increases, according to a new University of Illinois Extension study.

“If crude oil prices continue to rise, production costs for corn and soybeans likely will continue to rise,” said Gary Schnitkey, a University […]

Pork industry defies economic odds

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 by Farm and Dairy Staff

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Recent hog prices are described as a “miracle” by a Purdue University Extension marketing specialist, who compares the high prices to an answered prayer.

Ethanol not to blame for higher food prices

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 by Farm and Dairy Staff

High energy prices, increasing global demand, drought and other factors — not biofuels — are the primary drivers of higher food costs.

Dairymen will face cottonseed price hike

Saturday, May 17, 2008 by Farm and Dairy Staff

Reduced plantings are expected to push cottonseed prices to $400/ton.

Subcommittee reviews dramatic movements in commodity markets

Thursday, May 15, 2008 by Farm and Dairy Staff

A House agriculture subcommittee held a hearing May 15 to review the source of volatile price movements in agricultural and energy commodity markets.

Midwest rainfall delays corn planting

Thursday, May 15, 2008 by Farm and Dairy Staff

While weather should improve in the next two weeks, it will not be enough to make up for planting delays already endured by the nation’s corn farmers.

Futures markets challenging farmers

Thursday, May 15, 2008 by Farm and Dairy Staff

WASHINGTON — While financial and risk-management decisions always have been challenging aspects of farm and ranch work, extreme volatility in commodity markets in recent months has made these jobs even more difficult for farmers, even as prices have soared.
During a Capitol Hill hearing today, American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman told lawmakers that farmers […]