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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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

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

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

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.

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 […]