Lower yields + world demand = higher prices

   Hello again from the farm.  Markets of all grains and livestock are approaching record high prices.  As posted before the wet early start and warm finish had its effect on lowering yields.  March corn CBOT is over $7.00.  World demand especially from China has exploded.  African countries have seen unrest as their people become angry with food shortages.  It seems that food grains especially wheat will set highs as country build their food reserves, now more than ever political regimes are subject to unrest and demonstrations.  They fear they will be overthrown and will be buying wheat at any price.  The pork and beef producers have had severe losses the last two years and have had to reduce numbers to survive.  Asian countries are importing more and demand is strong here also.  With reduces supplies and very good demand the meat prices are much higher.  Feed prices have almost doubled so the grain producers will fare better than the livestock sector on this rally.
  Cold weather and snow was the story this month.  My winter wheat should be fine as there was good snow cover during the windy days.  CBOT wheat for july $9.24 so I am praying for a good crop.  We will know better this spring if the slow germination in October will be a problem or if a good warm spring will get it growing.  If the stand is good enough I will spray nitrogen fertilizer.  My crop adviser will come soon and we will review herbicide and fungicide options carefully.  We have reduced amounts and have used more environmentally safe products over the last decades and I appreciate the help of the Certified Crop Advisor.  With these prices the farmer cannot afford to make any mistakes.  We know grain prices are high but expenses like seed, fertilizer, fuel, rent, etc. are also going higher.
   How can you improve on feasting on chili on a winter day?  Saint Marks (one of our cooperating churches) in Aurora has the answer.  They are holding a chili cook off to raise money for Foods Resource Bank, March 13th 4:30-6:00, $10.00 ticket to eat great chili and at the same time feed the world.  http://www.stmarksaurora.net/AboutUs.dsp  for their map and deanlundeen@gmail.com to e-mail me a winning chili recipie.  See you there.    ps. thank you to those who aided me with the frb slide show hope everyone enjoys it.  Serving together,  Dean Lundeen