Puting an end to 2012 crops

   Although not all of the crops from this year have been sold most farmers are anxious to put this year to an end.  Volatility in the markets from trying to estimate the final production numbers were responsible for December 2012 corn futures, at this time last year when we were planning the years budget, trading below $6.00 then in august nearing $8.50 at the height of the drought.  Today they are near $7.50.  Many farmers were reluctant to sell in august not wanting to risk having not enough corn harvested to cover deliveries.  Many other countries are short production also especially in wheat.  Corn prices should hold in a narrow range as every reduction in price should bring more buyers.  The Soybean outlook is counting on record production in South America that will come to market before we run out of supply here.  With soybean prices one year from now trading a dollar lower than today's price.  We may see larger imports of soybeans from Brazil to supply protein needs of livestock along the east coast.  Time will tell if the weather is favorable to South America's production filling in the needs of the world after our reduction in output.
   As we put last year behind us we are trying to get our crystal ball out as we prepare budgets and purchase crop needs for 2013.  My seeds and fertilizers are locked in and soon I can cover other inputs also.  As the colder weather arrives there are two things I like to keep me warm.  Chili and hot coco.  Although it has nothing to do with farming I will pass my recipes along. This year I grew white sweet potatoes in the garden and they did great the chili uses those but can substitute squash or regular sweet potatoes also.
                         Dean's chili 
 In large pan add 3 strips of chopped up bacon on med. heat to oil pan.  Add 12 oz. of cubed pork (from pork chops), one diced onion, one diced pepper, and two cloves of garlic minced.  Cook until meat is browned.  Add two cups sweet potatoes cubed, 28 oz can diced tomatoes, 6oz tomato paste, one cup frozen corn, two 15 oz cans of beans of your choice drained,( i like black and white beans instead of kidney), one cup of chicken broth, 2 tbl chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp oregano.  Bring to a boil cover and reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes.

                    Deans hot coco
heat water to liking add twice as much coco mix as directed.  Add 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, or 1 tsp of peanut butter, or both.  Enjoy  * you will want to stir in the coco before adding the peanut butter because peanut butter in hot water looks disgusting.

                                                Serving together, Dean