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Grain Market Update, August 2009

Added August 1, 2009

Corn Price Update

Upper Midwest (Des Moines, IA)
7.25.09

Compared to two weeks ago, organic grain and feedstuff prices were lower on light demand and moderate offerings with slow market activity. The organic markets are mostly being driven by the livestock sector.

Last year's sharply higher grain prices severely put the squeeze on organic livestock producers, especially the dairy industry. Many of those producers have started bailing out or even converted back to conventional. There has been some hint of the poultry industry re-entering the organic market once again. There are indications that offers on new crop corn are significantly lower. Although the corn and soybean crops, in general, look really good, there are some wet spots that are struggling with weed control issues. The frequent rains are preventing producers from doing much needed fieldwork. There has been some interest in hay but not much buying as of now. Hay prices being reported from 80 cents to 90 cents per RFV point, a little lower than previous reports.

All prices FOB price per bushel except where stated (trucking cost needs to be added)


7/11/09

June 2009

May 2009

2nd qtr 09

July 08

Feed Grade Corn

6.77

7.66

7.42

7.47

10.92

Food Grade Soybeans

30.56

Feed Grade Soybeans

18.55

20.47

19.18

18.89

26.44

Feed Grade Oats

3.97

4.17

4.12

6.00

Feed Grade Barley

6.08

6.08

6.08

6.12

Food Grade Wheat

17.44

Feed Grade Wheat

6.99

7.42

15.86

Feed Grade Rye

8.69

Feed Grade Peas

Feed Grad Golden Flax

Organic Alfalfa - Premium

155-160/ton

235-250/ton

Organic Alfalfa – Good

Organic Alfalfa – Utility

Eastern Cornbelt (Springfield, IL)
7/25/09

Compared to two weeks ago, organic grain and feedstuff prices were mostly steady. Demand was light for heavy offerings. Cash trading for organic grains remain quiet but dealers were active taking in only forwarding contract orders. Buying interest was slow however many dealers had difficulties finding feed grade soybeans. Feed grade corn was steady. As wheat harvest reaches near completion, reports of scabby wheat and mycotoxins on barley has troubled eastern wheat producers. Some millers have rejected loads of unacceptable wheat due to high levels of vomoitoxin. Lack of fresh news items and ideal growing conditions for the Cornbelt helped to weaken prices.

All prices FOB price per bushel except where stated (trucking cost needs to be added)


7/11/09

June 09

May 09

April 09

2nd qtr 09

Jul 08

Feed Grade Corn

7.80

7.99

7.9

8.23

8.00

10.80

Food Grade Wheat

9.33

9.67

10.30

9.77

Feed Grade Wheat

7.64

6.76

7.01

6.84

Feed Grade Barley

6.60

6.54

6.28

6.49

Feed Grade Soybeans

19.94

20.64

19.11

28.25

Soybean meal/ton

920

923/ton

Feed Grade Oats

4.16

4.15

4.16

5.63

Organic Alfalfa – Good

185/ton

Organic Grass Hay – Utility

125/ton

20082009soybeanspricespread2

20082009cornpricespread3

Northeast Organic grain price 2005-2009


Year

12% CP Grain

16% CP Grain

18% CP Grain

2005

$ 310

$ 330

$ 349

2006

$ 350

$ 380

$ 395

2007

$ 360

$ 393

$ 412

2008

$ 547

$ 588

$ 608

2009

$ 525

$ 538

$ 565

% increase 2005-2009

73.22%

78.18%

74.21%

Located below are the links to latest organic price reports.
Upper Midwest Organic Grain and Feedstuff http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/nw_gr113.txt
Eastern Corn Belt Organic Grain Feedstuff http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/gx_gr120.txt
National Hay, Feed & Seed Weekly Summary http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/lswfeedseed.pdf