Soybean planting moved ahead at a good rate in Brazil last week under favorable weather conditions and attractive prices continued to spur steady forward selling of 2010-2011 crop soybeans by Brazilian producers, according to the Brazilian market consultant Celeres. In a weekly report, Celeres estimated producers planted 16% of their intended soybean acreage last week, pushing planting progress to 61%, ahead of the five-year average of 58% and just behind last year’s pace of 62%....More

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  The other day a memo came my way that described many of the famers in our valley in Virginia. This was a reference made by a visitor who spends a few days of rest and relaxation in the valley each month, visiting and observing the farmers throughout the year. The bottom line to the memo was that most of the farmers in our valley were described as part-time producers supplemented by off-farm income and wealth who are enjoying the country. Only one farmer in the valley was designated a “true” or “real” farmer making a living from the farm....More