Is the market dominated by bad news? Not really, says University of Missouri Extension Marketing Specialist Melvin Brees, who outlines several positive developments:
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Current prices discourage in-creased plantings in South America.
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Lower prices reduce feed costs and support continued strong feed use.
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World population and incomes suggest that food demand is solid.
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Lower prices and freight costs offset the negative impacts of a stronger dollar.
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While corn and soybean carryout is increasing, it remains below average.
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The 2008-2009 corn stocks/use ratio is the lowest in over 10 years.
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Lower fuel costs and fertilizer price weakness might offer some input cost relief.
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Higher crop prices may be needed to encourage 2009 crop production.
For more information, check www.fapri.missouri.edu/farmers_corner/mktng_newsletter/CurrentDM.pdf.
