Tag Archives: corn
A Corn Boom Starts to Wilt
MARK PETERS And JESSE NEWMAN OAKLEY, Ill.—The boom in corn prices that helped propel the U.S. farm economy is fading amid expectations for a record-high harvest. Jesse Newman/The Wall Street Journal Farmer David Brown says producers will start bargaining for lower rent. Prices are down more than 40% from last year’s all-time highs, to their lowest point in nearly three years. The decline is bringing relief to meat producers and other food companies hurt by steep costs for animal feed and other ingredients made from corn. Lower corn prices also could curb supermarket prices for beef. But the slide is bad news for farmers who saw their incomes surge to the highest levels since the early 1970s, adjusted for inflation, while farmland values ballooned so much that some analysts worried about a bubble. Lower corn prices will squeeze profit margins, farmers who rent land for their crops might struggle to make money, and sales of tractors and other farm supplies likely will suffer. Corn is the largest U.S. crop, grown on more than 400,000 farms. The total area harvested for the grain is as big as New Mexico. On Friday, corn traded in the futures market for slightly more than $4.65 a bushel, down from $8.31 a bushel last August. Prices for soybeans, the U.S.’s second-biggest crop, are down more than 20% from a year ago. Many analysts predict even sharper declines. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. last week lowered its 12-month price forecast to $4.25 a bushel. If prices stumble that far and stay there, it would “put a serious crunch in the margins,” says T.J. Shambaugh, whose family has grown corn here for more than 150 years. The 53-year-old Mr. Shambaugh expects his 2,000-acre farm to yield about 200 bushels an acre this year, up from 85 bushels last year. He sold half of his expected crop for more than $5 a bushel earlier this year. “For 2013, we’re gonna be OK. 2014 and 2015 might be a different story,” he says. Corn prices hovered at less than $2.50 a bushel for most of the past decade. Prices surged in 2008 because of flooding and growing demand by the ethanol industry. The recession knocked prices back down, but they rebounded even more strongly, fueled by foreign markets such as China and a drought that crimped supplies. Prices largely have stayed above $6 a bushel in the past two years. The Department of Agriculture has projected this year’s U.S. corn harvest, which starts next month, to haul in about 14 billion bushels, up from 10.8 billion bushels last year and 12.4 billion bushels in 2011. Officials are expected to increase the estimate slightly in a monthly crop report due Monday. Some of the bumper crop might be threatened by frost damage before it can be harvested. And farmers could decide to plant less corn in the future if profit margins shrink too far. That would reduce the corn supply and help prop up prices. For now, farmers need a boost in demand, which has been weak. U.S. corn exports have fallen to levels not seen in decades as competition from South America and elsewhere increases. And runaway growth in U.S. ethanol production is easing as the corn-based fuel supplement hits limits on how much can be blended into gasoline. “We’re returning to a more normal scenario following a period of really abnormally high prices,” says Darrel Good, an agricultural economist at the University of Illinois. “Everyone kind of acknowledged on the way up these prices were not sustainable, but for producers they were pretty easy to get used to.” Tyson Foods Inc. earlier this month said it expects feed costs in its chicken business to decline by $500 million in the coming fiscal year. Milk producer Dean Foods Co. also expects lower feed costs. Archer Daniels Midland Co., the grain-handling giant, said it expects to benefit from having more corn and soybeans to store and process. “This is a recharge that is just essential for ADM,” Craig Huss, the Decatur, Ill., company’s chief risk officer, told investors Tuesday. It isn’t clear how much consumers will benefit from lower corn prices. Burrito chain Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. said it was no longer considering a price increase that it had said might be needed to compensate for pricier ingredients. A closely watched index of world food prices dropped for the third straight month in July, helped by declining corn prices. Still, USDA economist Richard Volpe said supermarkets use lower prices as leverage to rebuild margins battered in recent years by higher costs and tougher competition. Cropland values in the Midwest already are losing steam after a surge of nearly 80% in the past four years to an average of $6,980 an acre. The latest appraisals done by farm lender Farm Credit Services of America show that land-value gains slowed in the first six months of the year. Purdue University forecasts a decline in land values in parts of Indiana in the second half of 2013. Farm-debt levels remain low on average, so few lenders or analysts are worried that further declines in corn prices could spark a devastating collapse in cropland values like the one that hit the U.S. housing market. Still, farmers who rely heavily on rented land, and borrowed to start or expand operations during the corn-boom years, could struggle. “Will landlords be willing to retrace their rents as corn prices go down?” asked David Brown, standing beneath a canopy of towering corn stalks on his 4,000 acre farm near Decatur, Ill. The 60-year-old farmer, who rents 60% of his land, says producers will start bargaining with landowners for lower rent if commodity costs keep falling. “It used to be that marketing corn was your toughest job. Now negotiating rent is as demanding as selling your product.” Lower corn prices will help beef producers who suffered as last year’s drought dried up pastures and drove feed prices higher. The yearlong corn-price slide and recent rains already have brought relief to many cattle farmers. “Going from $7 or $8 corn to $5 corn, that’s going to help quite a bit,” says Brian Price, manager of Brookover Feed Yard in Garden City, Kan., where cattle are fattened before slaughter. A steady corn supply “should keep the price at a level we can live with.” Continue reading
Farmland Forecast
By: Marc Schober , AgWeb.com Marc Schober is the editor of Farmland Forecast an educational blog devoted to investments in agriculture and farmland. JUL 01, 2013 Most farmers have finished planting the 2013 crop and are turning their attention to weed and pest control. Although crop conditions are better than last year at this time, historically late planting may have an adverse affect on crop yields. Corn conditions were 8% of the crop in poor or very poor condition, compared to 22% last year. Corn in good or excellent condition was 67%, compared to 48% last year. Corn silking was at 3% as of June 30, 2013, compared to 22% from last year. Soybeans planted were at 96%, slightly behind the five year average of 98%. Last year at this time, 99% of soybeans had emerged, but only 91% have emerged as of June 30, 2013. Soybean conditions were 7% of the crop in poor or very poor condition, compared to 22% last year. Soybeans in good or excellent condition was 67%, compared to 45% last year. Winter wheat conditions were 42% of the crop in poor or very poor condition. Winter wheat in good or excellent condition was 32%, the same as last week. Harvesting began last week and 43% of the winter wheat has been harvested, compared to 73% last year at the same time. Spring wheat has all been planted and 93% has emerged, compared to the five year average of 99%. Spring wheat conditions were 5% of the crop in poor or very poor condition, the same as last year at this time. Spring wheat in good or excellent condition was 68%, compared to 71% last year. The July corn contract increased 0.3% over the past week ending at $6.55 per bushel, soybean prices increased by 3.8% over the past week ending at $15.70 per bushel, and wheat prices ended the week at $6.45 per bushel, a 5.0% decrease from last week. Year to year corn prices are down 5.4%, soybeans are up 2.5% and wheat is down 14.5%. For daily articles on farmland and agriculture, visit www.farmlandforecast.com . Grain Price Volatility In Soggy June JUL 01, 2013 The Corn Belt continued to experience record setting rainfall totals throughout June, resulting in the worst planting season in over 20 years. Areas of southern Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois have monthly rainfall totals in excess of double the respective averages, with single day rainfall totals over seven inches. The U.S. corn crop was officially fully planted as of the fourth week of the month and the U.S. soybean crop was nearly finished as of the end of the month, according to the USDA. On June 28th, the USDA surprised analysts with an increase in corn acreage in their annual acreage report. Corn planted acres for 2013 were estimated at 97.4 million acres, more than 2.0 million acres higher than analyst expectations. We have seen many farmers who were unable to plant corn due to the very wet weather and in turn, elected to plant soybeans or filed a prevent plant insurance claim. Soybean planted acres were estimated at 77.7 million acres, the highest planted acreage on record and an increase of 1% from last year. Grain Prices Front month corn prices increased by 2.6% this month, closing at $6.79 per bushel on the July contract. The new crop December corn contract decreased this month to $5.11 per bushel due to the bearish USDA acreage report. Throughout June, corn prices were volatile and paralleled weather patterns across the Corn Belt during planting. In the June WASDE Report, the USDA estimated U.S. corn production 135.0 million bushels less than the previous month at 14.0 billion bushels, due to delayed planting. Increased world corn production will help offset the decreased U.S. production, with the primary increase coming from Brazil. Soybean prices increased by 3.6% this month to close at $15.64 per bushel. New crop soybeans are currently at $13.03 per bushel due to the record amount of acres planted in the U.S. this year. In early June, soybean prices increased due to the severely delayed pace of planting. USDA held U.S. ending soybean stocks constant from last month at 265 million bushels in the June WASDE Report. As with corn, soybean prices were volatile throughout June, trending with moisture patterns in the Corn Belt. Wheat prices decreased by 8.1% this month, closing at $6.48 per bushel. Winter wheat production was estimated slightly higher in this month’s WASDE at 1.486 billion bushels, although total U.S. wheat production was estimated 8.3% lower than last year at 2.08 billion bushels, due to a decrease of 1.7 bushels per acre on average yield. Additionally, the U.S. Dollar strengthened in June, hurting the competitiveness of U.S. wheat versus other production areas in the world. Farmland Values The Creighton University farmland price index decreased in June for the sixth time in the last seven months, but remains above growth neutral at 58.4. There are concerns from bankers that farmland prices could be tapering. Ernie Goss, Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University, commented, “Our farmland price index has been above growth neutral since February 2010. However, we are tracking a clear downward trend in farmland price growth.” The summer months are the typical lull in the farmland buying season and thus comparable sales greatly diminish. We have still seen a fair amount of farmland sales throughout June and feel that the farmland market is still in an upward trend. Additionally, the amount of outlier sales on the high end have been slowing. Planting Progress As of June 23, 2013 corn that has emerged was at 96%, down 3% from the five year average and down 4% from the previous year, according to the USDA, with 65% of the corn crop being classified as in good or excellent condition compared to only 56% at this point in 2012. Soybeans planted were at 92%, behind the five year average of 95%. Last year at this time, 98% of soybeans had emerged, but only 81% have emerged as of the fourth week in June. Having traveled in the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana throughout June, we do not understand how the USDA is classifying 65% of the current corn crop in good or excellent condition. Many corn fields show severe flood damage of the corn that has survived the enormous amount of rainfall thus far this spring. The maturity of the U.S. corn crop is at least two to three weeks behind on average, according to our first hand experience. Outlook Old crop corn prices increased by 12 cents on June 28th, due to the USDA acreage and stocks reports, which will continue to support farmers who have been patient enough to hold 2012 corn this long. Many local elevators have been paying well over $1.00 for old crop corn due to the severely low supply. Although 2013 is the opposite weather phenomena compared to the drought of 2012, corn supplies may become dangerously low again. The U.S. corn crop is in below average condition, according to the farmers we work with on a daily basis. We will continue to monitor the weather and amount of heat units the current corn crop is now finally absorbing. Our key concern of the late maturing corn crop is a late pollination period. Hot and stressful weather can cause major yield damage if present during pollination. For daily articles on farmland and agriculture, visit www.farmlandforecast.com . USDA Surprises with Increase in Corn Acreage JUN 28, 2013 The USDA shocked the agriculture world and defied analyst estimates, real world data, and basic common sense in their annual acreage report. Despite the worst planting season in over 20 years, the USDA expects 2013 corn acreage to be the highest since 1936. Corn supplies as of June 1, 2013, declined to 2.76 billion bushels, the lowest since 1997 due to the devastating drought last year. Acreage US farmers are expected to plant 231.3 million acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat for the 2013 crop year, a roughly 1% increase from 2012’s 229.8 million acres. High commodity prices and low supplies from last year’s drought are incentivizing farmers to plant as many acres as possible. Corn planted acres for 2013 were estimated at 97.4 million acres, 200,000 acres higher than 2012 and 100,000 acres higher than last month’s WASDE estimate. The USDA corn acreage estimate was surprising as farmers across the Corn Belt have been unable to plant corn due to difficult wet weather during the planting season. Analysts’ expectations were for a two million acre reduction to roughly 95.0 million acres of corn. Soybean planted acres were estimated at 77.7 million acres, the highest planted acreage on record and an increase of 1% from last year. Record breaking planted acreage is expected in New York, South Dakota, and Pennsylvania. A large increase in soybean acres were noted in Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota, most likely due to farmers switching from corn to soybeans. Wheat planted acres were estimated at 56.5 million acres, an increase of 1% from 2012’s 56.0 million acres. 2013 winter wheat planted area is 42.7 million acres, a 3% increase from last year, and spring wheat acreage is estimated at 12.3 million acres, a slight increase from 2012. For the acreage report, the USDA surveyed more than 70,000 farmers by telephone, mail, internet, and personal interviews during the first two weeks of June. The questions covered 11,000 one square-mile randomly selected areas across the US. Quarterly Stocks Corn stocks as of June 1, 2013 were estimated at 2.76 billion bushels, a 12% decrease from last year. The quarterly stocks estimate was roughly 80 million bushels less than analysts’ estimates due to higher than expected feed usage. 1.26 billion bushels of corn are stored on farms, down 15% from 2012. Off-farm stocks, at 1.50 billion bushels, are down 10% from last year. Disappearance from March 2013 to May 2013 was 2.64 billion bushels, compared to 2.88 billion bushels a year ago. Soybean stocks as of June 1, 2013 were estimated at 435 million bushels, a decrease of 35% from 2012 and the lowest level since 2004. On-farm stocks were 171 million bushels, a 4% decrease from a year prior. 263 million bushels were located in off-farm locations, a 46% decrease from last June. Disappearance from March 2013 to May 2013 was 564 million bushels, a 20% decrease from last year. As of June 1, 2012, all wheat stocks were estimated at 718 million bushels, a 3% decrease from a year prior. 120 million bushels were held in on-farm locations, up 7% from last June. Off-farm stocks were estimated at 598 million bushels, a 5% drop from a year ago. Disappearance from March 2013 to May 2013 was 516 million bushels, an increase of 13% from last year. Outlook The USDA, known for their surprises and inconsistent data, didn’t disappoint today. Anyone who has spent a minute of time in the Corn Belt, would easily realize the USDA’s estimate of 97.4 million acres of corn is unrealistic. Based on our first hand experience of looking at farms from the Dakotas to Indiana, even 95.0 million acres of corn is a stretch. For daily articles on farmland and agriculture, visit www.farmlandforecast.com . Crop Progress: 2013 Planting Almost Complete JUN 25, 2013 Corn planting progress in the top 18 corn producing states now finished, as farmers now fill their fields with soybeans. Farmers have done tremendous work catching up to this average due to the setback from the heavy rains. However winter wheat is in poor conditions. As of June 23, 2013 corn that has emerged was at 96%, down 3% from the five year average and down 4% from the previous year. Corn conditions were 8% of the crop was in poor or very poor conditions, markedly better than 14% the previous year. And corn in good or excellent conditions was 65%, compared to 56% last year. Soybeans planted were at 92%, behind the five year average of 95%. Last year at this time, 98% of soybeans had emerged, but only 81% have emerged as of June 23, 2013. Soybeans in poor or very poor conditions are 7%, compared to 15% last year. Soybeans in good or excellent condition are 65% compared to only 53% last year. Winter wheat conditions were 43% of the crop in poor or very poor condition compared to only 17% at the same time last year. Winter wheat in good or excellent condition was 32%, compared to 54% last year. This year 95% of winter wheat has headed, close to the 97% that had headed at this time last year. Harvesting began two weeks ago, with 20% of wheat currently being harvested compared to 63% at the same time last year. Spring wheat is 96% planted, compared to the five year average of 99% planted by this time. Of the planted wheat, 90% has emerged, compared to the five year average of 97%. Spring wheat conditions were 5% of the crop in poor or very poor condition compared to 4% at the same time last year. Spring wheat in good or excellent condition was 70%, compared to 77% last year. The July corn contract decreased 2.25% over the past week ending at $6.53 per bushel, soybean prices remained the same over the past week ending at $15.12 per bushel, and wheat prices ended the week at $6.79 per bushel, a $0.01 decrease from last week. Year to year corn prices are up 3.5%, soybeans are up 2% and wheat is down 6.2% For daily articles on farmland and agriculture, visit www.farmlandforecast.com . Rural Economy Reaches Six Month High JUN 25, 2013 Growth in the rural economy reached a six month high in the month of June, according to the June survey of rural bankers. Improving economic data and expectations for record farm income has increased confidence in respondents, despite over half of bankers expecting the Federal Reserve to reduce bond purchases over the next six months. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) increased to 60.5 in June from 58.8 in last month’s survey. The farmland price index decreased in June for the sixth time in the last seven months, but remains above growth neutral at 58.4. There are concerns from bankers farmland prices could be tapering. Ernie Goss, the Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University, commented, “Our farmland price index has been above growth neutral since February 2010. However we are tracking a clear downward trend in farmland price growth.” Bankers were asked this month about the Federal Reserve’s Quantitative Easing (QE) strategy. Roughly 55% of bankers suggest QE should be reduced over the next six months and for the reduction to be implemented immediately. “Furthermore, almost one of five bankers, or 19.4 percent, think QE3 has been unsuccessful at stimulating economic growth and 43.3 percent of bankers indicated that the program has put excessive air in asset price bubbles such as farmland prices,” said Goss. Survey This survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural, agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The RMI is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. It gives the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. This survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural, agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The RMI is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. It gives the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. For daily articles on farmland and argriculture, visit www.farmlandforecast.com . Continue reading
