July 30 - Closing Markets

BLACKBURN AGRI-MEDIA CLOSING MARKET REPORT:
Date: 07-30-10

On the Chicago Board of Trade:

Corn Futures:
September up 13 and a half at 3.92 and a half
December up 13 at 4.06 and a half

Soybean Futures:
August up 25 and a half at 10.52 and a half
September up 19 and a quarter at 10.12

Wheat Futures:
September up 35 at 6.61 and a half
December up 34 and a quarter at 6.93 and a half

Oat Futures:
September up 9 and a half at 2.71
December up 9 and a half at 2.84

-> FROM DAUPHIN FEED AND SUPPLY, THE 48% SOYBEAN MEAL QUOTE, F-O-B HAMILTON = $386/tonne

-> CLOSING LOCAL GRAIN PRICES FROM SNOBELIN FARMS:

09 CROP CORN = up 14 at 3.63/BU
2010 CROP CORN = up 13 at 3.72/BU
2011 CROP CORN = up 7 at 4.03/BU

09 CROP SOYS = up 17 at 10.40/BU
2010 CROP SOYS = up 17 at 9.60/BU
2011 CROP SOYS = up 12 at 9.44/BU

Note there's a basis change for old and new crop soft red winter wheat:

2010 CROP SOFT RED WINTER WHEAT = up 29 at 5.47/BU
2011 CROP SOFT RED WINTER WHEAT = up 16 at 5.80/BU
2012 CROP SOFT RED WINTER WHEAT = up 10 at 5.78/BU

(O-C-A Report)

-> ONTARIO PORK REPORTS:

Total sales for the week = 82,950
That's up 3,753 from the previous week.
Included were 72,970 contract hogs
and 5,415 exports.
The Ontario Pool Price = $152.09 per 100 kilograms.
The Ontario Pool Plus Price = $152.52 per 100 kilograms.
Friday's preliminary U-S National Cost Price = $84.27
that's up 68 cents
Friday's opening forward contract price for November-December delivery = $142.91
That's down 20 cents from Thursday.

Grains And Oilseeds RMP Extended One More Year

The province is tacking another year onto the grain and oilseed Risk Management Program.
The pilot program was to have run out with the 2009 crop year.
Agriculture Minister Carol Mitchell announced this morning it is being extended to cover the 2010 crop year.
The program helps farmers offset losses causd by low grain and oilseed commodity prices.
Farmers who got assistance in 2008 and/or 2009 can take part in the extended program.
It's also open to farmers who began farming on or after January 1st of 2008.
Ontario Grains and Oilseeds Chair Leo Guilbeault says this shows leadership at the provincial level - and it's now up to the federal government to do it's part.

Western Bean Cutworm Problems In Corn

Western Bean Cutworm is turning into a problem in this year's corn crop.
OMAFRA's Greg Stewart says the cutworm's egg masses are now being detected at numbers considerably higher than in previous years.
He says some fields should be sprayed because of that.
However, he says the moths are less likely to lay egg masses in corn that has tassels.
Stewart says that means corn that was planted later appears to be more prone to having the Western Bean Cutworm egg masses.
Harvesting is reported underway in barley and early planted wheat fields with the bulk of the spring cereal crop one to two weeks from harvest.
And OMAFRA's Brian Hall is reporting that white mould can now be found in some fields of white beans - especially those with lush canopies.
But he says there's no effective control for it at this point.
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Brought to you by the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association

visit OSCIA at http://www.ontariosoilcrop.org

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OMAFRA Field Crop Report July 29, 2010

For emerging issues, questions or to provide feedback on this report, contact the CropLine at:

1-888-449-0937. Technical information can also be obtained at the OMAFRA Field Crop Webpage at www.ontario.ca/cropsand Crop Pest Ontario at www.omafra.gov.on.ca/croppest

Corn: Greg Stewart

Heat unit accumulation from May 1 continues to be 8-10 % ahead of the 30 year normal. Pollination is complete in the majority of the acreage with most occurring under good soil moisture and temperature conditions.

Successful pollination can be detected by careful removal of the husks, tapping the ear, and observing the silks that are no longer connected to the kernel. Silks that fall away freely indicate successful pollination.

Western Bean Cutworm (WBC) egg masses are now being detected at numbers considerably higher than in previous years. Spraying has been indicated as necessary in some of these fields. The WBC moths are less likely to lay egg masses in corn that has tassels. Hence, corn that was planted later appears to be more prone to having egg masses. These fields should be priority number one for scouting. Stay up to date with WBC issues and scouting tips at http://bautebugblog.com/new-western-bean-cutworm-scouting-video/

WEATHER SUMMARY:

(source: www.weatherinnovations.com/weathersummary.cfm)

Spring Cereals: Scott Banks

Harvest is underway in barley and early planted wheat fields. The bulk of the crop is one to two weeks from harvest. Crown rust has severely affected many oat fields not sprayed for leaf disease control. The higher temperatures in the past few weeks have suppressed the secondary fusarium growth. Early harvested spring wheat samples have lower fusarium damaged kernel levels than expected.

Where fusarium concerns exist, use the effective harvest strategies to maximize grain quality. Several practices may help reduce infected kernels and stop the further spread of fusarium infection in the harvested wheat:
1) Harvest early, between 16% to 18% moisture content;
2) Use high fan speeds to blow out infected kernels; and
3) Immediately dry infected grain to13% moisture content in a heated air dryer to stop the spread of infection.
If significant fusarium is present, harvest should not begin above 18% moisture content as high moisture grain reduces the ability to blow out the lighter fusarium-damaged kernels. Operate the combine at slower ground speed to allow more time for air blast to separate good kernels from infected kernels. In cases of high fusarium levels in the grain, store if possible, as markets for this grain may develop as the season progresses.

Edible Beans: Brian Hall

White mould can now be found in some fields of white beans, especially those with lush canopies. There is no effective control. A later fungicide application may help to protect plants that have not been infected, but effective plant coverage is often impossible to obtain. Scout white and black bean fields for anthracnose. Fungicides for anthracnose provide 10-14 days of protection, so a second application may be required if wet weather or heavy overnight dews persist. Begin scouting for western bean cutworm, and bean leaf beetle and be prepared to implement control measures if thresholds are met.

Forages: Joel Bagg

Hay making has been a challenge in some areas, while some high quality hay, haylage and baleage has been made between rain events in other areas. Some dairy farms are finished or working on 3rd-cut.
Summer seeding of alfalfa can be successful, although an early spring seeding is usually more reliable. Summer seeding works best on light to medium textured, well-drained soils. Alfalfa needs at least 6 weeks of growth after germination to develop an adequate over-wintering crown before a killing frost. A good rule of thumb is 6 - 8 inches of growth. The summer seeding window is approaching for much of the province.
Recommended summer seeding dates are: > 2900 CHU areas - August 10th - 20th, 2500 - 2900 CHU areas - August 1st - 10th, < 2500 CHU areas- July 20th - 30th.
Lack of moisture for timely germination is often a significant risk, although it may not be an issue this year. If soil conditions become extremely dry and no rain is in the forecast, abandon your plans for summer seeding.
Conserving soil moisture is critical, so use as little tillage as possible to create a fine, firm seedbed, drill the seed rather than broadcasting it, and follow with a press wheel or packer to ensure good seed-soil contact. Summer seeding trefoil is usually not successful, since it is slower to establish and needs the entire season to produce a plant that will survive the winter.

Canola: Brian Hall

Early planted canola is close to maturity, with harvest expected to begin next week. Reports of Cabbage seedpod weevil feeding on full pod stage canola have been reported. These are second generation adults and will do some minor feeding by probing pods and feeding on seeds. The damage is minor and no control measure is recommended.

Decide early if your field is a candidate for a pre-harvest glyphosate or desiccant treatment as fields can dry down rapidly. Glyphosate will be beneficial where perennial weeds such as sow-thistle, quackgrass and milkweed are actively growing or are in flower. Glyphosate is not a true desiccant, and may require up to 3 weeks for harvest maturity to be reached under cool, or cloudy weather. Reglone results in rapid dry down of plant tissue but can increase pod shatter if harvest is delayed. Reglone has contact activity only, so good plant coverage is critical for effective desiccation.

Winter Wheat: Peter Johnson

Harvest is moving ahead rapidly when weather conditions allow. Yields have been above average for many growers, with good quality, although test weights and falling numbers are dropping close to discount levels with each passing shower. Growers that harvested early at higher moistures have a distinct advantage in this regard. Growers storing wheat need to ensure wheat is thoroughly cooled after binning, and that diametaceous earth has been added if storage is planned beyond a couple of months. Wheat is more challenging to store than other grains.

Have a question? Call the OMAFRA CROPLINE at: 1 888-449-0937

An audio version of the OMAFRA CropLine is available at www.ontario.ca/crops under "podcasts" or by searching "OMAFRA" at the iTunes store.

Long Time Federation Sec-Treasurer Honoured

A big crowd turned out in Elmwood to mark the retirement of the long time secretary-treasurer of the Grey Bruce Federation of Agriculture.
Donna Spitzig has held the position for 23 years.
She says she's seen plenty of changes over the years, but the difficulties facing farmers remain much the same.
Spitzig says she'll miss going into the Hanover office every day, but mostly she'll miss the people....

(Spitzig On Missing The People)

Donna Spitzig's successor at the Grey Bruce Federation of Agriculture has already been hired.
She's Jessica Burgess of the Formosa area.

Ritz: Chance To Recognise Farmers

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz calls it a perfect opportunity to recognise Canadian farmers' hard work and dedication.
He's talking about tomorrow's Food Day Canada.
This is the 8th annual national celebration of Canada's culinary excellence - from farm to fork.
Ritz it's a time to recognise agriculture as a vital part of Canada's economy.
He points out the industry is responsible for one in eight jobs.
Last year the agriculture industry's contribution to trade was more than 40 billion dollars.
The minister is encouraging everyone to cook, grill and savour Canada's safe, high-quality food every day - but especially tomorrow - on Food Day Canada.

CFFO Official Sees Farm Opportunities In Green Economy

A Christian Farmers Federation official says rural Ontario is at a crossroads of sorts.
The Federation's Research and Policy Advisor Nathan Stevens says the push for a green economy presents some opportunities and challenges for the way rural Ontario conducts it's business.
And he says that includes some opportunities for farmers.

(Stevens On Green Economy)

Stevens says those points were made at some recent stakeholder input sessions held by the Community Futures organisations across Midwestern Ontario.

(Complete CFFO Commentary)

Maple Leafs Reports Bump In Earnings

Maple Leaf Foods is reporting a 20 per cent increase in adjusted operating earnings for their second quarter.
That's the company's earnings from operations before restructuring and other related costs, other income and the impact of the change in fair value of interest rate swaps.
CEO Micheal McCain says they're very pleased with continued steady improvements across their business in spite of challenging market conditions.
Maple Leaf's Meat Products group sales were down about 15 million in the second quarter.
It's Agribusiness Group sales were down about a million.
That drop was blamed on lower sales prices in the rendering operations.
Maple Leaf says it's earnings from pork primary processing declined as export margins were reduced because of the strong Canadian dollar.
The company reports that decline was partly offset by imporved North American industry market conditions.
And Maple Leaf's second quarter report also points out it's still trying to sell it's primary pork processing plant in Burlington.

U-S Dairy Rebuild Continues

The rebuilding appears to be continuing in the U-S dairy herd.
The USDA's Shayle Shagum says their latest cattle inventory report shows producers are continuing to add animals to their herds.

(Shayle Shagam On U-S Dairy Herd)

While the U-S dairy herd is still about 1 per cent smaller than it was last year the USDA is forecasting a milk production increase of about two billion pounds this year.
They're also forecasting another 2 billion pound increase in U-S milk production for next year.