Wednesday, June 20, 2007 1:11 AM CDT Dry conditions a cause for concern as acreage report nears release date By SHARON KUHNS Even though acreage estimates will be important in upcoming USDA reports, yield prospects will continue to dominate corn, soybean, and wheat prices, said a University of Illinois Extension marketing specialist in his weekly report to County Extension offices. Wednesday, June 20, 2007 1:11 AM CDT Dry conditions a cause for concern as acreage report nears release date...

Gains in soybean demand will come almost entirely from Brazil s export market, with 2007/08 soybean exports projected at 29. However, a greater percentage share of the international market will be ceded to South American exporters as carryover stocks and harvests reach record highs there. In the export market for soybean meal, Argentina will dominate nearly all world growth and take over half of the global trade (56 million tons) Exports of soybean meal from Brazil are actually predicted...

According to SEA, which compiles export and import data of edible oil and oilmeal every month, there was no export of groundnut meal in May due to shortfall in production of the oilseed. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu.

Recent rains, and the prospect for more precipitation in the coming days, is a godsend for crops. While some hard downpours were observed, much of the rain fell at a rate that allowed it to soak into soils that had received little moisture in weeks. This rain, coming after weeks of drought, arrived just as corn is starting to tassel, a critical point in the development of the crop, Smith said. The rain also helps the soybean crop. Young plants received critical moisture needed for growth,...

The board will reconsider its earlier decision affecting Joy of Soy, a business some neighbors worried would create a bad smell in their neighborhoods if it opened. Board members had voted, 3-2, to allow Joy of Soy to open if the owners limit soy processing to a 200-square-foot area and not use external venting. The Clive Board of Adjustment has scheduled a special meeting at 6:30 tonight to discuss the fate of a tofu-producing restaurant and grocery store. The council took the unusual...

Andrew s presented the church with a check for $5,500 on Sunday, which provided seed money for a crop that could triple their donation, if the crop does well. FRB is a coalition of 16 Christian denominations that works to solve world hunger by supplying those in need with sustainable agricultural solutions, according to its Web site, www.foodresourcebank.org. The soybean crop hasn t been planted yet. Farmers in the Hartsburg and Ashland region will plant about 65 acres with soybeans this...