RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected

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thompsonx -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/10/2011 11:17:13 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: servantforuse This problem will get worse if the Obama administration allows the EPA to increase the percentage of ethanol in our fuels. The only ones benefitting from this crap are the producers who are subsidized for making it. You have it half right. The producers are the ones who got the price floors created. The producers are also the consumers...cargil and adm run the largest feed lots in coporate amerika.Feed lots where they feed the subsidized corn to cows so that they grow twice as fast as grass fed cows. The down side is that cows were designed to turn grass into meat protien. When a cow tries to convert corn into meat protien they develop a liver malfunction for which the feedlots apply copious quantities of antibiotics to keep the cows alive till slaughtering. To intensify the growth curve the cows, both boy and girl, are given copious quantities of estrogen to make them think they are knocked up so they will grow even faster. The end result is that antibiotics loose their eficacy due to our over exposer and men are growing tits. Because the cows live in a feed lot they get no exercise so the meat is loaded with fat. To wit we are pimped to believe that the excess fat (marketed as marbeling)is good for us and we are charged meat prices for fat that was created with taxpayer subsidized corn. These are all extreemly wealthy conservatives with their noses in the public trough. Remove the corn price floor and let them sell what they grow for the market price. If you need a subsidy from the government to be in business you are not in business you are on welfare.

thompsonx -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/10/2011 11:24:51 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: servantforuse There will be a much smaller corn crop this year to add to the problem. The entire midwest has seen a very cool (blame global warming) and wet spring. Some crops are not planted yet and many other areas are way behind. You have been advised on numerous occasions that there is a difference between weather and climate. That you refuse to recognize this only allows everyone on the forum to recognize your self imposed ignorance.

thompsonx -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/10/2011 11:26:23 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Musicmystery Ron, A Diamond walnuts plant burns its garbage/shells to power all its energy. The waste is a small pile of ash, maybe half a garbage can, at the end of the day. Walnut shells are also used extensively as an abrasive media for polishing.

Edwynn -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/11/2011 7:13:10 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Owner59 quote: ORIGINAL: Hillwilliam Eat grass fed locally raised beef. It's better for ya. Hell yissal....There`s a farm here in Sussex Co. that produces free range beef,chickens,eggs,natural milk and milk products.And they`re damm good quality. And I asked one of the owners if he received any government subsidies.No.He got money once after a long drought more than 20 years ago but that was it. He`s doing well without being subsidized. Any interest in discussing artificial market manipulation through tax payer funded farm subsidies? Anyone? Orion? Not that anybody is actually going to read through all this, but the agricultural subsidies issue is actually an ongoing concern outside of SarahPalin/CharlieSheen focussed media: http://www.downsizinggovernment.org/agriculture/subsidies "The U.S. Department of Agriculture distributes between $10 billion and $30 billion in cash subsidies to farmers and owners of farmland each year.1 The particular amount depends on market prices for crops, the level of disaster payments, and other factors. More than 90 percent of agriculture subsidies go to farmers of five crops—wheat, corn, soybeans, rice, and cotton.2 More than 800,000 farmers and landowners receive subsidies, but the payments are heavily tilted toward the largest producers.3" http://www.downsizinggovernment.org/agriculture/subsidies#3 "Although policymakers love to discuss the plight of the small farmer, the bulk of federal farm subsidies goes to the largest farms.20 For example, the largest 10 percent of recipients have received 72 percent of all subsidy payments in recent years.21 Numerous large corporations and even some wealthy celebrities receive farm subsidies because they are the owners of farmland. It is landowners, not tenant farmers or farm workers, who benefit from subsidies." http://pdf.wri.org/reforming_ag_subsidies.pdf "Worldwide, almost 80 percent of the hungry live in rural areas and depend on agriculture as their source of livelihood (Clay 2004)." "Subsidies can also encourage the use of large amounts of chemical inputs in farming. This is illustrated in a 2006 report that linked the ‘dead zone’—an area in the Gulf of Mexico where annual algae blooms cause a lack of oxygen in the water that kills marine life—with excess fertilizer use in heavily subsidized cropland in the U.S.’s Mississippi Basin (EWG 2006a)." "Research indicates that cotton subsidies in developed countries cause the loss of up to US$250 million every year in West and Central African countries, where an estimated 10 million people rely on cotton for their livelihood (Oxfam 2004). A study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) indicated that in Benin a 40 percent reduction in farm-level cotton prices leads to a 21 percent reduction in income for cotton farmers and a six to seven percent increase in rural poverty (Minot and Daniels 2002). In 2003, this situation prompted trade ministers from several African countries in the WTO to present the ‘Cotton Initiative,’ urging Members to address cotton subsidies as a matter of priority (WTO 2003b)." The developing or 'third world' countries cannot hope to sustain Monsanto, Koch Bros., or Archer Daniels Midland the way the US does, or their counterparts in the EU or Japan. The stories about ethanol production or other biofuels causing 'starvation' in poor countries completely ignore what has been going on for decades prior. Not to mention all the forest clearing not only for livestock themselves, but for the tremendous amount of agriculture and water resources dedicated to that most inefficient method of feeding people. If there is any concern for for the above mentioned or for the question of how to feed our cars, the better approach is to have some decent percentage of the population figure out how to get by on a few less fast food burgers or fried chicken meals, and recognize the diaphanous and disingenuous backhanded swipe against environmental concerns and concern for economic health for poorer countries that the media slit-focussed harping on biofuels in fact is. And yes, I will always consider properly implemented and non-food source biofuels as some part of the equation, as we advance beyond the economy-sucking and innevitibly war-making current paradigm. Corn or any other actual human consumed food is not needed at all for any of this.

subrob1967 -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/11/2011 9:23:00 PM)
quote: Scorching temperatures over the past week, combined with dry conditions, have caused this year’s Kansas crop to reach maturity about a week earlier than normal. That’s prompted the combines and harvest workers to hit the fields and fill grain elevators quickly.Recently, droughts have also been an international problem. France, one of the major wheat producers in Europe, is suffering from its worst drought on record. Last August, Russia banned all grain exports after a devastating dry season destroyed crops, but is allowing the ban to expire July 1.The increased demand for food worldwide has caused wheat prices to skyrocket. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the cost for a bushel of wheat in mid-May was $8.19 — almost double the national average from May 2010. Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/06/07/2934854/drought-hits-wheat-farmers-in.html#ixzz1P23FTzfi Looks like Wheat is is some deep doo doo as well as corn, we're in for a world of shit.

Edwynn -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/12/2011 6:01:17 AM)
Which I don't understand. A gluten-free diet is not a lot of trouble, especially if one avoids fast food. Rice is much better overall, and a problem in crop production there could present a real problem. If the EU and US and Japan get rid of the subsidies, there would hardly ever be a truly worldwide problem in food production. The subsidies inhibit crop production in poor countries. Even with climate change, there are always significant regions of the planet not suffering immediate consequences of that, just as some regions are taking the hit this year or even for a few years.

Musicmystery -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/12/2011 6:47:56 AM)
rob, Ed, There's a global food crunch. Has been for a while now...we have felt it less in the U.S. (and I'm not being sarcastic here) because much of our food in the U.S. doesn't have a lot of actual food in it (highly processed and chemical). But the pinch is and has been creeping up on us, helped along by commodities speculation in the wake of a sluggish stock market. Higher oil prices contribute as well, especially since U.S. agriculture since the 70s is heavily dependent on petroleum, from fertilizers to heavy equipment, and the transport of goods over long distances.

mnottertail -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/12/2011 7:40:37 AM)
http://www.bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/article_1481d019-ad96-5481-b7d1-83e54750486a.html I am unsure of the actual reality of a food shortage, versus the commodity markets looking to skin a buck since they are not able to do it on mortgage derivatives. The monster must be fed. the link is about a man in a small town (near me, maybe an hour) dying in 4 million bushels of corn.

Musicmystery -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/12/2011 7:50:08 AM)
quote: I am unsure of the actual reality of a food shortage, versus the commodity markets looking to skin a buck Here seven reasons for food shortages on worldwide: 1. Extreme Weather: Extreme weather has been a major problem for global food; from summer droughts and heat waves that devastated Russia’s wheat crop to the ongoing catastrophes from 'biblical flooding' in Australia and Pakistan. And it doesn’t end there. An extreme winter cold snap and snow has struck the whole of Europe and the United States. Staple crops are failing in all of these regions making an already fragile harvest in 2010 even more critical into 2011. Based on the recent past, extreme weather conditions are only likely to continue and perhaps worsen in the coming years. 2. Bee Colony Collapse: The Guardian reported this week on the USDA's study on bee colony decline in the United States: "The abundance of four common species of bumblebee in the US has dropped by 96% in just the past few decades." It is generally understood that bees pollinate around 90% of the world's commercial crops. Obviously, if these numbers are remotely close to accurate, then our natural food supply is in serious trouble. Luckily for us, the GMO giants have seeds that don't require open pollination to bear fruit. 3. Weaker Dollar: Commodity speculation has resulted in massive food inflation that is already creating crisis levels in poor regions in the world. Food commodity prices have soared to record highs mainly because they trade in the ever-weakening dollar. Traders will point to the circumstances described in this article to justify their gambles, but also that food represents a tangible investment in an era of worthless paper. Because the debt problems in the United States are only getting worse, and nations such as China and Russia are dropping the dollar as their trade vehicle, the dollar will continue to weaken, further driving all commodity prices higher. 4. Regulatory Crackdown: Even before the FDA was given broad new powers to regulate food in the recent Food Safety Modernization Act, small farms were being raided and regulated out of business. Now, the new food bill essentially puts food safety under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security where the food cartel uses the government to further consolidate their control over the industry. Militant police action is taken against farmers suspected of falling short on quality regulations. It is the power to intimidate innocent small farmers out of the business. 5. Rising oil prices: In 2008, record oil prices that topped $147 per barrel drove food prices to new highs. Rice tripled in 6 months during the surge of oil prices, along with other food commodities. The price of oil affects food on multiple levels; from plowing fields, fertilizers and pesticides, to harvesting and hauling. Flash forward to 2011: many experts are predicting that oil may reach upwards of $150-$200 per barrel in the months ahead. As oil closed out 2010 at its 2-year highs of $95/bbl, it is likely on pace to continue climbing. Again, a weakening dollar will also play its part in driving oil prices, and consequently, food prices to crisis levels. 6. Increased Soil Pollution: Geo-engineering has been taking place on a grand scale in the United States for decades now. Previously known in conspiracy circles as 'chemtrailing,' the government has now admitted to these experiments claiming they are plan "B" to combat global warming. The patents involved in this spraying are heavy in aluminum. This mass aluminum contamination is killing plants and trees and making the soil sterile to most crops. In an astonishing coincidence, GMO companies have patented aluminum-resistant seeds to save the day. 7. GMO Giants: Because of growing awareness of the health affects of GM foods, several countries have rejected planting them. Therefore, they would seem to need a food crisis to be seen as the savior in countries currently opposed to their products. A leaked WikiLeaks cable confirms that this is indeed the strategy for GMO giants, where trade secretaries reportedly “noted that commodity price hikes might spur greater liberalization on biotech imports.” Since GMO giants already control much of the food supply, it seems they can also easily manipulate prices to achieve complete global control of food. The equation is actually quite simple: food is a relatively inelastic commodity in terms of demand. In other words, people need to eat no matter how bad the economy gets. Thus, demand can be basically measured by the size of the population. Therefore, as demand remains steady while the 7 supply pressures outlined above continue to worsen, food prices will have only one place to go -- up, up, and up. Additionally, when food is the majority of a budget, as it is for many people globally, this is a true crisis.

Edwynn -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/12/2011 7:54:44 AM)
I understand and agree with the above, so far as it goes. But that just adds to the argument of using less agro-chem inputs, amongst other things, which I suspect you are doing firsthand. Aside from the subsidy situation and aside from the 'not actual food' component of what is bought at the grocery store, the US also suffers less because we are net exporters of crops, so transportation cost has less of an effect. The global food crunch, however, has more to do with the subsidy situation than any other item, as was explained and sufficiently referrenced in a prior post. For more information on this, please look into the Cairns group, et al. http://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/negotiations/cairns_group.html And for references to other pertinant information: http://www.collarchat.com/m_3714015/mpage_3/key_/tm.htm#3717815 The 'standard reasons' for food shortages are merely a deflection from the fundamental issue of subsidies. Australia is the most productive agricultural country in the world, done with the minimal and only specifically need-directed subsidies, and in spite of the mere landlord beneficiary subsidies as exist elsewhere that completely distort markets and disrupt poorer countries' agriculture industry which reduces overall crop output.

mnottertail -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/12/2011 7:55:21 AM)
Ah, in that sense, I agree, I was only considering domestically. And we only exported 100 M mt in 2009 and 2010. So, we can probably hold on to life for our seven lean years.

Edwynn -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/12/2011 8:26:44 AM)
Ja. Even if shortages come to hand, I think we might count our blessings in that the US will almost always grow enough to export, but who wants to think about the plight of other countries. I'm saying that rhetorically, as I've seen evidence that concern beyond our borders is displayed in various contributions here. But just like the case with oil, you get all these subsidies and tax credits and whatnot going on, then the inherent market distortion from all that brings the options and futures and other arbitrage folks storming through the door. What fun.

mnottertail -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/12/2011 8:29:01 AM)
Well, perhaps abroad, our bushel of corn is worth a barrel of oil.

Sanity -> RE: Corn surplus much lower than projected (6/14/2011 8:08:40 AM)
FR - quote: Skyrocketing food prices leave poor moms hungry THUAN THANH, Vietnam (AP) — Vo Thi Quan's chopsticks needle deftly between two simple Vietnamese dishes sizzling on a hot plate. In her crude brick kitchen, she's working magic to create a dinner out of next to nothing. Her table has gone two years without meat, so shredded pieces of hardened tofu fill the protein void. Cheap stalks of fried water spinach and a vegetable omelet complete the small meal that must be shared by four. It cost about half the money Quan earned scavenging scrap all day.She eats last from the smallest bowl, nibbling slowly, to keep the rest of the family from going hungry. She even manages to save some of the meal for breakfast. As world food prices surge to the highest levels ever recorded due to a combination of production constraints and rising demand from expanding middle classes, many poor families teeter on the edge, and it is the mothers who often quietly bear the brunt. It's difficult to measure the impact of the food crisis on mothers, but even before it began, the U.N. World Food Program said women made up about 60 percent of those going to bed hungry every night worldwide. With cultural practices in some countries dictating that women and girls eat last, many are now making do with even less. "They are more likely to skip meals and eat less to ensure their children and husbands get most of their meals," said Hassan Zaman, a World Bank economist on poverty reduction and equality. The Asian Development Bank estimates some 64 million people worldwide have already nose-dived below the poverty line over the past few months due to the food-price crisis. Quan's simple dinner cost about 27,000 dong ($1.32). That's up about 20 percent from a year ago after inflation spiked to double-digit levels in Vietnam, which has one of Asia's fastest growing economies but also an average monthly income that still hovers around $100 a month.Since the beginning of the year, electricity has also shot up 15 percent in the communist country of 87 million, while gasoline prices hit a record high following a 17.5 percent to 24 percent increase at the pumps. Quan and her husband were struggling even when the cost of living was lower: They have one daughter who is mentally disabled and another who has battled cancer. And with their tiny budget squeezed tighter than ever, she sees only one solution. It's a choice made each day by desperate mothers everywhere. "My income is not stable, so we have to eat less," the 44-year-old says. "Mostly we have vegetable soup and sometimes we use cooking oil to make stir-fried vegetables." Full article here: http://beta.news.yahoo.com/skyrocketing-food-prices-leave-poor-moms-hungry-100416728.html

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