Nimble aquaculturists adapt to economic conditions and opportunities
April 28, 2009
Weary catfish farmers now landlords of algae | www.msnbc.msn.com
Fish farmers see new opportunities and adapt quickly to changing economic conditions. Biofuels could be the next new market for aquaculture producers.
Department of Commerce on the cusp of a major decision regarding aquaculture
February 6, 2009
Obama names Judd Gregg commerce secretary | www.google.com
Our trade deficit in fisheries products second only to petroleum. As a matter of national security, it is time for us to regain control over our food supply and support offshore production of fish.
January 21, 2009
High Mercury Levels Are Found in Tuna Sushi | www.nytimes.com
The health of the U.S. population is in jeopardy from obesity and its related diseases. Eating more fish can be an answer to this epidemic. Eating aquacultured fish can help you avoid contaminants in wild fish and be gentle to the environment at the same time.
Midwest crops look deceptively good
July 24, 2008
Corn and Soybean Production Prospects Improving | www.farmdoc.uiuc.edu
The effects of late planting, cool-wet soils in May, and flooding in June can't be overcome by favorable weather in July and August. USDA's yield and production estimates may well turn out to be on the optimistic side when we finally get the crop in the bin.
Improving weather and falling commodity prices may keep RFS intact
July 24, 2008
EPA delays RFS waiver ruling | www.ethanolproducer.com
The request for a partial waiver in the RFS by Texas Gov. Perry is likely to be denied, largely due to a 25% reduction in corn prices caused by favorable weather in the Midwest. This corn crop, however, will be extremely difficult to get an accurate estimate on prior to getting it out of the field, so future price movements will probably bring the issue of the need for changes in ethanol policies, around again.
Ethanol import tariff is now on the table, but move by Brazilian sugar industry could backfire
July 9, 2008
Brazil launches campaign to remove ethanol tariff | www.ethanolproducer.com
Changes in the ethanol production subsidy and import tariff would be an excellent way to moderate the increases in the short-term price of corn, easing the pain for the US livestock industry. But any change in these policies will have long term impacts on the biofuels sector. These changes were already being discussed, so the move by the Brazilian cane industry may place them into the sights of the US biofuels and ag industry that has already proved itself ready and willing to defend itself against all challenges, both domestic and now, foreign.
Failure to adjust policy now to lower feed costs will permanently change the US livestock industry.
July 1, 2008
American Feed Industry Association Urges EPA to Temporarily Waive RFS Mandate | www.grainnet.com
An over-emphasis on ethanol has combined with a poor production year and a major speculative push on commodity prices to push livestock net returns into the red. Animal feed has long been US corn and soybeans primary source of demand, but high feed costs, with no way to push up the selling price of their products, has created a situation that will soon, if not corrected, turn into a significant liquidation of the US pork industry. To push up commodity supplies, changes need to be made now in the US CRP program rules to push up 2009 planted acres. In addition, (possibly) temporary waivers in the ethanol subsidy and or import tariff should be considered to slow the conversion of corn into ethanol, keeping those supplies available for feed, and helping to ease the price of livestock feed.
June 27, 2008
Brazil May Seize Fertilizer Deposits as Prices Surge | www.bloomberg.com
Just like this time last year, traders in Chicago may believe that Brazilian farmers are poised to significantly expand soybean acreage, as they have moved prices above $15 per bushel. However, just as they misjudged them last year, they may be doing it again, as fertilizer prices have doubled, and have brought potential net returns on Brazilian soy back down enough that a significant expansion is currently unlikely, unless fertilizer costs can be reduced, or prices go significantly higher, very soon.
June 27, 2008
Options for the Conservation Reserve Program | www.card.iastate.edu
Expiring contracts may add two million acres a year to planted area in the US, but don't look for many contracts to be "broken" unless they were recently signed, as the penalty's are too severe, even with high commodity prices. It seems likely that given the current situation with a poor crop in the fields (flooding and late planting) and high prices, changes in the program are somewhat likely, and if they occur, they will have some market impact.
Fish farming industry designed to meet future demand
April 11, 2008
Fish farming's growing dangers | www.time.com
Fish farming is too often characterized in a negative light. Without fish farming, the world's oceans would be devoid of fish. The development of alternatives for fishmeal and fish oil as feed ingredients will make fish farming sustainable and further reduce risks of human exposure to organic and heavy metal residues.
Big-Foot YRC Drops the Other Shoe on Shareholders
November 3, 2009
Bombardier Barbs Shows CSeries Can't Cut The Mustard
November 2, 2009
New 777 Depends On 787 Success
October 13, 2009
Another Leash on Life for YRC Worldwide
October 12, 2009
Airbus Lost $7.5bn+ Trying to Flog the A350XWB
August 28, 2009