October 20, 2000

Payments can be taken all at once or in two equal payments. Those who do not choose a payment option will receive their full payment near the end of that period. Farmers should contact their local Farm Service Agency office for more information.

Payment rates for 2001 crops are down nearly 20 percent from 2000 crop payments. AMTA payment rates for 2000 were as follows: Wheat/bu, 58.9 cents; Corn, 33.4; Sorghum, 40.1; Barley, 25.4; Oats, 2.8; Cotton/lb, 7.37; and Rice/cwt, $2.60.

Reflecting an approximate 20 percent drop are the 2001 AMTA payment rates; Wheat/bu, 47.4 cents; Corn, 26.9; Sorghum, 32.4; Barley, 20.6; Oats, 2.2; Cotton/lb, 5.99; and Rice/cwt, $2.10.
Source: Doane's Agricultural Report, Oct. 6, 2000

Corn export forecast brighter
For the third consecutive year, global corn exports are expected to expand and reduced exportable supplies in China and Eastern Europe will boost the U.S. market share. Since May 2000, the U.S. corn export forecast for 2000/01 has risen nearly 7 million tons (14 percent) to 55 million tons, the highest level since 1994/95.

Despite expanding exports, a record U.S. corn crop will push 2000/01 ending stocks to their highest level since 1986/87. In contrast, foreign stock levels are dropping, led by reductions in China and Eastern Europe. Further increase in global demand should be met by the U.S.
Source: USDA-Grain:World Markets and Trade, Sept. 2000

Energy: You ain't seen nothing, yet!
The U.S. energy crisis is just beginning.

The surge of crude oil prices was only a warning shot for a nation which has:

•Locked up its largest coal reserves.

•Placed its biggest oilfields off limits for exploration and drilling.

•Banned nuclear power plants.

•Imposed so many restrictions on coal-fired electric plants that many even sold off land they'd acquired for expansion.

•Allowed forests to burn instead of harvesting them for timber and biomass.

•Urged tearing down dams which drive hydroelectric power plants for clean energy.

Who says America has no energy policy? This is it!
Source: Landowner, Vol. 22, Oct. 9, 2000

Checkoff petition verification sought
USDA has sought bids from five accounting firms to verify that the people signing petitions calling for a beef checkoff referendum are legitimate cattlemen. The winning agency will have a Dec. 1 deadline to complete their review.
Source: Pro Farmer, Sept. 23, 2000