Moderate Drought Now Impacting US Soybeans After Run Up in Corn and Wheat
August 18, 2011
U.S. Drought Monitor August 16 | droughtmonitor.unl.edu
Soybeans are in their pod filling stage. For the past 3 weeks there has been an area impacting some of Iowa, Illinois and Indiana with "abnormally dry" to "moderate drought". This will have an impact on yields.
Ethanol & Corn:Senate Tells Industry To Grow Up After Over 30 Years Of Subsidies
June 19, 2011
Senate votes to end US ethanol tax credits on July 1, rejects McCain amendment against blender pumps | biofuelsdigest.com
The US Senate last week approved to eliminate the blending tax credit and to open the market to Brazilian ethanol effective July 1st. This is not going to happen that quickly or completely, but something is going to happen soon.
The Eastern Corn Belt Will Tighten Belt Next Year Without Corn
May 31, 2011
The wet spring has pushed back total seeded acreage of corn to where it will be impossible to have the high yield and large acreage needed to replenish inventories. In the Eastern Corn Belt delays in planting corn will force farmers to plant soybeans, if they can ever get into the field.
Premium Steak House Guests can now have DNA-Assurance of their Steak's origin
May 27, 2011
DNA-based traceability is now available for Beef and Pork, particularly the cuts served by High-End/Fine DIning establishments. Animal DNA is proof positive of the source of each steer, and the standards of quality established by the Grower.
RONALD McDONALD is here to stay !
May 26, 2011
McDonald's under pressure to fire Ronald | online.wsj.com
Rumors of McOpCo fazing-out Ronald McDonald is pure fallacy. The Ronald character is the cornerstone of McDonald's concept and truly admired by their kid's consumers. The notion that Ronald is associated solely with 'bad-for-you' menu and food selections is hideous. The Ronald character is simply an identification with, and for, the McDonald's brand.
Where Will Climate Hit Crops Next
February 20, 2011
Droughts in China More Frequent and Intense, Scientists Say | www.cadenagramonte.cu
Climate change has been having a growing impact on crops around the world. Momentum seems to be picking up. China now facing a drought every year, instead of every 5 to 10 years.
DuPont Makes Major Push Into Food and Biofuels With Proposed Danisco Acquisition
January 10, 2011
DuPont looks to food, biofuel with Danisco play | www.reuters.com
Danisco has announced it has accepted a $6.3 billion offer from DuPont after reviewing several other offers. This is DuPont's largest acquisition in the food/natural science sector since they acquired Pioneer seed. It is a very interesting move that could add to their drive to be involved more in renewable products and one that may help define their 3rd century of existence. Other players may yet enter the bidding, though the price seems fair if not high.
BHP Bid For PotashCorp Stopped As No Net Benefit To Canada
November 3, 2010
Ottawa will not approve PotashCorp takeover - CTV News | www.ctv.ca
In one of the most watched and the largest takeover bids in Canada history and the fertilizer world, the Industry Minister Tony Clement has announced that there he sees no net benefit to Canada by the proposed bid. BHP has 30 days to resubmit it's proposal either changing it or shedding additional light on why it benefits Canada. This opens up the door for others who have been working on white knight are alternative bids.
Louis Dreyfus And Olam In Possible Merger Talks
September 26, 2010
Agrimoney.com | Grain merchants - Louis Dreyfus in talks over merger with Olam | www.agrimoney.com
This morning Olam confirmed that they are in talks with Louis Dreyfus on a potential merger. Neither of the two companies are familiar names outside of a very specialized industry. The merger would be a good fit, though the cultures might be very different.
Time For Consolidation In Animal Feed Market- Is Nutreco On The Move?
August 19, 2010
UPDATE 2-Nutreco eyes buys after leap in H1 profits | Reuters | www.reuters.com
Nutreco has reported a good first half and has made an acquisition of an aquaculture feed company in Viet Nam. They have the cash and technology to keep growing in markets that are expanding. Have they picked the right targets?
Apple brings textbooks to iPad -- Finally
January 20, 2012
PayPal loses a key player in mobile device payments to Yahoo
January 10, 2012
More details and insights about the planned Sears Holdings store closings
January 4, 2012
Three things you should know about Sears store closings
December 29, 2011
Thoughts on GM Volt's recent "rapid thermal expansion" incident
December 6, 2011