Despite challenging conditions early in the growing season, the 2008 U.S. corn crop is predicted to reach near-record levels. The crops have made remarkable progress, as reflected in the USDA’s crop report on August 12. Whether or not you agree with the government’s report on yields, agri-marketer John Roach says now is not the time to sell. Roach expects the markets to peak in March, April, May and June of 2009.

Click to listen to LathamCast Episode 2 Part 5:

 LathamCast Episode 2 Cut 5 [3:17m]: Play in Popup | Download

John Roach of Roach Ag Marketing Ltd. comments on corn markets, following the USDA’s August crop report.

Roach advises farmers to avoid selling grain in August, September, October, and November. The spring of 2009 will be a better time for grain producers to sell as corn stocks one year from now are predicted to be the tightest since 1996 when we saw $5 corn. Roach says we must have a big crop next year, so market prices will have to remain high to encourage producers to plant enough corn acres.

Click to listen to LathamCast Episode 2 Part 4:

 LathamCast Episode 2 Cut 4 [3:13m]: Play in Popup | Download

John Roach of Roach Ag Marketing comments on the tight supply and demand in the U.S. soybean market. Given the demand for soybeans, the acreage battle will continue. The soybean market will have a difficult time losing ground compared to the other markets. Given the demand for soybeans, soybean producers worldwide must plant big acres next year. And, the only way they will do so is if the bean market stays strong.

Listen to LathamCast Episode 2 Part 3:

 LathamCast Episode 2 Cut 3 [2:43m]: Play in Popup | Download

The U.S. corn crop will be the second largest on record if it meets projections set in the USDA’s crop report, which was released August 12. John Roach of Roach Ag Marketing says the biggest change from the previous month’s crop report is that the number of ears per acre is now projected at 28,000, up from 27,500 in 2007. He attributes the above trend-line yield to two things:

1. Companies like Latham Hybrids are producing better seed, and
2. Producers are using better technology to get the most from each acre.

Listen to LathamCast Episode 2 Part 2:

 LathamCast Episode 2 Cut 2 [2:58m]: Play in Popup | Download

In this episode of our LathamCast podcast, renowned ag marketer John Roach gives his perspective on the new crop production report, which was released Aug. 12, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The biggest news reported by the USDA is the number of ears/acre at 28,000, which sets a new record. Roach says we’re seeing above the trend-line yield because companies like Latham Hybrids are producing better seed, and corn producers are doing a better job of using technology to achieve even greater yields.

Listen to LathamCast Episode 2 Part 1:

 LathamCast Episode 2 Cut 1 [4:09m]: Play in Popup | Download

Click to view the powerpoint from the John Roach conference call:
John Roach Conference Call Powerpoint