Indiana Corn Production Up; Soybean, Wheat Production Down
Based on conditions September 1, Indiana's 2009 corn production is forecast at 903.0 million bushels, up 3 percent from the 873.6 million bushels produced in 2008. The expected yield of 163 bushels per acre is up 3 bushels from last year. The 5.54 million acres for harvest is 1 percent above the acreage harvested last year, but unchanged from the August estimate. As of September 6, corn condition was rated 63 percent good to excellent.  Soybean production is forecast at 235.6 million bushels, down 4 percent from the 244.4 million bushels produced in 2008. The expected yield of 43 bushels per acre is down 2 bushels from last year. The acreage expected to be harvested for beans, at 5.48 million acres, is up 1 percent from 2008, but unchanged from the August estimate. As of September 6, soybean condition was rated 63 percent good to excellent.

Corn Production Up 

Biodiesel Has Positive Affect on Soybean Prices
A new study funded by the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff reveals that U.S. soybean farmers received an additional 2.5-billion dollars in net returns over the last four years due to the biodiesel industry's demand for soybean oil. This demand added up to 25 cents in support for the per-bushel price of soybeans. USB Domestic Marketing Chair Lewis Bainbridge says - this is a significant return on investment for soybean farmers.  Because the price of petroleum diesel has such a large influence on the price of biodiesel and soybean oil, the study asserts that the biodiesel industry has essentially created a new floor for soybean oil prices. The Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri predicts that soybean oil will be used as the feedstock for approximately 54 percent of the biodiesel produced in marketing years 2009-2013. And the Institute adds prices for soybean oil and whole soybeans could continue to receive support from biodiesel production.
Soybean Prices

Indiana Pork Named 'Hunger Hero' by Feeding Indiana's Hungry
Indiana Pork was honored to be named a 'Hunger Hero' at a luncheon celebrating Hunger Action Month hosted by Feeding Indiana's Hungry (FIsH) yesterday at the Northwest Ag complex in Indianapolis.  The award honors those who have made a significant impact on reducing hunger in Indiana.  Indiana Pork was honored for its efforts related to the Million Meals Program aimed at providing one million pork meals annually to hungry Hoosiers.
Indiana Pork Named 'Hunger Hero'

Daniels Trade Mission Covers Agriculture and Energy
Yesterday, on his trade mission to China, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels focused on agriculture and renewable energy. Daniels and Purdue University Vice Provost for Engagement Dr. Victor Lechtenberg met with the director general and other senior officials from the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Agriculture to discuss the agricultural ties between Zhejiang and Indiana. The government agency is responsible for implementation of the national agricultural policy, rural economic development and welfare, and coordination of outside investment. After receiving a briefing on the state of agriculture in Zhejiang, Daniels and Lechtenberg discussed the breadth of Zhejiang agriculture; Indiana's pork, poultry and soybean exports; and Purdue's role in agricultural technology development. "Agriculture in Zhejiang is much more diversified than in Indiana, but there remains a need in Zhejiang for many of the agricultural products that are produced in our state, so I think there is great potential and opportunity for future trade," said Lechtenberg.
Daniels Trade Mission