Upper U.S. Midwest Organic Grain and Feedstuffs

DES MOINES - Feb 27/08 - SNS -- Bi-weekly USDA report on organic grain and feedstuffs prices in the U.S. upper midwest.

Upper Midwest Organic Grain & Feedstuffs Report (Bi-Weekly)
Weighted Average Report for Week Ending 2/23/2008

Organic grain and feedstuff prices steady to higher on good demand and
moderate offerings when compared to two weeks ago.  Soybeans are higher and
corn steady.  Producers continue to look for prices, but seem unwilling to
sell organic grains.  Livestock producers are looking to find alternative
protein sources for their feed rations.  Many producers report supplementing
feed rations with ground alfalfa as an alternative to soybean meal.  Dairy
producers are talking about switching their cows to seasonal milking.  This
would allow producers to use the summer grasses in the future, reducing the
amount of feed needed for winter milk production.  Also reports of problems
moving grain in the Midwest, due to winter ice and snowstorms during the past
two weeks.
Monthly and 4rd quarter average prices located below.  All prices FOB the
farm and negotiated spot market.

                              FOB                  FOB
                           Price/Bu          WEIGHTED AVERAGE
                                            2/23/08    2/09/08
Organic Corn
  Food Yellow             ---------          ----       ----
  Feed Yellow             9.25-10.00         9.91       10.24
Organic Soybeans
  Food Grade             -----------        -----       26.18
  Feed Grade             22.00-23.50        22.98       22.52
  Soybean Meal           -----------        -----       -----
Organic Peas
  Feed Grade             -----------        -----       -----
Organic Oats
  Food Grade             ----------         -----       -----
  Feed Grade             4.50-5.75           5.20        4.93
Organic Wheat
  Food Grade             ----------         -----       16.76
  Feed Grade             ----------         -----       -----
Organic Barley
  Feed Grade             ----------         -----       -----
Organic Rye
  Feed Grade             ----------         -----       -----
===================================================================
Organic Feed Mix
  Barley/Oat/Peas        ----------         -----       -----
===================================================================
Organic Alfalfa            Per Ton/FOB
  Supreme                 -------------
  Premium                 190.00-205.00
  Good                    -------------
  Fair                    -------------
  Utility                 -------------
Organic Grass Hay
  Premium                 -------------
  Good                    -------------
  Fair                    -------------

===================================================================
Monthly Organic Prices: JAN 07    DEC 07   NOV 07     4th Qtr
                                                       2007
Food Grade Wheat      	 17.14
Feed Grade Wheat                                       9.10
Food Grade Corn     	
Feed Grade Corn          9.64      9.07     9.25       9.22
Food Grade Soybeans     23.08     19.94               19.96
Feed Grade Soybeans     21.09     17.43    15.79      16.32
Feed Grade Rye
Feed Grade Peas
Food Grade Oats    	
Feed Grade Oats          4.65      4.15     3.91       3.85
Feed Grade Barley                  7.13                6.78

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Table 1: Alfalfa guidelines  (for domestic livestock use and not more
         than 10% grass)

 Quality     ADF     NDF      *RFV     **TDN-100%  **TDN-90%     CP
Supreme      <27     <34       >185        >62         >55.9     >22
Premium    27-29   34-36    170-185    60.5-62     54.5-55.9   20-22
Good       29-32   36-40    150-170      58-60     52.5-54.5   18-20
Fair       32-35   40-44    130-150      56-58     50.5-52.5   16-18
Utility      >35     >44       <130        <56         <50.5     <16

*RFV calculated using the Wis/Minn formula.
**TDN calculated using the western formula.
   Quantitative factors  are approximate, and many factors can affect
feeding value. Values based on 100 % dry matter (TDN showing both
100% & 90%).  Guidelines are to be used with visual appearance and
intent of Sale (usage).
=====================================================================
Developed in partnership with the University of Minnesota, Endowed
Chair in Agricultural Systems, School of Agriculture.


Source:  USDA Market News Service, Des Moines, IA

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STAT News Service

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