Upper U.S. Midwest Organic Grain and Feedstuffs

DES MOINES - Mar 26/08 - SNS -- Bi-weekly USDA report on organic grain and feedstuffs prices in the U.S. upper midwest.

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Upper Midwest Organic Grain & Feedstuffs Report (Bi-Weekly)
Weighted Average Report for Week Ending 3/23/2008

Organic grain and feedstuff prices mostly steady on moderate
demand and offerings compared to two weeks ago.  Hay prices have
held steady for the past few weeks, as producers look to sell the
last of their old crop hay before pastures green up from spring
rains.  Soybeans and corn steady, with a weak undertone.  Buyers
 of organic commodities are feeling the pinch for both food and
feed grades.  Margins are narrowing, causing some to look for other
sources of grain.  Reports of food grade soybeans and wheat being
imported from South America.  Buyers are offering contracts for
new crop soybeans, with prices ranging from 25.00-30.00 per bushel
for food grade. Contract prices for new crop flax range from
27.00-30.00, with new crop brown flax contracting for 23.00-25.00.
Monthly and 4rd quarter average prices located below.  All prices
FOB the farm and negotiated spot market.

                              FOB                  FOB
                           Price/Bu          WEIGHTED AVERAGE
                                            3/23/08    3/09/08
Organic Corn
  Food Yellow             ---------          ----       ----
  Feed Yellow            10.00-10.50        10.27        9.82
Organic Soybeans
  Food Grade             27.00-30.00        29.25       -----
  Feed Grade             22.00-27.00        24.45       25.47
  Soybean Meal           -----------        -----       -----
Organic Peas
  Feed Grade             -----------        -----       -----
Organic Oats
  Food Grade             ----------         -----       -----
  Feed Grade             ----------         -----        5.51
Organic Wheat
  Food Grade             ----------         -----       -----
  Feed Grade             ----------         -----       -----
Organic Barley
  Feed Grade              8.00-9.00          8.05       -----
Organic Rye
  Feed Grade             ----------         -----       -----
===================================================================
Organic Alfalfa            Per Ton/FOB
  Supreme                 -------------
  Premium                 -------------
  Good                    170.00-200.00
  Fair                    160.00-185.00
  Utility                 -------------
Organic Grass Hay
  Premium                 -------------
  Good                    -------------
  Fair                    -------------

===================================================================
Monthly Organic Prices: FEB 07    JAN 07   DEC 07     4th Qtr
                                                       2007
Food Grade Wheat      	 16.98     17.14
Feed Grade Wheat                                       9.10
Food Grade Corn     	
Feed Grade Corn         10.07      9.64     9.07       9.22
Food Grade Soybeans     26.29     23.08    19.94      19.96
Feed Grade Soybeans     22.73     21.09    17.43      16.32
Feed Grade Rye
Feed Grade Peas
Food Grade Oats    	
Feed Grade Oats          5.05      4.65     4.15       3.85
Feed Grade Barley                           7.13       6.78

=====================================================================
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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