Wheat futures firm up ahead of USDA report on world supply, demand. In other commodities markets, industrial metals recouped some of the prior day's losses, while gold and energy prices declined. Refiners boosted utilization rates slightly last week, thereby lifting demand for crude oil and contributing to growth in stockpiles of refined products, as analysts had expected. traders placed bets ahead of a crop production, supply and demand report due Thursday from the U. Corn and soybean...

The DEC 07 corn contract broke overhead resistance today, July 23, set up by that descending wedge pattern established over the last six weeks beginning June 18. USDA met crop-condition expectations lowering the good-to-excellent rating by 3 points to 58% Gains in soybeans, soybean oil, and other energy products supported corn amid forecasts for hotter, drier weather in the corn-belt. Soybeans were held up by good soybean oil prices and forecasts for hot, dry weather in the near term as...

Farmers May Further Cut Acreage 7/30/2007 4:39:00 PM ETRelated symbols: AGE Bloomberg By Shruti Date Singh July 30 (Bloomberg) -- Cotton rose to a one-week high in New York on speculation farmers will switch acres to other crops because of concern a World Trade Organization ruling may threaten U. Farmers May Further Cut Acreage 7/30/2007 4:39:00 PM ETRelated symbols: AGE Bloomberg By Shruti Date Singh July 30 (Bloomberg) -- Cotton rose to a one-week high in New York on speculation farmers...

Ethanol producers are also happy that the rain helped the corn -- their main ingredient -- rebound from what was shaping up to be a mediocre growing season. Production of the fuel additive has risen more than 40 percent since 2004, according to the industry trade group Renewable Fuels Association, with demand increased by high oil prices. Advertisement cloudless skies through June, leading to worries that all those acres might yield relatively little corn. Nationwide, 62 percent of the...

Fifteen additional counties were named as contiguous disaster counties bringing the total to 44 counties in Missouri eligible for assistance from USDA. Mike Johanns has approved disaster designation for 29 Missouri counties due to losses caused by excessive rain and flood damage that occurred from May 5-12, 2007. Local FSA offices will be able to provide Missouri farmers with additional information on the low-interest loans. Jefferson City, MO - infoZine - "This disaster declaration is a...