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Commodity Prices Affect Cropping Plans Even More Than Expected
by Dwight Koops, Western Region Vice President
Ulysses, Kan.
We continue to see an increase in commodity prices this year. In southwestern Kansas, cotton had been taking a foothold, and a major increase in acres was expected this year. Recent increases in corn and soybean prices have made farmers re-evaluate whether cotton should be planted. It appears now that corn will be placed on as many acres as possible. This decision will be determined on the field's ability to water the crop. It is very apparent that the markets are trying to buy corn and soybean acres in the Midwest.
In addition to an increase in corn planted, we will see an increase in soybean acres in southwestern Kansas as well. It won't be as large an increase as corn acres. We also expect that double crop soybeans will be planted behind wheat on acres that have sufficient water.
Cotton will still be placed on ground where there is insufficient water to justify a corn or soybean crop. At this time, we don't expect any increase in cotton acres across the area. Grain sorghum acreage also will reduce some of the cotton acres as well.
The wheat price remains very good. As long as the corn price remains high, wheat should benefit from this. The question is: When do feedlots turn to feeding wheat? We expect to see a significant number of corn acres rotated to wheat this fall, if the price remains solid.
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