Maize Prices slide up
Maize prices were up by almost 5.6% over last week at Rs.7300 - 7400 per MT range at the market yard, up from Rs.7000 where the prices were held for last 6 weeks. The prices are 24% higher that what they were last year during the same time. The big question is will the higher prices this year translate to higher sowing in the year 2007/08. The monsoon is still unpredictable. As per the reports available the maize sowing is lagging behind by 11% over last year, but there is still time for sowing.
Pearl Millet (Bajra) prices slid down by about 4% over last week and are at Rs.6200 per MT at the market yard. The prices are similar to what they were last year, but against maize the prices are about 15% lower, which makes a case for its substitution in poultry rations, specially in layer rations in North India.
Sorghum (Jowar) prices are also down by 4% over last week at Rs.9200 - 9300 pert MT range at the market yard. The prices are about 15% higher than last year and about 26% higher than maize. Sorghum sowing is also down by about 20% over last year, but as the monsoon is still in its first phase, lost ground can be gained as the monsoon progresses.
Barley prices are about 5% higher than last week at Rs.6900 per MT at the market yard and 4% lower than last year prices.
Report from the meteorological department indicate that the pre-monsoon showers between March 1 - May 31, were lower than last year by 15.56% and of the 36 meteorological sub-divisions, 20 received deficient rains in central and southern parts of the country.
Sowing of cotton, particularly Bt Cotton has caught on. The overall sowing for cotton is up by 33.8% over last year.
Corn prices in US at CBOT July, Sept, Dec delivery were $165 - 167 per MT, up from $150 - 154 per MT range of last week and increase of $13 -15 per MT.
USDA also released it crop report last week and also two other consulting companies released their reports.
Area under corn is estimated between 90.5 - 90.724 million hectares and the production at 316 MMT - 322 MMT.
The overall usage of corn in US is expected to be 261.41 - 265 MMT of which the feed use is expected to be 142.24 - 144.38 MMT and industrial usage (Food/Seed/Ethanol/Starch) is expected to be 119.32 - 121.66 MMT. Of this the use of corn for ethanol is expected to be 83.82 - 86.26 MMT as per the estimates.
High heat - production stress on livestock
Birds are ‘heat stressed’ if they have difficulty achieving a balance between body heat production and body heat loss. This can occur at all ages and in all types of poultry.
Abnormally high temperatures in Northern plains of India have affected the production of eggs, and meat. The production of eggs has been reported to be down in parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and central India where temperatures ran as high as 48 deg C.
Broilers do not consume feed at such high temperatures and the weight gain is also very slow as high temperatures.
Farmers in Haryana have reported production loss of 25 - 30% in case of eggs. Though there has been no mortality, birds are not consuming feed, which affects the production of eggs.
One way to combat heat stress is to feed birds (layers and broilers) during the cool hours (early morning and late night) and provide cool drinking water to the birds. In addition of fans / coolers / foggers can be provided, it helps in combating heat stress.
Feed removal prior to the hottest part of the day has been shown to be beneficial in reducing mortality. The advantages are reduced metabolic heat output, and where feeds systems can be lifted, increased floor space and improved air distribution over the floor.
Where feed consumption is decreased due to spells of hot weather, dietary adjustments can help maintain a good supply of nutrients. Protein contributes more metabolic heat than fats and carbohydrates, so a correct energy: protein ratio is important. Dietary vitamins and minerals can be reformulated.
Amit Sachdev
Representative
U S Grains Council
India
bluecross303@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment