Organic Grains prices December 24, 2014

[Jameshh1964]

http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/lsbnof.pdf

[elcheapo]

Well you better look out. Doing some
research, we have coops here for
Organic grains, the coop gets 6% off
The top to do marketing, etc
I guess we were co-owners of a soybean
plant in Iowa. For some reason we are
Selling out.
The organic bunch is "a bit different "
Using very old varieties, and trying
To tell me how to do things.
I remember riding an h & m with
A cultivator or "curler" and using a
Lister, and riding on a corn binder
To put up sargo. Then putting up shocks.
Remember doing it myself, having to
Get a couple bundles to stand, then start
to fill in. Then the twine would break.

So they are not telling me anything new.

They also seem to have a chip on
Her shoulder
.maybe just the.few I talked to.

[Jameshh1964]

Elcheapo,
You will never witness me telling you how to farm. I gladly share the ideas I or others may have, but that would be the extent of it.
No chips on any shoulders around here. I do think there are significant economic opportunities with organic grain production. I don't personally like chemicals applied to the grain I buy or eat. It doesn't make you or I right wrong or otherwise.
I would caution against forming an opinion of a $38 billion industry based on your relations with a few local people involved in organics. We have some around here who are also more politically minded than agriculture minded; they do not normally get my business for too long.
Varietal selection can certainly be different in Organics. This has, I believe, three reasons behind it.
1. Organic seed has to be untreated and non GMO.
2. Organic growers tend to have some nostalgia for older varieties that have unique characteristics and they have a market for them.
3. New varieties of wheat and barley tend to be too short to shade out weeds. I have no thoughts about soybeans; I know next to nothing about growing that crop.
Having said that however, most of our wheat and barley are newer varieties as are our black and small red beans.
Have a great Christmas and keep on farming!

[elcheapo]

I think we might have a different Buch down
This way. Yes organic is growing, if you see
It in Wally world, it does have mass appeal.

I do have to say I am a bit tired of hearing
That organic is better, safer and has more
Nutrients. I have read several research
Reports to the opposite.

I think the hardest thing is Americans
want "picture perfect" produce.
That is not easy done.

Merry christmas

[Jameshh1964]

El Cheapo,
I got to thinking about your statement that Anericans want picture perfect produce; you intimate this isn't easy or even possible to do with organics. The vast majority of organic sales in the USA are fruits and vegetables. Grain is just 0.2% of total annual USA organic sales whereas fruits and vegetables account for something like 10% of total fruit and vegetable sales. I'm sure these numbers are off a bit, but my point is that the very products requiring better aesthetics in the marketplace are those that have captured a larger market share. Why is that? I will say, as a former Organic tomato, squash and pepper grower, I did not find it difficult whatsoever to have picture perfect produce. My crops always looked nicer than my neighbor's crops. I had grading tables and a small packing line. I think high quality produce has more to do with harvest timing, the way it is packed and varietal selection than anything else. It is not contengent on being sprayed with something. Just my 2 cents.

[Shaggy98]

Although a nice coat of clear polyurethane sprayed on sure brings out the shine of the final products being displayed.  

[Jameshh1964]

Shag.....you're killin' me man... Lol