We haven’t discussed corn and soybean production for a while, but the harvest is well underway. As of this week, Ohio has harvested 71% of the bean crop, and the corn effort is not far behind at 65%. Virtually the entire Midwest has had significant rainfall for the past week. It will be interesting to note what effect the weather will have on harvest progress and yields. Here are some data from the USDA:
Corn production is forecast at 12.4 billion bushels, down 1 percent from the September forecast and down slightly from the 2010 production estimate. If realized, this will be the fourth largest production total on record for the United States. Based on conditions as of October 1, yields are expected to average 148.1 bushels per acre, unchanged from the September forecast but down 4.7 bushels from 2010. If realized, this will be the lowest average yield since 2005. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 83.9 million acres, down 1 percent from the September forecast. Acreage updates were made in several States based on administrative data.
Soybean production is forecast at 3.06 billion bushels, down 1 percent from September and down 8 percent from last year. Based on October 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 41.5 bushels per acre, down 0.3 bushel from last month and down 2 bushels from last year. If realized, the average yield will be the second lowest since 2003. Area for harvest is forecast at 73.7 million acres, down slightly from September and down 4 percent from 2010.
Released October 12, 2011, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Following Tuesday’s cat fight (debate) we have nearly a month until the next GOP debate. It will be fascinating to see who remains standing when the field is introduced on stage. Meanwhile the candidates will be scurrying to gain traction and support while Obama continues his frantic dog-wagging agenda. If the world can take it, he may eliminate every dictator on earth (except himself) in an attempt to justify his Nobel Peace Prize and earn the love and adoration of the American voters. He may also, if recent history is a guide, identify selected U.S. citizens for targeted “wet ops” in order to divert the attention of the voters from his own semi-criminal, pseudo-criminal, quasi-criminal and downright criminal activity. Let’s hope that Congressman Issa’s probe into the “Fast and Furious” debacle is fast, furious and final.
Freedom Works notes that 217 bills and 3573 new regulations were implemented by the federal government last year. They estimate the annual cost of regulatory compliance at $1,750,000,000.00. That’s one trillion, seven hundred fifty million dollars per year taken out of the U.S. economy in order for our job creators to comply with federal rules and regulations. As you read this, the rulemaking dump from the innumerable federal agencies continues at an accelerated pace. It’s not only NEW regs that cause problems, but clarifications, updates and new interpretations of old ones that compound matters. Don’t inhale, exhale, scratch yourself or glance sideways because you’ve probably violated something. How many people could we hire for $1.75 trillion every year?
Our column and our radio show are moving along quite well as our readership and listeners continue to expand. If you belong to one or both groups, thank you. Your attention, feedback and calls make my jobs much easier. I attempt to view everything through the prism of individual liberty. I admit that sometimes I become distracted by personal preference, but we must defend liberty now and forever.
Perk up, Pilgrim. You have but nine weeks to begin and complete your Christmas shopping. Of course, Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid are open late on Christmas Eve, but if you want to hit Dollar General and Big Lots, you have to start earlier in the day. Try not to give cash as gifts this year because by the time the recipient opens the package or card, the value will have shrunk.
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