Discussion Board - Can soybeans be the crop of the future?

Please email me. at justinjohn84@hotmail.com

Thanks

Justin

Ryan

Like most business ventures, soybean farming is profit driven. We will see the day, and not too far down the road, where soybeans just aren't profitable enough to continue growing them on a large scale.

We have yet to see Russia and China go after their part of the market. They are buyers now, but that could change at any moment.

Corn will continue to be our "ace in the hole". Hay production is reclaiming it's once lofty status, as horse owners are buying more than ever. The hay "industry" won't be able to support a large portion of farmers though.

I see the American farm industry as one in need of change. Our place in the world market is shrinking. We must learn to adapt. I see more "niche market farms" in tomorrows world.

I'm looking at that now. The past 2 years have been really kind to my operation. I don't expect that to be a permenant thing. I'm planning on taking my current good fortune, and using it to launch a new "venture".

Gotta stay ahead of the curve..... ..John

Not a very bright future.

Chuck

One must take the broad view of a global economy to predict the future. We do not face the challenge that Sec Butz posed in the 70's to 'feed the world'. We can do that. What we cant do is transport that food to where the consumers are, and the consumers lack the resources to pay for it. Instead (in my crystal ball), we will see more 'alternative' uses of crops. Whatever grain will produce the greatest yield of alcohol will begin to dominate as an ehtanol feedstock, as will the crop showing the best potential as a starch polymer, and like wise the use of crops for oils.

Soybeans are already one of the major crops in the USA. What future? Already 'now'.

Corn is the standby. Beans have hit their 'good days'. They aren't growing in yieldcompared to other crops, and they are getting more pests, while we are getting a handle on the pests for other crops....

One could make a case that corn is the crop of the future, more than beans.

But beans will certainly be a big part of the future. It will depend on what breakthroughs we make in their yield & protection.

--->Paul

I see corn being better. With fossil fuels "running out" and still no viable alternatives, we'l see more ethanol and Biodiesel. Biodiesel is much more popular in Europe, not sure why its taking so long to catch on here..... ....