Global crop supply fears send soybeans prices to the highest in six years
Soybeans traded at the highest level in more than six years as increasing demand from top importer China and dry weather in the major producing areas of South America spur growing concerns over global supplies. Prices have climbed more than 40 percent since March after China started snapping up cargoes to feed a massive increase in hog numbers as the country recovers from African swine fever. Now the development of southern hemisphere crops in Brazil and Argentina has been threatened for weeks by lack…
Soy: What you need to know about this challenging crop
Can a “hidden” commodity have a sustainable future? It’s the protein at the heart of the global food system. But most people are hardly aware of how much soy they eat – and where it comes from. Why is soy such an essential crop? And what’s being done to make sure it’s grown responsibly? We’re all familiar with soy. There are varieties aplenty: from vibrant green edamame beans (eaten straight from the pod) to tofu and tempeh. There are soy burgers, “meatballs,” soy sauce and, of course, that…
Direct Farming in South American Los Grobo Style is changing
Direct Farming in South American Los Grobo Style is changing Farming without fields An Argentine farming group is heavy on science and light on assets BRIAN BRETT, a poet, called farming “a profession of hope”. Farmers must pray for just enough rain, amenable soil conditions and good market prices. In Argentina their prayers do not end there. Since the country’s financial crisis in 2002, its government has taxed farmers at between 20% and 35% on their grain exports, while galloping inflation has pushed…
