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The Rural Voice, 2001-04, Page 63had just witnessed his own funeral after a visit to Brazil and seeing the gains they have made in soybean production. In Ontario, old crop soybean basis levels continue to hold at import levels while new crop basis is still holding well above typical levels for this time of year. If the Ontario soybean acreage is down, expect basis levels to continue strong in Canadian funds. Right now, with the dollar under 64 cents, it might be prudent to at least lock in some new crop basis. As I write this, all markets have just gone through a major washout. Soybeans, corn wheat, and the Canadian dollar have all been caught up in the flood. The reason may be somewhat psychological with the equity markets in the toilet, the unknown of mad cow disease and .foot and mouth disease spreading around the world, and the forecasts of major soybean production in the Americas. There are some traders who think that this recent sell off will now provide a base for spring rally, but we will be starting from a lower point. Prices are very susceptible to weather problems this year but don't bet the farm on the probability of drought. I think we need to assume "normal" weather starting with more normal planting dates. I think producers need to take advantage of basis levels for both old and new crop corn and if you price out the grain you might want to buy call options to take advantage of higher prices in case there is a weather scare. I also feel that soybean growers may want to lock in I.P. premiums for new crop soys. Basically, all premiums for old crop I.P. varieties have disappeared but new crop premiums are still available and we don't know how long they will last. Producers should get another opportunity to sell grain on a spring rally but I'm not optimistic about how much we will gain unless we see a surprise in acreage figures. Just pay close attention to the markets especially with the Canadian dollar being so low.0 Information supplied by Dave Gordon, LAC, Inc., Hyde Park, 519-473-9333. HILL & HILL FARMS LTD. For Your 2001 Planting Needs • ROUND UP READY SOYBEANS 2601R - 2650 H.U. 2702R - 2750 H.U. 2901R - 2900 H.U. AG1901 - 2950 H.U. AG2101 - 3025 H.U. Rpundup Ready - SOYBEANS Express First Line Seeds' revolutionary bulk seed delivery system saves you time and money. And you get all the benefits of growing Roundup Ready® soybeans — outstanding weed control, flexibility and crop safety. First Line Express. Another First from First Line Seeds. • WHITE HILUM I.P. VARIETIES - OAC Exeter - 2800 H.U. - Secord - 2825 H.U. • COMMERCIAL VARIETIES - ZEPHYR - 2750 H.U. • OTHER SPECIALTY SOYBEANS - TOPAZ - 2900 H.U. - HIGH SUGAR - PROSPECT - 2800 H.U. - HIGH PROTEIN - JASPER - 2650 H.U. - HIGH PROTEIN • HISTICK + SOYBEAN INOCULANT Call Pete or Kristen at 519-233-3218 Remember: Quality Is Not Expensive, It's Priceless! APRIL 2001 59