The Rural Voice, 2004-08, Page 45Grain Markets
important to stay out of the fear
mode. Many think that prices will
keep going lower even after corn and
soybeans have continuously dropped
for a month. It is time for caution just
as it was in April when prices topped.
The question right now is how much
can U.S. crops improve from here on.
The corn crop is in the best condition
we have seen in years with moderate
temperatures and plenty of rainfall.
Hot, dry weather in August will have
a slight impact on corn but can hurt
soybeans. Having said that, the
extended weather forecasts do not
show any long periods of heat or
dryness.
The best that producers can do at
this point is to plan on storing their
grain unless they need money. In the
case where sales need to be made by
harvest, look for a recovery in prices
later in the summer. Do not think,
though, that prices will get back up
to the spring highs. A good rally in
corn would get us back to the $2.50
area in December corn. Producers
should now be trying to make the
best out of a bad situation.°
AgriTech
Getting to know
Janice
Becker is a
computer
enthusiast
and
journalist
living near
Walton, ON.
I know I am early, but I just had to
give everyone an opportunity to plan
ahead, book time off work and reserve
accommodations for the big event in
Grey County.
While the September Rural Voice
will be packed with stories and
information on the International
Plowing Match and Rural Expo 2004,
to be held on the Scott Davison farm
near Meaford, I decided to find out
what could be learned from the
website at www.ipm2004.ca.
I was impressed by the site
homepage as it was bright and
colourful, quickly downloaded (even
on dial-up). and easy to navigate.
515 James Street S., St. Marys,
Ontario N4X 1C7
Ph: 519 349-2355
800 667-3845
EASY LIFT DOORS LTD. Fax: 519 349-2144
A Prompt Service / Emergency Repair
A Large Volume of stocked Inventory
♦ Dock Seals / Lock Levellers
♦ On Site Consultations
A High Quality Standards
A Attention to Detail
A Well equipped Service Trucks
A All Materials 3 ft. to 30 ft. Wide
We'll Make Any Door An
'Easy Lift' For You
AGRICULTURAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL
42 THE RURAL VOICE
the 2004 IPM
Checking out the "What's New"
section, I found information on
fundraisers held earlier in the year.
Limited edition prints of the IPM
poster background are available for the
first time in IPM history. The horse-
drawn plowing scene, created by Grant
Nicholson, is expected to be a
collector's item.
Readers can still attend the quilt
show, at the Beaver Valley Community
Centre in Thombury, August 20-22.
The winners, chosen from the 192
entries, will be on display at the
plowing match.
Also from the "What's New"
listing, advance tickets order forms
should be available, though I was
unable to download the form through
Adobe Reader.
The list of subjects along the left
side of the homepage leads surfers to
an assortment of information to ease
planning preparations and enhance the
plowing match experience.
The education section helps
teachers find links to the curriculum
for each grade through public school
and details connections for secondary
school courses such as business,
family'studies, physical education and
health, geography, and science. It is
also a great step-by-step guide for
planning a day at the event.
There is a slide show, downsized
from the in -school presentation,
available on-line, but it is not
recommended for dial-up users.
The arts and crafts exhibits will
highlight works by 40 Grey County
artisans including everything from
homemade chocolates to iron working
and stained glass items. Daily
demonstrations will be featured.
The photo album offers a taste of
things to come at Rural Expo 2004 as
well as a look back at 2003 and other
recent farm shows.
Organizers have even had a pair of
special wines bottled for the occasion
by Pelee Island Winery. The vintages
can be purchased at several of the
LCBO outlets in Grey County as well
as a couple in Bruce County and one in
Wellington County.
Competition at the plowing match
is not limited to plowing. If turning the
soil is not your forte, top prize for quilt
block creations or beautification of