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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