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The Rural Voice, 2019-09, Page 67plant dates. The answer to this question is simply that about 40 million U.S. corn acres were planted throughout June, with an estimated 25 million acres past June 10. Why would this occur? Well, in order to receive the second government Market Facilitation Payment (MFP2) U.S. growers had to plant a crop. There was great incentive for producers to get this corn in the ground. Whether or not one agrees with these planted acreage estimates we should recognize that there will not be more clarity provided until the October crop production report. Not only were acreage estimates a surprise, but the USDA also increased corn yields significantly from the average guess. The average trade guess for the report was 164.9 bushels per acre, while the USDA reported a whopping 169.5 bushels per acre. Again questions arise. With so much corn planted so late in the season is it practical to anticipate yields this strong? It is reported that good rains have recently fallen across much of the corn belt and a lot of crops are doing well. With the lateness of the planted crop it is supposed that these late rains are beneficial to the developing crop. This begs the following question: if late rains benefit the crop because of late development, shouldn’t the market be more concerned about an early end to the season with the potential of an early frost? Two things come to my mind in attempting to answer this question. First, the market will worry about an early end to the season when it needs to worry about such an event. Currently the weather is generally non-threatening and we have quite a bit of time before a frost is likely. Secondly, and possibly more telling, is that some analysts think we would need to see a drop below 1.2 billion bushels carryout in order to get a meaningful increase in corn prices. Currently the USDA forecast a carryout of almost 2.2 billion bushels. With this scenario, as crazy as this sounds, the U.S. could afford to lose more corn bushels without major supply issues arising. ◊ Markets September 2019 63 1136 Bruce Road 86, LUCKNOW www.cliffsplumbing.com How it Works A geothermal system consists of a heat pump, a ground loop, and a flow centre to connect the indoor and outdoor components. The geothermal system uses the constant temperature of the ground to heat and cool your home. In the winter, your WaterFurnace geothermal system extracts the heat and in the summer, it rejects it. Why Choose WaterFurnace? A WaterFurnace geothermal system operates more efficiently than ordinary heating and air conditioning systems because it can deliver up to an astounding five units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used. Why Choose Cliff’s? Cliff’s Plumbing & Heating has been a trusted name in Huron and Bruce Counties since 1979 and has been installing WaterFurnace geothermal systems for over 30 years. We are members of HRAI and the Grand Valley Construction Association, accredited with the Canadian Geothermal Coalition and our technicians are licensed through the Ontario College of Trades and factory trained. Other Services Include: Air Conditioning, In-floor Radiant Heating High Efficiency Furnaces, Gas Fireplaces, Plumbing, Pumps and Water Treatment Phone: 519-528-3913 • Toll Free: 800-449-2543 • Fax: 519-528-3125 cliff@cliffsplumbing.com