2008 durum

[caseman]

Still kicking myself for not growing durum this year,first time in six years,chose oats instead.

So is everyone going to plant durum next year and drive price down???

Going to plant some this year and hope it hovers around the $5-$7 range.
Any other thoughts?????

[melvill]

You're likely right. Everywhere durum is grown - EU, US, Aussieland - will all seed more durum. N. African durum acreage is normally relatively stable but, even that area, will try to seed a little more. On a world-wide basis, there'll be very little durum carryover so that means the world can't afford a crop wreck anywhere. The area to pay attention to first will be N. Africa. They're getting organized to seed in Dec and early Jan. They harvest in April in hot, dry years and May in good-crop years.

[lakenheath]

Lee,

What is the best way to track crop progress in N. Africa throughout the growing season. Where can we find accurate information? Does Africa give weekly or monthly crop reports like we do in Western Canada?

This would be truly valuable information.