MID COLUMBIA PRODUCERS, INC.

Web Site http://www. mcpcoop.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Please join us at the Market breakfast meetings

Gilliam County Friday 7 a.m., Aug 27, Sept 10, Sept 24 and Oct 8 at Murray’s Pharmacy - Condon.

Sherman County Friday 7 a.m. Sept 3, Sept 17, Oct 1, and Oct 15 at the Senior Center in Moro.

Wasco County Tuesday 7 a.m. Aug 24, Sep 7, Sep 21, and Oct 5 at We3 Coffee and Deli in Dufur.

Morrow County Thursday 7:a.m. Sep 2, Sep 16, Sep 30, and Oct 14 at The Office Bar and Grill in Ione.

Wheat Market

We have seen a fundamental shift in the wheat markets starting at the end of June. A drought in Russia started off the run. Any updated information out of that region (up until recently) further drove the markets to higher levels. Now, that news has probably gotten as bad as it gets. In the wake of that, the markets are watching very closely for any additional supply disruptions (such as the flooding in Pakistan) around the world. The bull continues to have the market. In light of all this, we have decided to give you a list of key factors to watch moving forward. We have listed them in order of importance:

1) 2010/2011 plantings and crop conditions – There is no worldwide shortage of wheat, but inventory will be lower at the end of this year than it was at the beginning of the year. Current prices should encourage more planting of wheat throughout the world for the next year. If plantings are not as much as expected or planting conditions are poor, and the market can see another reduction in stocks next year, then the market will be spurred higher. Good planting conditions and acreage amounts will provide a reduction in price, but current crop year prices will not be as affected as much as new crop prices.

2) Southern Hemisphere harvests – Right now Australia is projecting an average crop while Argentina has recently raised their estimates. The chance that these crops will get much bigger is slight, while any reduction could feed the bull.

3) US Export demand – The market has already made the assumption that US exports will be higher. If sales continue for some time at the last three weeks’ sales pace the markets will likely move higher. A slowdown in demand for US wheat will shift the markets’ tone.

4) Corn – The size and quality of the corn crop will impact wheat prices. The size is looking good now but poor quality could move the demand up for wheat and keep the pressure on prices. If corn prices don’t rally then the floor for wheat is relatively low.

5) China – China is always a major wild card. This factor would have been higher on the list if we have heard of any production problems from this sector. Most of the news we read indicates crops look good in China. However, China imported one cargo of soft white wheat last year so we are watching them closely.

Barley Market

The barley prices are currently driven by domestic feed needs. There will be export demand for barley this year, but whether it comes to the United States or not is another question. The drought in the former Soviet Union should shift demand to the United States and Australia. If we see some export demand we will call those of you that have barley with us to see if you want to sell as part of a barge sale.

Grain Processing Plant

Stephens Wheat for the 1st time since 1979 is not the leading variety in the state of Oregon. ORCF 101 surpassed Stephens with 19.1% of the state acres and Stephens dropped to 2nd with 12.1%.

We have walked all of the seed fields and have found them to be clean in every way and are very pleased. The stands are full and the seed looks good. If you have contracted ORCF 101, remember, you must renew your stewardship agreement with your chemical dealer before you come in for seed. It is not an evergreen agreement.

This fall, the varieties will include Stephens, Tubbs 06, Goetze, ORCF 101 and Skiles soft white varieties. We will have Coda for our club wheat. Our forage varieties will be Trical 102, Trical 103 BB and Hoody Barley. Dufur and Condon will have certified Stephens, Tubbs 06, and ORCF 101. Call Lee or Jerrie for more information at 541-442-5555 or 888-442-5556.

FUEL DEPARTMENT

Less than glowing economic news has kept retail pricing fairly flat this summer, during what is traditionally a period of high prices.  A rally in futures prices early in August, fueled mostly by speculators buying commodities as a hedge against inflation, was reversed by reports of large product builds, an increase in the value of the dollar, and poor economic reports this week.  Conservative projections of a slower than expected economic recovery could provide some great risk management opportunities for forward contracting fuels before seeding season and year end.

MCP Fuel has expanded its delivery area to include Condon, Dufur and the surrounding areas. Call for more information. Thursdays will continue to be the regularly scheduled delivery day for MCP's fuel trucks.  We will deliver anywhere within a 100 mile round trip with no extra fee.  Need fuel sooner?  1000+ gallon deliveries will be delivered as soon as possible, driver's schedule permitting. Scheduled delivery dates through the end of the summer are: 8/19, 8/26, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, and 9/30.

MCP Fuel is now offering full truck discounts. Take a full truck load(3800 or 2500 gallons) and receive a $.03 discount on your order. Mix and match products to fill the truck compartments, and take the discount off of the entire load!

MCP Fuel wants your business!  Already a customer? Call me and let me know what we could do better.  No longer a customer?  Please call me and tell me what made you move to another supplier.  Greg Hohensee 541-980-8434

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WASCO FARM STORE

541-442-5701 or 800-442-5703 Let us serve your needs!!

Harvest Store Hours-Monday through Saturday 7 am to 5:30 pm

Fencing: 1. The art or sport of using a foil, épée, or saber in attack and defense.

2. Material, such as wire, stakes, and rails, used in building fences.

At the farm Store we have all kinds of fencing….but not the kind that is used for the art of using a foil to attack and defend: Though we do have cattle prods and whips.

We have great, American made barb wire, field fence, steel fence posts and wood fence posts. 2 point Barb wire starts at just $55.00 per roll and Steel posts start at $4.15.

Lubricants: 1. A substance, such as grease or oil, that reduces friction when applied as a surface coating to moving parts.

2. One that helps reduce difficulty or conflict.

We, at the Farm Store carry a wide variety of Oil and other lubricants like: transmission fluid, Udderly Smooth Hand Cream, Working Hands, WD-40,(Lee Kaseberg’s Favorite), Brake Fluid, DMSO, and the list goes on and on. All of our lubricants reduce difficulty and conflict!

The Farm Store continues to have good, strong local support and we sincerely appreciate everyone who comes in. Whether it is for a hot cup of coffee, some nuts and bolts for your project, a bag of bird feed, a new gate for your corrals, a few railroad ties, or just to say “Hi”, we love seeing you.