The Past is History. (2009 is almost over and it was by far the most challenging year that I can remember).
The Future is a Mystery. (South American weather in February; 2010 Spring Prices for Crop insurance; 2010 U.S. planted acres; Will the U.S. have another challenging growing season or will it be mild?; Will the U.S. dollar show signs of improvement or sink to new record lows in 2010, causing more inflationary fears and cause investment funds to pour large amounts of money into our grain markets?)
Today is a Gift and so we call it the Present. (Input costs for the 2010 crop are significantly lower than 2009 and we currently have 2010 crop prices that are profitable based on average yields).
With Christmas just around the corner, I felt this a fitting way to start my article. I will bet most of our children are focused now on the presents under the tree and what lies ahead versus the things they may have done wrong in the past. As farmers and adults, I think we must approach our grain farming operation the same way over the next few weeks.
For the rest of Jim Anderson's column, see the Dec. 17 Galva News.
