New from ERS—April 2004
Preparing
for Wind-Borne Entry of Asian Soybean Rust
American soybean producers and the research, regulatory,
and extension institutions supporting them are preparing
for the potential wind-borne entry of Asian soybean
rust into the United States. The economic impacts
of soybean rust will depend on the timing, location,
spread, and severity of rust infestation and on
the industry's and consumers' response to this new
pathogen. (posted on April 27, 2004)
South
American competition shaping soybean market
Structural change in the global soybean market is
due largely to sharply expanding competition from
South America. U.S. soybean prices—and price
forecasting—are increasingly affected by production
in South America, specifically Brazil and Argentina.
(posted on April 13, 2004)
Farming
can reduce greenhouse gases
Atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases can
be reduced by withdrawing carbon from the atmosphere
and sequestering it in soils and biomass. What if
farmers were paid to adopt land uses and management
practices that raise soil carbon levels? How cost
effective are alternative designs for economic incentives?
(posted on April 16, 2004)
Food
safety innovation in the meat industry
Recent industry innovations improving the safety
of the Nation's meat supply include new pathogen
tests, high-tech equipment, supply chain management
systems, and surveillance networks. The industry
has also developed a number of mechanisms to stimulate
investment in food safety innovations despite fairly
weak market incentives. (posted on April 6, 2004)
Bankruptcy:
its role in farm exits
Bankruptcy has played only a small role in the overall
decline in farm numbers over the last 70 years.
The decline in farm numbers occurred mostly between
the 1940s and 1970s, when bankruptcy filings were
relatively low. Not all bankruptcies result in farm
exits, and most farm exits involve other factors.
(posted on April 1, 2004)
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