Release No.0033.04 Ed Loyd (202) 720-4623 Brenda Chapin (202) 690-4585 USDA ANNOUNCES 2005-CROP LOAN RATES FOR CORN, GRAIN SORGHUM AND SOYBEANS WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2005 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced 2005-crop corn, grain sorghum, and soybean national and county loan rates. "This is the earliest we have announced marketing assistance county loan rates for these commodities." Johanns said. "This exemplifies our commitment to providing timely information to enable producers to better utilize these programs in their planting and marketing decisions." Determining County Loan Rates After enactment of the 2002 Farm Bill, USDA announced the most comprehensive adjustments in more than 15 years to the county loan rate structure beginning with the 2002 crops. Because adjustments in county loan rates had not been made for grains for several years, numerous disparities between loan rates and market prices had emerged, which affected producer benefits. The restructured rates were intended to more clearly reflect market factors affecting each crop and minimize distortions that work to the detriment of producers and industry. The 2005-crop county loan rates announced today continue these incremental adjustments. The relative levels of the county loan rates for each commodity reflect the most recent information available about price relationships around the country and will enhance the market orientation of the corn, grain sorghum, and soybean loan and loan deficiency payment programs. Corn, Grain Sorghum and Soybean County Loan Rates Updated In establishing the 2005-crop rates, USDA paid special attention to reducing notable loan rate differences among neighboring counties that are not the result of current market forces. These updated county loan rates reflect changes that have occurred in cropping and marketing patterns over the years. 2005-Crop Corn, Grain Sorghum and Soybean National Loan Rates The 2002 Farm Bill establishes the 2005-crop national average loan rates at the following levels: Corn $1.95 per bushel Grain Sorghum $1.95 per bushel Soybeans $5.00 per bushel Other 2005 Crops The 2005-crop loan rates for wheat, barley, oats and other oilseeds were previously announced on Dec. 2, 2004. The 2005-crop loan rates for pulse crops will be announced in early 2005. Accessing 2005-Crop County Loan Rates The 2005-crop county loan rates for corn, grain sorghum and soybeans will be available on the Farm Service Agency Web site within four business days of this announcement. The Web site is located at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/dafp/psd/LoanRate.htm. County loan rates for wheat, barley, oats and other oilseeds are also available on this site. # USDA News oc.news@xxxxxxxx 202 720-4623 ---------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send email to oc.news@xxxxxxxx and reference your email address.
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