Even with this large number, exports are still considerably lower than last year. Even though it is still early, corn planting has been delayed due to wet weather in most of the Midwest this week. This has been an underlying support factor for corn futures. One source reported that supplies of nitrogen in the United States was well below normal also provided some market support. The export sales report on Thursday was considered positive at 98,200 running bales.
Plantings are at a normal pace as indicated in the above chart.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman announced on Tuesday the appointment of Jim Moseley of Indiana as Deputy Secretary. Mr. Moseley is owner and manager of a farm consisting of nearly 3,000 acres in Indiana which raises a large number of hogs per year. Mr. Moseley's previous work in Washington was focused on environmental issues, particularly conservation and the Forest Service. Secretary Veneman also announced that William Hawks of Mississippi would be the new Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. His farm in northern Mississippi consists of over 7,500 acres.