110 —Lancaster Fanning, Saturday, May 12,1979 Ag exports (Continued from Page 99) In addition, a number of oil producers individually have announced steep price increases since supplies of Iranian oil were disrupted. While the OPEC oil price increase will curtail the buying power of some nonmember countries, the overall effect on U.S. agricultural exports is expected to be slight. EC and Japan Economic growth in the two largest markets the European Community (EC) and Japan is expected to exceed the 2-pcr cent forecast for the U.S. in 1979. This,, coupled with the depreciation of our dollar, is spurring our exports. Larger sales are also expected to the OPEC countries, whose capacity to import is increasing sharply as a result of the oil price hike. Economic growth for the developing countries as a group is projected at annual rate of over five per cent in 1979. Only a few, like Zambia, will face major financing constraints. Major U.S. markets - especially Korea, Taiwan, and Mexico - have favorable growth the payments prospects. Commodity outlook As usual, the outlook for U.S. exports varies, depending on the commodity. Export values are expected to swell for most commodity groups, with oilseeds a particularly big gainer. Following a 30-per cent volume gain in fiscal 1978, soybean exports are expected to increase another tenth this year—to a record of over 21 million tons. Sales value will also rise to an high of $8,7 billion. The surge in sales this year is the result of strong global demand, plus some tightening in world supplies as poor weather has lowered prospects for Brazil’s soybean crop. One of the key elements in the forecast of U.S. soybean shipments is a projected 5-per cent increase in prospec tive exports to the EC, reflecting their continued push to expand livestock output This increase follows on the heels of a 28-percent gain in fiscal 1978. Soviets need U.S. soybeans In addition, the Soviet Union had another below-average sunflowerseed crop last year and is expected to turn to the U.S. for over 1 million tons of soybeans to fill the gap. U.S. feed grain exports are now expected to top last year’s record despite the sham increase in world production and a buildup in world stocks. Exports during October-January were about 1 million tons above those of a year earlier. Key factors in the market this year are: the opening of the Chinese market for 3% million tons of U.S. com; larger than anticipated exports to the EC as result of their continued buildup in hog and poultry production; and exports to the USSR well above the minimum 3-million-ton level set in the grain agreement. This latter reflects continued expansion in the Soviets’ livestock and poultry industries and a decline in their 1978 com crop. ~ *** Stiff comnetitian for wheat U.S. wheat exports in fiscal 1979 will be down about six per cent The reason: Last year’s record world output of 436 million tons reduced demand and increased com petition in major markets. Major factors in the wheat export market include a likely cut of 10 to 15 per cent in sales to the EC because of that area’s record 1978 crop and some slippage in sales to ' the USSR in light of that country’s record wheat harvest. Our wheat exports this year are likely to total little more than the minimum 3 million tons required by the US USSR grain agreement. However, a new market for wheat in China will help offset some of the smaller sales elsewhere. The Chinese are in the world market for about 9 million metric tons of wheat to use for upgrading diets and stockpiling. The U.S. will probably supply about 3 million tons of that total. Big gains Exports of most other commodities are expected to gain ignificantly in fiscal 1979. UJS. cotton exports should remain very large. Despite a laller crop last year, our export supplies are adequate d U.S. prices are competitive on the world market orld import demand is expected to remain strong, and 2 oduction in several other countries has been disrupted I y bad weather. Thus, U.S. export volume should remain \ ?rv larve For animal products, higher prices are espected to push BANVEL Distributed By Poultry and egg shipments are expected to continue to expand, with sales increasing to the Caribbean, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the EC. However, the value of our dairy sales continues its downward trend because of low prices on the world market for nonfat dry milk. For tobacco, a 6-per cent volume increase isin prospect Stocks of US leaf are small in many countries, and the depreciation of the US dollar has restrained price in creases to importers. Larger sales are forecast to Japan, the EC, Thailand, and South Korea. Fruits and vegetables should score some gain in export value, although volume could slip for several items. US exports of citrus and dried fruits are likely to fall because of reduced US production and increased competition in the EC from Mediterranean producers. The value gain for meat and meat products alone represents over three-fourths of the total expected in crease in our import bill. Reduced US beef output is prompting larger exports on our part, while world market prices for meats have been boosted by the tighter worldwide supplies and the stronger demand that has occurred because of gains in real income. If the current forecast of US exports and imports is near the mark, the agricultural trade surplus exports less imports will increase again this-year. It might total $l5 billion, compared with $13.4 billion in fiscal 1978. A firm, compact duster of small flower buds, with none opened enough to show the bright -yellow flower, is a good indication of broccoli, now one of the most popular vegetables in this country. Bud dusters should be dark green or sage green and stems should not be too thick or tough, USDA research indicates. Firm or hard heads of cabbage that are heavy for ■ their size are usually recommended when buying cabbage for any purpose. Outer leaves should be a good green or red color (dependingon type) and free from serious blemishes. Discard the outer “wrap per” leaves. Too many on a head are wasteful, says USDA. export value* to a record $3 s billion, beet and slaughter cattle exports to Canada are expected to increase because of reduced 'Canadian production and the easing of restrictions regarding chemical residues. Also, we should sell more beef to Japan, where demand for meat con tinues to outstrip domestic production capacity. Poultry and eggs Meat and meat products GARBER OIL CO. 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The heavy said, “As little as 1/16 of an fines on eggs are the result of ounce weight differential in a Department order in a dozen eggs can restrict the January to double the 'sale of a great many dozens amounts of fines, according and force a financial burden to Stephen Bokser, president upohthe producer-packer.” of the Greater New York - “If a $20.00 pier dozen Metropolitan Food Council penalty isn’t enough to stop A letter from Bbkser, which the continuous egg packer appeared in a recent SPICE violations,” an Assistant (the New York State poultry Commissioner for Consumer group) newsletter, said that Affairs told SPICE themove was made without representatives, “ we can notification of food industry always go to the limit to representatives. which the law allows, and Appearing in the same that is sloo.oo' per dozen newsletter were comments fine.” ' ■ #3/4X9-11 For Fattening Houses, Nursery. Calf Stalls Per Sheet FARMING IS A DIRTY BUSINE *>/ vv - » '~'i ♦ - solvent or '‘etergent. 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