FUTURES MARKETS (Continued from page AI6) from the Midwest this week under the dairy price support program. This is significant since it is the first sale of block cheese to the government under this program since June 1997. The CCC also cancelled 79,200 pounds of process cheese previously purchased. So what does this mean for the outlook for milk prices? First, I developed an outlook for dairy commodity prices. I am optimistic that cheese prices will improve later in the year. I am forecasting the block cheese will Table 3. Forecasts of the Class 111 Prices Used in Federal Orders 1996 Jan 12.73 Feb 12.59 Mar 12.70 Apr 1/ 13.09 May 1/ 13.77 June 1/ 13.92 July 1/ 14.49 Aug 1/ 14.94 Sept 1/ 15.37 Oct 1/ 14.13 Nov 1/ 11.61 Dec 1/ 11.34 Yearly Avg. 13.39 1/ Forecasts provided by Ken Bailey, Penn State University, Bale Elevators-Conveyors Formerly Craves PORTABLE BASIC ELEVATOR is 18’ long, 24” wide and comes complete with Speed Reduction and Motor Mount. Elevator can also be used as a self-powered mow conveyor. Inclined elevators are self-supporting up to 54'. BASIC CONVEYOR is 18’ long, 24” wide and drives from top elevator shaft. Comes complete with Roller Chain Connector Drive, Bale Guides and Connector Plates. Can be quickly connected to or disconnected from elevators. FULL LINE OF ACCESSORIES include 4’ and 8’ midsections for additional length of either unit. Dollar For Dollar MY ' P Han-d Gives You More remain at depressed levels at least until June. Then I expect it will peak at $1.50 per pound by October. Some may think this a bit optimistic. I am expecting butter prices to peak at $1.05 per pound sometime this fall. I then used my Penn State dairy forecasting model to forecast class prices under the federal order system. Those month-to-month forecasts are in Table 3. I expect the Class 111 price to remain at or below $lO per cwt through June. Thereafter 1997 1998 11.94 13.25 16.27 10.05 12.46 13.32 10.27 9.54 12.49 12.81 11.62 9.54 11.44 12.01 11.81 9.50 10.70 10.88 11.26 9.70 10.74 13.10 11.42 10.46 10.86 14.77 13.59 11.47 12.07 14.99 15.79 12.54 12.79 15.10 16.26 13.05 12.83 16.04 11.49 13.56 12.96 16.84 9.79 13.60 13.29 17.34 9.63 12.10 12.05 14.20 12.43 11.26 2000 1999 v y»%.'' ' v s*'* %»’ - ’4» i - r ' i ' fM -J* :4 \Kvv: .- 20 -1/2” Wide Double Chain Conveyors News Conference On West Nile Virus Set The Progressive Agricultures Organization (Pro Ag) will hold a press conference concerning the West Nile Virus on Monday April 17th. The press conference will be held at the Shadow Brook Dairy Bar in Tunkhannock and will begin at 11:30 a.m. According to Arden Tewksbury Manager of Pro Ag the virus became very prominent in Long Island and New York City during 1999. Seven people and 13 pleasure horses died as a result of the virus. In addition hun dreds of other people were treated for the virus. it will peak at $13.60 per cwt in November. That should provide a 12-month average Class 111 price of $11.26 per cwt. This forecast assumes cow numbers on farms begins to respond to low milk prices and the recent growth in the milk supply slows down. For more information on market and federal order data, see my Penn State Dairy Outlook website http://www.aers.psu.edu/dairyoutl ook/. formerly New Idea Elevators No. 62 Chain 21’to 51’ Built Like Your Farm Depended On It. ition& Dealer Nearest To You! 539 Falling Spring Road RO. Box 219 Chambersburg, PA 17201-0219 Toll Free 888-464-6379 (717) 263-9111 Fax (717) 263-5573 The West Nile Virus allegedly had never been identified in the western hemisphere until last year. The virus causes encephalitis that affects the central nervous system It is passed to humans and animals via mosquitoes who pick up the virus by feeding on infected birds. Allegedly the virus came to the United States by unknown carriers from Africa. Couple this virus with other insects and different viruses that are affecting our woodlands and citrus groves, and everyone should be con cerned farmers and consumers alike, regarding the free trade agree ments that allow uninspected food supplies to enter the United States. “I think its important that live stock growers be informed of the pos wfK i 1 BREAKING MIIK RECORDS! Lancaster Farming Carries DHIA Reports Each Month! Visit us on the Internet at ht f p viviuv cjsecorp com • f, ILJ Jpfc mmw Case IH is a registered trademark of Case Corporation Lancaster Farming, Saturday, April 15, 2000-A33 sible infestation of the West Nile Virus into Pennsylvania and preven tive stops that might be taken to pro tect human beings and animals,” Tewksbury said. Different government representa tives have been invited to the press conference and representatives of the Native American Enviro-Tech from Greentown (Pike County) will be pre sent to explain precautions that farm ers and consumers may take to fight the possible virus. Tewksbury said the Native American Enviro-Tech is already working with various racetracks in New York and New Jersey to protect racehorses. Everyone is invited to the Press Conference. 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