March 4, 2005

Soybean disease spreads into the US

Farmers are gearing up to battle a new fungus that could ravage the most lucrative crops in Hardin County, Kentucky, USA

An active hurricane season blew a batch of Asian soybean rust into the southern Unites States last fall and looks set to spread north along weather fronts. This airborne disease destroys leaf tissue with rusty blotches.

The fungus could have a huge impact on not only Hardin County, but also the entire US grain belt.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture reported Wednesday that soybean prices were 14 cents to 18 cents higher. In Louisville, opening bids today for soybeans were $6.09 per bushel.

Soybean rust is well established in Brazil, where it has taken a significant economic toll. Some farmers there have lost half their crops.

Since Brazilian farmers have been able to manage the blight, US farmers are expected to be fully able to control it.

Last year, plants in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina and Tennessee tested positive for soybean rust, according to the US Department of Agriculture.