With the imminent arrival of Fall Armyworm, a version of helicoverpa that has proven resistant to a global assault of chemistry, there is an expectation that a grower might need substantial reward to grow corn. After all pest control might gobble up half of that return.
Market leaders, meanwhile, say buyers at the consumer end don’t want corn right now – whether its feed quality or prime white – and they certainly aren’t paying a high price.
“Unless gritting corn prices are $350/t I think people will avoid planting it next summer.” warns Casino grower Paul Fleming who has dueled successfully with the grub – but at a cost.
At Dubbo feed corn on farm is being quoted at $250 and buyer Adam Robinson expects the commodity to drift lower.
