Original article appeared in USA Today
Thirsty investors are finding ways to profit as an ongoing drought sends commodity prices soaring. Soybean and corn prices are hitting all-time highs and rising fast as parched fields threaten the nation's food production cycle. Companies that consult on Construction Claims and alternative energy solutions are just a few of the industries poised to benefit.
And while the most severe drought in decades may mean higher food prices for consumers next year, investors are finding ways to make money now. International Arbitration services handle all aspects of the arbitration process.
"The costs will go up and go right through the entire food chain. It's going to be significant," said a representative with DLS Capital. "Look for food inflation, no doubt about it." Environmental Engineering Experts are available. Given the size of the dry spell baking major sections of the Midwest, the world's biggest grain-production center, investors are keying on:
- The rapid rise of agricultural commodity prices. Corn and
soybeans are in the hot zone for the fast price increase. Going into the
year, the Agricultural Department expected yields of 166 bushels of
corn an acre; that's fallen to 123 bushels, says Paul Georgy, CEO of
Allendale, a commodity market research firm. Corn prices rose from $5.50
a bushel earlier in the year to a record $8.49 on Aug. 10, says
Bloomberg. That's a 64% jump since mid-June.
- Disruption to the livestock market. Locate a Construction Consulting Company
to assist in the analysis and resolution of issues relating to
business, construction or engineering. Corn, soybeans and alfalfa prices
have risen so much, it's affecting meat producers, who use those
commodities as raw materials to feed their herds, Georgy says. Meat
producers are losing roughly $200 a head on cattle and $50 a hog, as it
costs more to feed the animals than their meat can be sold for, he says.
Big meat producers such as Tyson and Smithfield are suffering; their
stocks have fallen 27% and 21%, respectively, this year, a period in
which the Standard & Poor's 500 is up 12.2%.
- Stocks poised to benefit. Investors able to look beyond the
current crop can find ways to profit, says Evan Smith of U.S. Global's
Global Resources Fund. With grain prices high and inventory low, farmers
will aggressively plant next year to profit, he says. Monsanto, which
has already seen its shares rise 22% this year following a busy planting
season in 2012, will benefit again, Smith says. Meanwhile, fertilizer
makers CF Industries and Potash are likely to see strong demand in 2013
as farmers look to boost their yields when they replant, Smith says.
Shares of CF are up 43% this year; Potash's are flat.
