Expected to rise more by fall
Story by Craig Nyhus, Lone Star Outdoor News
This story originally appeared in the June 11 issue of LSON.
Texas deer hunters may want to prepare for a larger hit to their wallets this season — corn prices are up, and likely to continue to rise.
“Now it’s at $8.25 for a 50-pound bag,” said Lance Cote, wildlife specialist at Mumme’s, Inc. in Hondo. “And it’s going to go up.”
Macy Ledbetter of Spring Creek Outdoors said global corn production is down and demand is up, and hunters can expect higher prices this fall. Drought conditions in the northern plains of the U.S., increased demand from China as the country’s hog number rebound, are expected to trigger further price hikes.
“Corn prices are up 50 percent from this time last year, so hunters can expect to feel the burn this fall,” Ledbetter said.
Are there alternatives?
Cote said other than buying your corn now, not really.
“Deer feed is up, and cottonseed is through the roof,” he said. “Like everything else, prices are through the roof — often if you can find it.”
Ledbetter suggested contacting your corn provider now to order in bulk, if possible and if you have the storage.
“Or you at least can pay for it via a bulk contract if your feed dealer is willing,” he said.
Ledbetter said food plots, native brush management techniques like fallow disking, staggered shredding and prescribed burning can help ease the pain by reducing corn needs.
“Get prepared now so the hit is more of a nudge,” he said.
