Alabama farmers see record yields in 2012 | Business

GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) - State agriculture officials say Alabama's record yields in cotton, soybean and peanut crops in 2012 helped to offset lower than average corn yields.

The Gadsden Times reports (http://bit.ly/W2ALK8 ) that soybean and cotton yields in northeast Alabama also likely set records this year.

David Derrick, regional extension agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, says this year has been 1 of the best ever for row crop farmers.

Officials say farmers benefited from higher than average prices for corn and soybeans.

Bill Weaver, director of the Alabama office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistic Service, said drought conditions in the Midwest helped push soybean and corn prices higher.

Alabama's projected soybean yield is 44 bushels an acre, which would break the record of 40 set in 2009.

Information from: The Gadsden Times, http://www.gadsdentimes.com

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