Number: RL32225
Title: Asian Soybean Rust: Background and Issues
Authors: Randy Schnepf, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Widespread ASR infection in the United States would likely have significant regional and national effects on domestic and international commodity markets. Timely fungicide applications can prevent national yields from declining dramatically; however, the added cost of fungicides would likely lead to a significant reduction in soybean production in lower-yielding southern states. A ban on soybean and soymeal imports from South America also would likely produce regional effects, again where southern states would bear the brunt of market adjustments due to their growing livestock and poultry industries and strong regional feed demand, but supply deficit.
Pages: 11
Date: January 12, 2005