Rex,
The figures that the IMF use are historical, that rate of change is so fast that what they say today, is based upon what happened two or three months ago. My own business plan for the next 18 months has been put in the shredder because of that. I produce FR eggs and my production is based upon another farm supplying the layers. Last week feed shot up by over 10% in one go. For spring 2009 I need 3000 extra hens, at the current rate of inflation, following my original plan, wholesale price would go from £1.50 doz. to over £3.50 doz. In an effort to keep cost down, I need to change tack ticks and breed my own layers. This is not something that can usually be done on a whim, but I have to, to stay in the game. Even then, I have serious doubts that I can keep next years prices below £2.80 doz if I keep breeding successfully for five years, which I need to do, to recover investment in breeding stock. I mention all this because its not always apparent how fast the economic climate is changing, and it is.
www is not a stuck record or a broken clock. Ladies and gentlemen this is serious !!!!