South Dakota birdfood prices continued their upward movement this week gaining an additional $1.50 per cwt. at some locations with others unchanged. Birdfood bids are trading at $28.00-$30.00 in South Dakota. North Dakota birdfood prices were down 50 cents to unchanged and trading for as much as $27.50 in North Dakota. It is a different story at the crush plants as the old crop price premium evaporated and prices transitioned to new crop levels this week. There is very little old crop seed left to trade and the recent surge in birdfood prices reflects this. The U.S. dollar has dropped to its lowest level in almost two years against a basket of major currencies. This is positive news for exports making U.S. agriculture products more competitive on the world market. According to currency traders, the dollar is likely to weaken further following this week’s FOMC meeting even if the Federal Reserve holds current policy. Commodity traders are starting to get into position for USDA’s August crop reports. August 12th will be a huge day for commodity markets as USDA will release its latest supply and demand reports and first report of FSA certified acres. The FSA figures will be compared to the USDA June acreage report and will give the market a better idea of what got planted this year. This data and weather conditions will guide traders in the coming weeks.