Soaring feed costs are forcing Valley poultry producers to cut costs, raise prices — and, in some cases, close their doors.

Feed prices have climbed as much as 50% since last year, fueled by the ongoing demand for corn — a major ingredient in livestock feed.

Farmers say the competition from ethanol makers pushed the price for corn to a record $7.99 a bushel in June. Since then, corn prices have slipped, reaching $6.30 a bushel last week on the heels of the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast that calls for a 1% drop in production.

Still, egg farmer Mike Corcoran took slight comfort in the news. Read more

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