Thanks to everyone for posting and elaborating on this.

I think we may be witnessing a paradigm type of shift here. 

In the past USDA issued reports that were unchallenged and taken as gospel truths no questions asked.

Now with the powers of analytical tools, computers and software and the Internet lots of folks can collectively tear apart and analyze these reports and discuss the numbers and why they do or do not make sense.

Govt. functionary's generally hate that. They can't operate in a vacuum, in secrecy, or avoid getting the hard questions anymore but it's all part of being open and being accountable to the people who they are supposed to serve and who ultimately pay the bills.

Make no mistake we have some very sharp minds participating in Market Talk and on Ag Talk in general.

I don't think there is any other place where the breadth and wealth of knowledge is freely and openly shared.

Thanks to all who participate and I would encourage others who only read at this time to join in. 

Lets keep the excellent conversations going !