Steady cattle prices were offered in the north this week, though it seems the basis may have been lost, the potential for lighter kills as packers continue to add pressure to the trade. The market is still contending with heavy cattle in the south, but despite these challenges, the cattle…
Grain markets were softer overall this week, with soybeans leading the pullback. Seasonals suggest some pressure is typical during this period, while harvest is moving ahead of last year’s pace. A big question looming is where to store the grain—could this become a market issue as supplies increase? On the…
With 24 operating ethanol plants, Nebraska is the second-largest ethanol producing state behind only Iowa. As such, ethanol production makes an important contribution to the state’s economy. A report sponsored by the Nebraska Ethanol Board showed ethanol production in 2020 contributed $4.41 billion to the state’s economy, making it the…
Weather in South America remains a critical factor, as we await Friday’s USDA report, which will provide more insight into yield expectations. The big question is whether seasonal lows have been set, and how a potentially large South American crop might impact prices moving forward. Meanwhile, dryness in the Midwest…
Crop Progress as of Oct 7th: data compiled below from Water Street AdvisorsCorn Mature 87%; 75% last week; 81% on averageCorn Harvested 30%; 21% last week; 27% on averageCorn Condition 64% G/E; 64% G/E last week, 53% last yearSoybeans Dropping Leaves 90%; 81% last week; 85% on averageSoybeans Harvested 47%;…
A temporary end to the port strikes has provided some relief to supply chains, while Brazil is set to receive much-needed rains, aiding their crops. The USDA report next week is highly anticipated, with markets looking for further clarity. However, drought continues to plague Russia and Ukraine, adding pressure to…
Dave Oligmueller of Pilger, Nebraska, is one of many farmers in northeast Nebraska being cognizant of dry conditions and looming fire hazards. With 75% of his crop harvested, he and his crew are approaching the tail end of harvest with a water trailer on standby. Oligmueller says his late soybean…
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced proposed fines of more than half a million dollars for alleged safety violations at Legacy Cooperative's Hemingford grain facility. Responding to a complaint of unsafe working conditions at the facility, OHSA investigators opened an inspection in March, finding what were categorized as…
Running a family business is often filled with unique challenges, especially in agriculture. But for Tim Vala, founder of Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard, the focus has always been on family and creating a lasting legacy. The pumpkin patch and apple orchard has grown to become the…
Floodwaters from Hurricane Helene swamped the Southern United States, with virtually every commodity impacted. Farm Policy News says cotton, pecans, poultry, and timber were hit the hardest by the Hurricane. It brought chicken processing plants to a halt, and caused severe damage to some flocks, while also downing pecan trees…
