beef production

USDA Releases Latest Beef Production and Price Forecasts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released their latest Beef Production and Price forecasts. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski explains,” Our beef production forecast for this year, we lowered by 20 million pounds. This reflects just the fact that we’re anticipating a little bit lower steer and heifer slaughter, partially offset by higher weights and more cow slaughter. But overall …

cattle futures

Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle Set Record Highs

We’re keeping an eye on live cattle and feeder cattle futures and cash markets here late week. Cattle and feeder cattle futures have set new contract highs this week, both June live cattle and May feeder cattle. Packers still buying cattle. Saturday, last week, feedlots held firm, looking for steady to higher money. Looks like more of the same this week. And the cookout …

Iran

War in Iran Impacting Farm Inputs and Outputs

It’s getting difficult in the farming area now. The war in Iran is creating some big issues on freight rates and fuel surcharges, not counting the increases in energy and fueling a spike in fertilizer prices and also cotton because of the rise and they said the price is a polyester. The cotton market is booming again. Inflation risks are elevated which could possibly …

Strait of Hormuz

Blockade Of The Strait of Hormuz Impacts

On the surface, President Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz deprives Iran of badly needed oil reserves, millions of dollars in insurance premiums they were collecting to assure safe passage of vessels. But depending on how long the blockade actually lasts, it increases the chance of the Beijing summit already postponed once likely being postponed again. China imports more than 1.5 million barrels …

mosaic

Mosaic Announces Idling of Mining Activities in Brazil

The Mosaic Company has announced that they will begin the process of idling the Araxa Mining and Chemical Complex as well as idling mining activities at the Patrocinio Complex in Brazil. According to the company, the idling of these facilities is expected to reduce annual phosphate production at Mosaic Fertilizantes by approximately 1 million tons. Bruce Bodine, President and Chief …

Strait of Hormuz

Strait of Hormuz Reopening Considerations

Maritime officials say the buildup of ships on either side of the Strait of Hormuz will take months to restore normal traffic when it does open. Reuters reporting there are over 3,000 vessels now in the Gulf area, including over 800 oil tankers. The narrow passage when the Strait does open when it meets the Gulf of Oman like a three-lane highway merging into …

crop

Second Weekly Crop Report Released

The second weekly crop progress report of the season yesterday afternoon. Of course, attention on planting progress for the various crops, but also a lot of attention on the improvement or lack of it for winter wheat. Some of the lowest conditions ever for early in April. Major states like Nebraska, Kansas, and that excellent category still below 10 percent. Even the good percentage …

December Corn Futures

December Corn Futures Could Indicate Highs

We share interesting data looking at December corn futures. December corn has never set an annual high for the year during the month of March. The high last month, $4.98 and a half. So, history shows producers should expect an annual high over $5, likely within the next 60 to 65 days. Since history also shows December corn seldom sets a new high …

planting

Planting Concerns For Growers

It’s about planting time across the southeast, but a major problem for farmers, a three-month drought, has really got the farmers waiting to decide when to plant, how much to plant, and markets are changing. The war in Iran is creating some big issues, not only on the price of fertilizer, but on freight rates and fuel surcharges, and counting increases in energy costs …

five-year

Five-Year Fertilizer Duty Review is Underway

A five-year review of countervailing duties on phosphate imports from Morocco and Russia is underway. Agri-Pulse reported that fertilizer producers Mosaic and Simplot say they’re in favor of keeping the duties in place. The tariffs range from 16.6 percent to over 47 percent, and have been in place since 2021 when Mosaic filed a countervailing duty case. The Commerce Department’s …