As reported by NASS on November 2, 2015
FALL HARVEST HALTED BY RAIN
Harvest of corn, cotton, and soybeans mostly ceased over most of the State last week due to incessant rain. Producers did, however, make excellent progress on the days they could get into the fields. Harvest is expected to come to an end over the next few weeks if dry conditions return and prevail. Continue reading at Crop Progress 11 1 15.
Corn, cotton, and wheat were up; soybeans were down for the week. The last 15 trading days, December corn futures traded in a 15 cent band from $3.70 to $3.87. Nationally, corn harvest progressed 16% this past week to an estimated 75% complete (96% complete in Tennessee). Post-harvest we will likely see a mild seasonal appreciation in corn futures prices. A substantial rally remains unlikely due to large global grain stocks and a strong US dollar. Continue reading at Tennessee Market Highlights
Are you considering expanding your farm operation? Will expansion opportunities be available in your area? If so, then this article from AgWeb could offer some insight.
Farm operations mature in the same way children grow up: gradually. Best-in-class producers who have expanded their footprint understand the value of carefully studying whether growth will help their bottom line or cause it to falter. Executed properly, growth can create efficiencies and open the door to new markets, even in a down economy. Continue reading at AgWeb.
As reported by NASS on October 26, 2015
DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCELERATE CROP HARVEST, PLANTING
Dry conditions over most of the State afforded producers the opportunity to advance their crop harvest and wheat planting. While these weather conditions were excellent for harvest, rain is need to boost wheat germination. Pastures were in mostly fair to good condition. There were 6.4 days suitable for field work last week. Topsoil moisture was 12 percent very short, 32 percent short, 50 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were 13 percent very short, 29 percent short, 54 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Continue reading at Crop Progress 10 25 15.
Corn was mixed; soybeans, cotton, and wheat were down for the week. Harvest continues to progress in Tennessee. Corn is almost finished and soybeans should be over two thirds done by the end of the weekend. December 2015 corn futures continue to trade between $3.70 and $4.00. Failure to hold the key support level of $3.70 could see further deterioration in futures prices and challenge the contract low of $3.57 ½, established on August 12th. In October, Tennessee cash prices have held up reasonably well with a price range of $3.33 to $4.13 and an average of $3.69 reported at elevators and barge points. Continue reading at Tennessee Market Highlights.
As reported by NASS on October 19, 2015
FREEZING TEMPERATURES RETURN TO TENNESSEE
A cold front moved across the state toward the end of the week, bringing with it freezing temperatures and isolated patches of frost. Corn harvest was close to complete with good yields being reported. Cotton harvest picked up speed. Wheat growers were anxiously awaiting a rain to aid in the germination of their crop. Rain would also help pasture condition. Continue reading at Crop Progress 10 18 15.
Soybeans and cotton were up; corn and wheat were down for the week. As corn harvest finishes up and soybean harvest enters its peak in Tennessee, producers should look for pricing opportunities for both the 2015 and 2016 crop. Producers should have a marketing plan developed for this year’s remaining crop and next year’s crop. The plan should not be overly complicated and should be revised on regular basis to reflect changes in market conditions and individual farm circumstances. Two important factors to consider are: 1) sale price points (cost of production plus a reasonable return to equipment, land, labor, and management) on a farm-by-farm basis; and 2)marketing tools (cash contracts, futures, options, brokerage services etc.) that the producer is comfortable using. Establishing a basic marketing plan will allow producers to more objectively evaluate the opportunities that markets are offering them. Continue reading at Tennessee Market Highlights.
AFTER LAST WEEK’S RAIN, PRODUCERS BACK IN THE FIELD
Producers made up for some lost time in the field last week after the previous week’s rainfall over much of the state. Cotton defoliation continued as harvest moved up 10 percent from the previous mark. Good yields for all crops continue to be reported. Continue reading at Crop Progress 10 11 15.