All posts by Chuck Danehower, Extension Area Specialist - Farm Management

01 May 2015

Tennessee Market Highlights

01 May 2015
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Cotton was up; corn was down; and Soybeans and wheat were mixed for the week. This week, December 2015 corn futures established new lows for 2015. The December 2015 corn contract low was $3.64/bu set back on Oct 1, 2014. Despite strong export sales this week, USDA estimated corn exports still lag behind the needed pace to meet their marketing year estimates. Reduced export sales could push 2014-15 marketing year ending stocks close to 2 billion bushels (currently estimated at 1.8 billion) and continue to provide downward price pressure. Corn planting progress is a story of two regions. Continue reading at Tennessee Market Highlights.


28 Apr 2015

Crop Progress

28 Apr 2015
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As reported by NASS on April 27, 2015
CORN PLANTING FINALLY RESTARTS, SOME SOYBEANS AND COTTON PLANTED

At last, weather conditions improved slightly and allowed some fields to dry out enough that corn planting could start again. There were some fields that were still too muddy to plant but producers made as much progress as possible. Some soybeans and cotton were planted, in line with normal averages. There were 2.8 days suitable for field work last week. Topsoil moisture was 56 percent adequate and 44 percent surplus. Continue reading at Crop Progress 4 26 15.


26 Apr 2015

Tennessee Market Highlights

26 Apr 2015
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Cotton was up; corn was down; and Soybeans and wheat were mixed for the week. This week, December 2015 corn futures established new lows for 2015. The December 2015 corn contract low was $3.64/bu set back on Oct 1, 2014. Despite strong export sales this week, USDA estimated corn exports still lag behind the needed pace to meet their marketing year estimates. Reduced export sales could push 2014-15 marketing year ending stocks close to 2 billion bushels (currently estimated at 1.8 billion) and continue to provide downward price pressure. Continue reading at  Tennessee Market Highlights.


20 Apr 2015

Crop Progress – April 20, 2015

20 Apr 2015
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As reported by NASS on April 20, 2015
CORN PLANTING PRACTICALLY AT A STANDSTILL

Corn producers suffered another week of wet weather that prevented them from planting corn. The crop is only 6 percent planted compared to a five-year average of 43 percent. Strawberry season is running behind normal because of the cold winter followed by persistent rains. Strawberries, normally available at the end of April, are about 2 weeks behind. There were only 1.1 days suitable for field work. Topsoil moisture was 42 percent adequate and 58 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were 59 percent adequate, and 41 percent surplus. Continue reading at Crop Progress 4 19 15.


17 Apr 2015

Tennessee Market Highlights

17 Apr 2015
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Corn and soybeans were up; cotton and wheat were down for the week. 2015 harvest corn and soybean futures have traded in a reasonably consistent range for most of 2015. December corn futures have traded from $3.92 to $4.32, while November soybeans have traded from $9.33 to $10.31. Both commodities were at the high end of the range to start January and have subsequently moved lower as we have progressed through 2015. At this point in the marketing year, it is unlikely that we will get back to those early year highs unless a weather event occurs.  Continue reading at Tennessee Market Highlights.


14 Apr 2015

Crop Progress

14 Apr 2015
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As reported by NASS on April 13, 2015

 CORN PRODUCER’S PATIENCE TRIED

For the second week, producers have been severely restricted from planting corn due to wet weather. Presently, planting is running almost 80 percent behind the 5-year average. Wheat and cattle remain in good condition. Burn down occurred whenever possible. The percent of apples in bloom is in line with the 5-year average. There were 2.6 days suitable for field work. Continue reading at  Crop Progress 4 13 15.


13 Apr 2015

Custom planting: How much to pay and how much to charge

13 Apr 2015
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While profit margins are expected to be tight this year, money spent on getting the crop planted timely and efficiently is money well spent. The wet weather and saturated soils have delayed normal spring planting preparations such as field work and or burn down applications for many parts of the Southeast. This could start to compress the crop planting into a smaller window than we would like. Continue reading at Southeast Farm Press.


10 Apr 2015

Tennessee Market Highlights

10 Apr 2015
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Cotton was up; corn, soybeans, and wheat were down for the week. Currently, two major obstacles exists that will prevent sustained price rallies for grains, oilseeds, and cotton. First, global and domestic stocks of corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat are at or near record levels. Second, the strength of the US dollar will continue to reduce the competitiveness of US agricultural products in the global market place, thus reducing the potential for US exports. Continue reading at Tennessee Market Highlights.