This has been a difficult start to the planting season with weather delays constantly occurring or at least seeming that way. Generally, the best yields are achieved when crops are planted during their recommended time period which is usually their optimum planting window. Planting is a critical farm operation that needs to be done on a timely basis. Planting on a timely basis generally means planting when the soil temperature and soil moisture are at an optimum level. The optimum time period is usually narrow so producers will have some crop planted in less than optimum conditions. This year is seeing the optimum window even narrower because of the weather. Continue reading
All posts by Chuck Danehower, Extension Area Specialist - Farm Management
Crop Progress – Summarized from NASS
As reported by NASS on April 29, 2013
LESS THAN HALF OF CORN CROP PLANTED– CONTINUED BEHIND SCHEDULE
Wet weather continued to delay corn planting with the current plantings falling about a week behind the five-year average. Although there were 3.5 days suitable for work last week, only about 2 days of that were suitable for planting. Continue reading
Weekly Crop Marketing Comments
Price |
Change |
|
U.S. Dollar |
82.58 |
-0.27 |
Crude Oil |
92.88 |
-0.06 |
Dow |
14,741 |
+198 |
Soybean prices are mixed while corn, cotton, and wheat prices are down for the week. The U.S. 1st quarter Gross Domestic Products (GDP) released today was 2.5%, less than the 3.2% that economist expected. Continue reading
Crop Progress – Summarized from NASS
As reported by NASS on April 22, 2013
CORN PLANTING STILL DELAYED
Corn producers made the most of the four days of planting weather last week but still lag behind where they would like to be. Planting is about a week behind the five-year average pace. Cotton and soybean plantings have yet to begin, but that is not unusual for this time of year. The wheat acreage has been top-dressed and was reported in good-to-excellent condition with the crop just starting to head. Continue reading
Weekly Crop Marketing Comments
Price |
Change |
|
U.S. Dollar |
82.85 |
+0.44 |
Crude Oil |
87.89 |
-3.40 |
Dow |
14,543 |
-322 |
Soybean prices are mixed while corn, cotton, and wheat prices are down for the week. The Dow before closing is headed toward giving back all the gains plus some from the previous week. This on what has been a trying week in the U.S. with the bomb at the Boston Marathon and the explosion at the fertilizer plant in Texas. These tragic events are part of the non ag influences that happen from time to time and are difficult to measure their effects on the markets. Continue reading
Crop Progress
As reported by NASS on April 15, 2013
CORN PLANTING CONTINUED AT A SNAIL’S PACE
Growers report corn planting progress has been set-back by a week and a half from normal and a full three weeks behind last year’s record pace due to cooler than normal temperatures and wet fields. Moderate weather finally returned late last week and accelerated the wheat and fruit crop development but these crops still remained behind normal development. Pastures were greening and growing rapidly and were rated in mostly good to excellent condition. Continue reading
Weekly Crop Marketing Comments
Price |
Change |
|
U.S. Dollar |
82.33 |
-0.27 |
Crude Oil |
91.09 |
-1.61 |
Dow |
14,865 |
+300 |
Corn, soybean, and wheat prices are up while cotton prices are down for the week. The Dow was down most of today, but managed to return back to its all-time high of 14,865. USDA released their monthly supply and demand report April 10. The U.S. numbers for the most part were considered neutral to friendly while the world numbers were mostly bearish. Continue reading
Profitability Outlook Update
Prices have been updated after the April 10th USDA Supply & Demand report. Please note that I added a row on the bottom with breakeven prices at average yields and the specified costs including variable, land and fixed cost. Prices will vary depending on location and buyers. Continue reading