DRIER CONDITIONS BOOST PLANTING

Drier conditions allowed farmers back into the field on a limited basis. Corn, soybean, and cotton planting continued. Strawberry harvest and the first cutting of hay began. Winter wheat responded well to the warmer, drier weather, as did pasture and forage conditions. There were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork last week. Topsoil moisture rated 73 percent adequate, and 27 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture rated 1 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 28 percent surplus. Hay and Roughage Supplies rated 16 percent very short, 25 percent short, 52 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Continue reading at TN Crop Weather 04_29_19. U.S. Crop Progress report can be found at US Crop Progress 04_29_2019.

FARMERS AWAIT DRIER CONDITIONS

Wet conditions due to recent rains kept most farmers from their fields. Some corn was planted, but most row crop farmers were limited to preparation work. Wheat development was aided by above normal temperatures. Pasture and forage condition also benefitted from the higher temperatures. There were 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork last week. Topsoil moisture rated 1 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 40 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture rated 1 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and 37 percent surplus. All Crops Flood Damage rated 3 percent severe, 16 percent moderate, 25 percent light, and 56 percent none. All Crops Rain Damage rated 3 percent severe, 18 percent moderate, 27 percent light, and 52 percent none. Continue reading at TN Crop Weather 04_15_19. The U.S. Crop Progress report can be read at US Crop Progress 04_15_2019.

Corn, cotton, soybeans, and wheat were up for the week. Continue reading at Tennessee Market Highlights 4_5_2019.

PERSISTENT RAINS, FREEZING TEMPERATURES, LIMITED FIELDWORK

Continued rains and wet, soft ground kept producers out of the field again this week, allowing only 2.1 days suitable for field work. Freezing temperatures accompanied by a frost over the weekend have some worried about wheat, fruit trees, and gardens. Wet weather has hindered corn planting. Many producers are waiting for a window of opportunity to return to fields. Some are optimistic for future pasture conditions due to the recent rainfall, though cattle still need fed due to wet conditions. Pasture and Strawberries appear to be in mostly good condition. Generally, crop progress seems to be comparable to last year. Topsoil moisture was 1 percent short, 53 percent adequate, and 46 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was 55 percent adequate, and 45 percent surplus. Continue reading at TN Crop Weather 04_09_18. The U.S. Crop Progress report can be read at US Crop Progress 04_08_2019.

Corn: December corn futures traded $0.07 for the week. Corn futures were higher due to good export sales as indicated by the USDA. For the year, corn exports are 16% higher to date when compared to the previous year. The trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada (USMCA) was signed by all three nations’ leaders. However, the agreement will have to ratified by each nation’s legislatures. Also, the G20 trade summit will take place this weekend and the markets reflected a sense of optimism that these meetings will bode well for U.S. agriculture. Market analysts are predicting that the size of the Brazilian corn crop will be 1.1 billion bushels, which is 3.6% higher than the previous year. For producers with corn either in storage or on a deferred pricing contract, the increase in futures for the week is a sign of hope. Continue reading →

Corn: December futures closed at $3.67, up only half a cent from the market open. For the week, corn futures have declined approximately two cents from the market’s open on Monday. The USDA’s latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) showed that ending stocks to continue to be drawn down due to steady demand for corn. Domestic consumption is estimated to be above 2016 and 2017 levels. However, the WASDE report did indicate that global corn production is expected to be higher due to increase production in China. Continue reading →