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Methane Rule Would Cut Emissions 41M Tons By 2035, Says EPA
The Biden administration released a rule aimed at reducing methane emissions from American oil and gas sources on the same day the U.S. and European Union announced at the COP26 climate summit in Scotland that 90 countries have joined the Global Methane Pledge, which aims for a 30% methane emissions cut by 2030. The proposed rule, announced Nov. 2 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, seeks to regulate both new and existing sources of methane emissions from the oil and natural gas sector.
DTN Livestock Closing: Cash Cattle Trade Higher in the North
Cattle feeding. Photo: ©Debra L Ferguson The futures complex was a bearish market to watch, but thankfully the countryside took care of the livestock sector. GENERAL COMMENTS: The livestock complex closed lower but couldn’t have had a better day throughout the countryside, and in respect to the market’s fundamentals! Feeder cattle sold higher, the lean hog market blew through all expectations (again) and cash cattle even traded higher in the North.
Farmers in Partnerships Limited from PPP Despite Congressional Wishes - DTN
Despite calls from Congress to help make more farmers and ranchers eligible for the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, the SBA has declared farmers in partnerships do not get the benefit of using gross income when applying for a PPP loan. The SBA issued a 15-page guidance late last week on how businesses can calculate maximum loan amounts. The guidance comes out with the deadline to apply for the latest PPP loans approach on March 31.
DTN Fertilizer Trends: UAN28, Anhydrous Prices Highest Since 2015
Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the second week of March 2021 continue to show considerably higher prices. Once again, all eight of the major fertilizers were up a significant amount, which DTN designates as 5% or more, for the sixth week in a row. Half of the fertilizers continue to be double digits higher from the previous month. UAN28 was staggering 26% higher compared to last month with an average price of $306/ton.
DTN Grain Closing: Grains Painted Red
Freshly harvest soybeans loaded in truck for transport to grain elevator. ©Debra L Ferguson Spot contracts of grains and oilseeds were painted red with losses on Thursday as seven-day weather forecasts looked more favorable in both the U.S. and in South America. April crude oil is also trading sharply lower, pressured by higher U.S. inventories and increased political tensions with Russia. GENERAL COMMENTS: May corn closed down 11 1/2 cents and December corn was down 7 1/2 cents.
DTN Cotton Closing: Lower in Commodities Vacuum
Defoliated cotton field ready for picking. Photo: Lance Clemmons, GW Farms. The cotton market ended lower Thursday despite seeing a very strong export-sales report earlier in the day. The report reflected a combined seasonal sales number of 581,000-plus bales. Exports were essentially unchanged at 351,900, but still was a meaningful number. Unfortunately, with rising interest rates and the end of the first quarter in sight for 2021, more than a few hedge funds felt the need to lighten their load.
DTN Livestock Midday: Contracts Look for Fundamental Support to Continue
Photo: Blair Fannin, Texas AgriLife Extension Thursday’s trade hasn’t been the most rewarding throughout the futures complex, but the cash cattle market could be on its way to chasing $1.00 higher in the Northern Plains. GENERAL COMMENTS: Thursday’s trade throughout the futures market hasn’t been as thrilling as Wednesday, but thankfully the gusto of support that swept into the complex hasn’t left the cash cattle market.
DTN Grain Midday: Grains Seeing Red
Soybean harvest. ©Debra L Ferguson Corn is 3 to 4 cents lower, soybeans are 6 to 8 cents lower and wheat is 6 to 12 cents lower. MARKET SUMMARY: The U.S. stock market is mixed with the Dow up 150 points. The U.S. Dollar Index is 0.35 higher. Interest rate products are weaker. Energies are weaker with crude down $2.80. Livestock trade is mostly lower. Precious metals are mixed with gold down $1.00.
DTN Cotton Open: Market Seesaws Sideways
Cotton seedlings. ©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography The cotton market traded both sides of Wednesday’s close as it marks time until the release of the 2021 planting intentions. That report comes out at 12:00 p.m. EDT, March 31. However, Thursday morning, USDA did issue its weekly export sales data and the numbers were positive. A summary follows: Net sales of 437,700 RB for 2020/2021 were up noticeably from the previous week and from the prior 4-week average.
Grain Transportation: Great Lakes Shipping Season Fast Approaching - DTN
American Century arrival in Duluth, Minnesota. Photo: Duluth Harbor Cam The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) began breaking up the ice in the Duluth Superior area on March 10. In the next two weeks, they’ll make their way up to Thunder Bay and over to the Apostle Islands, where ice breaking up there should only take a few days, according to the Coast Guard. “We’re getting ready for shipping to return to Duluth, the locks of Sault Ste.
DTN Grain Open: Weaker in Rangebound Trade
©Debra L Ferguson Stock Images Pre-6 a.m. Globex Prices: May corn is down 1 1/4 cents per bushel, May soybeans are down 5 3/4 cents, and May KC wheat is down 5 1/4 cents. CME Globex Recap: Grain markets are weaker across the board, although this has meant little for final settlements so far this week. Traders will be watchful for any developments out of the meetings between Chinese and U.S. officials today in Alaska.
DTN Livestock Open: There is No Sign of Slowing Down
DTN Livestock Open: There is No Sign of Slowing Down March 18, 2021 From DTN ©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography June and later cattle futures and regained the losses in February and then some. Traders have been willing to step back into the market on the long side in anticipation of increasing demand and tightening supplies. Hogs have been in an uptrend since mid-December and there is no sign of slowing down.
Livestock: 4 Safety Considerations When Working with Animals - DTN
While livestock producers work with their animals quite often, they should always follow certain safety practices. Proper equipment and facilities are important and so is knowing how to correctly handle and move animals safely and efficiently. These topics were covered in a recent Livestock Safety webinar as part of the North Dakota State University Extension and University of Minnesota Extension Farm Safety Webinar Series (see below.).
Ag Trade: USA Rice Brings Attention to Global Shipping Woes
Container ships, San Francisco Bay. Photo: NOAA Agricultural transportation disruptions continue to persist here and in the Gulf of Mexico due to widespread container and port crew shortages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is leaving exporters reeling, while saddled with the burden of near-record shipping costs and logistical chaos. U.S. container shortages first started impacting shippers in early 2020, however, over the past several months, the issue has gotten progressively worse.
U.S. Farming Distribution by State - 50 Years of Little Change
On-farm storage bins. Photo by Mike Staton, Michigan State University Specialization is a defining attribute of US farming over the last 50 years. For example, share of farms that had beef cows, grew corn, grew wheat, sold hogs, and sold milk declined from 72%, 44%, 23%, 25%, and 20% to 36%, 15%, 5%, 3%, and 2%, respectively, between the 1964 and 2017 Censuses of Agriculture.
Texas: Caprock Crop Production Conference, Muncy, April 1
©Debra L Ferguson Stock Images The Caprock Crop Production Conference for Crosby and Floyd counties is set for April 1 in Floyd County. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service event will take place at the Floyd County Friends Unity Center, 990 Farm-to-Market Road 786 in Muncy. The cost is $45. Advanced registration is requested by March 25 for this in-person meeting so all COVID-related precautions can be taken.
Texas Field Reports: Commodity Prices Favorable for Row Crop Producers
Mature sorghum heads. Photo: Lindsay Pace, Mississippi State University Texas row crop producers might have the luxury of choosing between sorghum, corn and cotton as all three commodities are seeing high prices with the 2021 planting season underway, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.
Minnesota: N Inhibitors and Other Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers - Worth the Cost?
Enhanced efficiency fertilizers, such as nitrogen inhibitors and slow- and controlled-release products, are fertilizer that has been modified to reduce losses to the environment and increase nutrient availability. These products can help farmers increase yield, save on fertilizer costs, and protect the environment, but there are some things you should keep in mind. Nitrogen inhibitors Inhibitors are sometimes referred to as stabilizers, but I believe this word can be misleading.
Fuel Report: Price Climb Continues
The U.S. average diesel fuel price increased nearly 5 cents to $3.19 per gallon on March 15, 46 cents higher than a year ago. The Rocky Mountain price increased nearly 15 cents to $3.28 per gallon, the Gulf Coast price increased nearly 6 cents to $2.99 per gallon, the West Coast price increased nearly 5 cents to $3.64 per gallon, the Midwest Price increased more than 4 cents to $3.17 per gallon, and the East Coast price increased more than 3 cents to $3.15 per gallon.
Chinese Corn Demand - Some See More Purchases as a Possibility
Corn harvest. Photo: Texas A&M AgriLife Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday that, “China, the biggest corn consumer after the U.S., is still short of the feed grain, and more overseas purchases are likely. “Asia’s top economy has to nourish the world’s largest hog herds and supply a growing local refining industry, which produces everything from sweeteners to starches and alcohol.
DTN Grain Midday: Corn Mixed with Soybeans & Wheat Down
Soybean harvest. ©Debra L Ferguson Corn is 1 cent higher to 3 cents lower, soybeans are 9 to 11 cents lower and wheat is 3 to 6 cents lower. MARKET SUMMARY: The U.S. stock market is mixed with the Dow up 90 points. The U.S Dollar Index is 0.10 higher. Interest rate products are mixed. Energies are weaker with crude down $0.70. Livestock trade is mixed led by hogs. Precious metals are mixed with gold down $3.00. CORN: Corn trade is 1 cent higher to 3 cents lower with continued spread strength.
DTN Livestock Midday: Lean Hogs and Live Cattle Push Higher
Photo: Kansas State University The lean hog and live cattle contracts are desperately wanting to keep their gains through Wednesday’s afternoon trade. GENERAL COMMENTS: St. Patrick’s Day may be extending some support, as both the live cattle and lean hog contracts trade fully higher and the feeder cattle contracts trade mixed.
Kentucky: Expanded Testing For Commercial Applicator Licenses
Photo: Blair Fannin, Texas AgriLife Extension The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has expanded the locations for persons to test for commercial and noncommercial applicator licenses. In addition to the Frankfort and Gilbertsville locations that have been the only testing locations during the pandemic, the KDA has added four additional locations: Madison County Extension office, Daviess County Extension office, Hardin County Extension office, and Breathitt County Extension office.
DTN Cotton Open: Market at Virtual Standstill, Awaits Data
Cotton coming up in rolled cover crop. Photo: Bill Robertson, University of Arkansas Overnight cotton has hardly budged one way or the other. The market’s meager volume is underscoring traders’ momentary disinterest. The thing needed most is fresh news and other than the scheduled weekly export sales, there are no other big reports due until March 31. On that date, at 12:00 p.m. EDT, USDA will offer its preliminary look at the scope and size of the 2021 crop.
Livestock: African Swine Fever in China Continues to Impact Markets
Earlier this month, Bloomberg News reported that, “African swine fever is re-emerging in Asia, threatening to upend efforts to replenish national herds after the virus killed tens of millions of pigs in the region and created a huge shortage of meat protein. “Fresh outbreaks have been reported in China and Vietnam this year, and the disease has even landed on Malaysia’s shores.
Illinois Soybeans: Important Tillage Benchmarks
Strip tillage. Photo: Jodi DeJong-Hughes, University of Minnesota The costs of machinery ownership and labor are two important factors when considering tillage decisions. In an October farmdoc daily article, we examine tillage benchmarks for corn on Illinois farms in the Precision Conservation Management (PCM) dataset.
DTN Grain Open: Mostly Lower at Midweek
Corn planting. Photo: University of Minnesota Pre-6 a.m. Globex Prices: May corn is up 1/2 cent per bushel, May soybeans are down 4 3/4 cents, and May KC wheat is down 4 1/4 cents. CME Globex Recap: Grains are mostly weaker overnight with the exception of old crop soybean oil contracts and May corn. The market is still abuzz about the latest Chinese corn purchase which will keep pressure on the USDA to tighten carryout further.
DTN Livestock Open: There is No Slowing of Demand
©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography Cattle futures were able to hold gains Tuesday while hog futures blew though the previous day’s highs with ease. The livestock complex are the beneficiaries of increasing restaurant demand and continued strong international demand. Strong support is evident under the market.
Southeast Cotton: Early Thrips, Nematode Control Critical for a Good Season
Thrips damaged cotton. As the 2021 planting season approaches, it’s customary to look back and contemplate what happened last season and the many, many decades of seasons that preceded even last year. Nothing could be more critical than early season pest control, and it starts with nematodes and thrips. The roadmap to harvest begins at planting.
Louisiana Farm Bureau Urges Training of Grain Graders
All graders working at grain elevators in Louisiana will be tested and certified for the 2021 harvest season following an announcement from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). Those graders will be trained, tested and certified by LDAF to uphold the standards set through the U.S. Grain Standards Act. The goal is to provide consistent and professional grain inspection and weighing services for producers, handlers processors, exporters, importers and end-users.
USA Rice Stewardship Partnership Gains New Sponsor
Ducks in flooded rice fields after harvest. Photo: University of Arkansas The USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Rice Stewardship Partnership has gained a new sponsor, the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas, the first agricultural lending entity to invest in the Partnership. “We have seen the Rice Stewardship Partnership positively impact working ricelands in Arkansas,” said Greg Cole, CEO and president of AgHeritage Farm Credit Services.
USDA: Weekly National Peanut Prices
The following prices are effective from Wednesday 03/17/21 at 12:01 am Eastern Time until midnight Tuesday 03/16/21. The next announcement is scheduled for Tuesday 03/23/21 at 3:00 pm Eastern Time. * $424.55 per ton for Runner peanuts * $415.57 per ton for Spanish peanuts * $428.74 per ton for Valencia peanuts * $428.74 per ton for Virginia peanuts These NPP are based on the loan rates for 2020-crop peanuts announced on July 9, 2020.
DTN Cotton Closing: Ending Higher in Slack Trade
Defoliated cotton field ready for picking. Photo: Lance Clemmons, GW Farms. The cotton market did finish higher Tuesday, versus its weaker close of Monday. The trading was marked by lackluster, wandering bids and offers. However, given the beating it took last week, and the follow-through of Sunday and Monday, the higher closes were welcomed. The U.S. dollar traded up Tuesday.
DTN Grain Midday: Corn Up, Soybean Down
Freshly harvest soybeans loaded in truck for transport to grain elevator. ©Debra L Ferguson Corn is 1 to 2 cents higher, soybeans are 1 to 2 cents lower and wheat is 3 to 6 cents lower. MARKET SUMMARY: The U.S. stock market is mixed with the Dow down 110 points. The U.S. Dollar Index is 0.15 higher. Interest rate products are mixed. Energies are weaker with crude down $1.00. Livestock trade is mixed led by hogs. Precious metals are mixed with gold up $1.00.
DTN Grain Closing: Mostly Higher
DTN Grain Closing: Mostly Higher March 16, 2021 By DTN Contributor Soybean harvest. ©Debra L Ferguson Grains Ignore Bearish Influences, End Mostly Higher May contracts of corn, soybeans and winter wheat overcame earlier losses and finished a little higher Tuesday, supported by ongoing signs of firm demand. April hogs jumped to a new contract high on increasing concerns about African swine fever in China.
DTN Livestock Midday: Lean Hogs Back with Vengeance
Cattle feeding in field following freeze. Photo: Bruce Schultz, LSU AgCenter After Monday’s strong fundamental score throughout the lean hog market, lean hog futures have jumped back to trading fully higher Tuesday. GENERAL COMMENTS: Lean hog futures are taking Tuesday by storm and the feeder cattle contracts are growing founder of the idea, but the live cattle futures cannot muster up the support necessary to trade higher.
Ohio Wheat: Growth Stages, Associated Management - Feekes 6.0-9.0
Wheat field. Photo: University of Kentucky It is important to correctly identify winter wheat growth stages to enhance management decisions, avoiding damage to the crop and unwarranted or ineffective applications. Remember, exact growth stage cannot be determined by just looking at the height of the crop or based on calendar dates. Remember to stage several plants from several areas within your field.
Shurley on Cotton: Have Prices Leveled Out?
It’s been a different tone to the market the past couple of weeks. Have we seen the pre-plant peak? Has the trajectory changed? New crop December futures peaked at 87.66 cents back on February 24 and then marked another near-peak close at 86.79 on March 1. Since the peak close on Feb 24, prices have trended down—closing down 7 of the 12 trading days since and is looking lower again today after closing at 84.2 cents last Friday. I do not necessarily see this as reason for alarm.
DTN Cotton Open: Eases Higher in Counter Trade
Cotton planting in Texas Concho Valley. Photo: Haley Kennedy, TexasAgrilLife IPM agent The cotton market is trying its hand to the upside Tuesday morning in something of a move opposite to Monday’s downdraft. However, the market has simply never acted right following its top on February 25. In fact, traders essentially ignored positive supply-demand numbers as well as supportive export sales to initiate obvious long liquidation.
Oklahoma Wheat: Diseases Mostly Quiet, but Some Popping Up
Wheat streak mosaic virus. Photo: Kansas State University Although relatively quiet, some wheat diseases have started to appear across Oklahoma over the last week. For example, around Stillwater I am starting to observe patches of wheat showing symptoms of the wheat soil-borne mosaic (SB)/wheat spindle streak mosaic (SS) complex. So far, I have observed these symptoms only in susceptible varieties in Dr. de Silva’s variety demo and in my SB-SS nursery.
DTN Grain Open: Markets Ease from Early Week Gains
©Debra L Ferguson Stock Images Pre-6 a.m. Globex Prices: May corn is up 2 1/4 cents per bushel, May soybeans are down 2 1/2 cents, and May KC wheat is down 4 3/4 cents. CME Globex Recap: Grain markets are weaker with the exception of May and July corn futures as the 5.50 level takes over as a magnet for the May contract in much the way it did for the March contract.
DTN Livestock Open: Futures Attempt to Lead Cash Cattle Higher
DTN Livestock Open: Futures Attempt to Lead Cash Cattle Higher March 16, 2021 From DTN Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Adam Russell The strength of cattle futures with later contract pushing to new highs yesterday indicates optimism remains plentiful. Funds stepped in to buy the break turning the trend back up. Just when one thinks the hog market may seem top heavy, prices shoot up keeping the uptrend intact. Underlying fundamentals remain bullish.
DTN Fertilizer Outlook: Winter Storms Affected Production, Prices
The following is a breakdown of wholesale prices and trends of the various fertilizers in February and the first two weeks of March 2021. AMMONIA Domestic: February proved to be an extremely bullish month in U.S. ammonia, as an already tight supply scenario driven by short availability and plant turnarounds was exacerbated by a winter storm that brought chemical production in the southern U.S. to its knees.
Georgia Peanut Commission Holds Referendum March 15 - April 16
Photo: Clemson University The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold a referendum March 15 through April 16 giving peanut producers an opportunity to vote on reaffirming the commission. State law mandates a referendum be held every three years. Georgia peanut producers invest $2 per ton to fund the commission and its research, education, promotion and communication programs. The last referendum in 2018 passed with a 94.02 percent reaffirmation. “I urge all peanut producers to vote in this referendum.
DTN Livestock Closing: Cattle Higher While Hogs Feed Pressure
Photo: Blair Fannin, Texas AgriLife Extension Looking to Tuesday, the lean hog market sits torn on whether the market should trade higher or wave its white flag and trade lower. GENERAL COMMENTS: It was a rewarding day for the cattle contracts, as both the live cattle and feeder cattle contracts were able to defend their stronger positions through closing.
Ag Market Outlook - Analysts See Signs of Optimism
A news release on Friday from the University of Missouri indicated that, “Farm income could decline in 2021, in spite of large increases in the value of crop and livestock sales, according to the latest analysis of national and global agricultural trends from the University of Missouri. Lower government payments and higher farm production costs could outweigh the increase in sales.
Kansas Sorghum: 2020 Hybrid Test Results Available Online
Grain Sorghum. ©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography For years, Kansas has outpaced all other states as the top producer of grain sorghum, and growers have a resource to help keep it that way. Kansas State University’s 2020 Kansas Performance Tests with Grain Sorghum Hybrids publication is now available online and features summaries of last year’s growing conditions, disease and insect considerations, and performance by hybrids in major production areas of the state.
DTN Grain Closing: Corn Leading Grains
DTN Grain Closing: Corn Leading Grains March 15, 2021 By DTN Contributor Soybean harvest. ©Debra L Ferguson Corn Leads Grains to Mostly Higher Closes May corn closed up 10 1/2 cents Monday, the largest percentage gainer in the grain sector with help from USDA’s report of larger-than-usual inspections. May contracts of soybean, meal and all three U.S. wheats were also higher, despite heavy precipitation over the weekend in the central and western U.S. Plains.
DTN Cotton Closing: Cotton Ends Session Off Its Early Lows
Defoliated cotton field ready for picking. Photo: Lance Clemmons, GW Farms. The cotton market started out with an early Monday 2.00-cent spill, before gathering itself to close moderately lower. Some traders pointed to the rains occurring across much of Texas as a bearish development, while others saw Friday’s commitment of traders report, which depicted managed-money speculators involved in a liquidation spree, as also equally bearish. Nonetheless, the market broke early, but improved late.
DTN Grain Midday: All Higher at Midday
Soybean harvest. ©Debra L Ferguson Corn is 8 to 9 cents higher, soybeans are 6 to 7 cents higher and wheat is 2 to 4 cents higher. MARKET SUMMARY: The U.S. stock market is weaker with the Dow down 95 points. The U.S. Dollar Index is 0.20 higher. Interest rate products are firmer. Energies are weaker with crude down $1.00. Livestock trade is mostly higher led by cattle. Precious metals are mixed with gold up $6.00.
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