Kansas feedlot closeouts in July declined from what may be the second-largest such monthly move of the year in June and followed the seasonal trend, although at a higher level. The information came from monthly survey of selected Kansas feedlots by the Kansas State University Extension Service. The data then was compiled by the Livestock … Read More
Understanding Futures Market Margin, Margin Calls
One of the most challenging aspects to understand around futures markets is the mechanics of margin and/or margin calls. It’s also something that has hit many hedgers in the pocketbook, but it doesn’t have to catch them off guard. This is an edited version of an article by private market advisor Nevil Speer that he … Read More
Oklahoma Economy Growth Lags: Federal Reserve Report
Oklahoma employment has grown much more slowly than in the rest of the nation since 2013, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City said in a report. The lag largely has been driven by difficulties in the oil and gas sector, but technological changes in other sectors also took a toll on jobs, such as … Read More
US July Red Meat Exports Strong, Especially Pork
US red meat exports in July were strong, despite various trade issues, with pork shipments record large, said the US Meat Export Federation after compiling data from the USDA. July pork exports surged to 233,242 tonnes, up 56,829, or 32.2%, from 176,413 last year and topping the previous record from April 2018, the USMEF said. … Read More
USDA Again Cuts 2019 Agriculture Export Estimate
USDA analysts have sliced another $4.5 billion from their previous forecast of 2019 US agricultural exports from their previous forecast in May. Illinois Farm Policy News reported that Gary Crawford explained in a segment for USDA Radio on Aug. 29 that in May, USDA analysts were forecasting the 2019 fiscal year’s US ag exports to … Read More
After The Fire: Cattle Kills And Beef Prices
Data on the condition of cattle markets after the Aug. 9 fire at Tyson’s Holcomb, KS, beef plant are becoming available slowly, providing more clarity to the situation and correcting some misconceptions, said Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University agricultural economist in a letter to Extension Agents called Cow/Calf Corner. Cattle and beef markets continue to … Read More
Ag Economy Barometer Dips As Farmers Feel Strain
After rising sharply for two straight months, the Ag Economy Barometer weakened significantly in August falling back to a reading of 124, down 29 points from a month earlier and slightly below the June reading of 126. The monthly Ag Barometer is a joint venture of Purdue University and the CME Group and is the … Read More