The last couple of weeks has been great weather for planting Corn and Milo with a one inch plus rain on March 23rd and a half inch rain on the 30th. With ground temperatures between 55-60 degrees the last few weeks, Milo farmers decided it was time to get it in the ground even though a little early according to the calendar. The winter was mild and with temperatures warmer than average towards the end, prompted all farmers to consider planting early. It seemed that Stripe rust would be inevitable in most fields, but for whatever reason it hasn’t been that big of a problem for most. Yes some sprayed early with a generic fungicide and I have heard from several farmers who were intent on spraying but have decided to wait and watch because the stripe rust seems to be relenting for some reason. Maybe it’s the right weather conditions that is having a positive effect on the unwanted rust. Range and Pasture conditions are looking good with the warm weather, and the rains spread out just right. Winter pastures are lush and warm season pastures are beginning to come on, especially Bermuda grass. Farmers and Ranchers are happy with the weather conditions lately but can’t seem to shake those memories of last year’s floods and crop failures. And then there was the decade long drought, so everyone is just hoping for a “normal” year in 2016.

The Grain market’s cash and future prices were mostly lower last week with corn taking the biggest hit for the week after the release of the estimated corn acreage planting report which expected some 93.6 million acres to be planted in corn. If realized, it will be the third largest corn acreage since 1944 and this is the first increase in corn acreage since 2012. The bright spot of the market last week was soybeans as they closed higher for the week, but this may be short lived with reports of bumper crops in South America. The nations wheat planted is estimated at 49.6 million acres this year down 9% from 2015. The nations Sorghum growers intend to plant 7.22 million acres this year down 15% from 2015, with Kansas and Texas leading the way and will account for 74% of total planted acreage.

The Cattle market was mostly lower last week with stockers & calves steady to $3 lower. Live cattle cash prices finished at $1.36 down $2.85 from the previous week with futures down slightly. Feeder cash prices were up a few cents from previous week with futures down slightly. Weekly slaughter estimates last week of 542,00 head with beef production at 450.7 million pounds. Live and Feeder futures on the CME for August are hovering around $1.19 and $1.55. Slaughter Cow and Bull prices are mostly steady, with replacement’s steady.

Marty Morgan, Cooke County Ag Agent