Although Kentucky agriculture had some challenges in 2019, crops turned out better than expected in some areas.  University of Kentucky Extension Agriculture Economist Dr. Will Snell looks back at 2019, identifies some of the challenges and notes some of the bright spots.

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Kentucky is home to the National Champion 4-H Livestock Judging team.  University of Kentucky Extension Associate for Youth Livestock Programs Steve Austin talks about the championship team, the contest, the competitors and the history of the program. 

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United States Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Bill Northey says he was happy to be in Louisville recently to help Kentucky Farm Bureau celebrate 100 years.  Northey says he also had time to visit a livestock farm near Shelbyville and see some unique agriculture in Louisville during his visit.

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United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he is pleased with the progress of the industrial hemp industry following implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill.  Leader McConnell talks about some of the challenges and progress with industrial hemp, and notes a priority for Congress in 2020.

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A day after the WASDE failed to excite the market, CBOT futures closed lower and near the day’s lows. Cattle futures closed higher and near the day’s highs in both LC and FC.  Lean Hog futures finished narrowly mixed as pork values changed little today. The Federal Reserve left its interest rate target unchanged at 1.5-1.75%, as expected by the trade.

CBOT futures closed slightly higher on news that Democrat leaders have agreed to vote on the USMCA, a “neutral” WASDE report from USDA, that President Trump may wait on the December 15 tariff increases, and signs that US and China are getting nearer to a Phase 1 trade deal. Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed on a lack of significant market news. Lean hog futures closed higher with deferred contracts the strongest.

Kirby Green from Daviess County has won top honors in Kentucky Farm Bureau’s (KFB) Excellence in Agriculture Awards program for 2019. She received the award during the organization’s recent Annual Meeting at the Galt House in Louisville.

Pulaski County farmer Mark Haney was re-elected Kentucky Farm Bureau President on the concluding day of the organization’s 100th annual meeting. Also re-elected were Webster County’s Eddie Melton as First Vice-President and Sharon Furches of Calloway County as Second Vice-President.