Soybean, meal and soyoil futures all lost about one percent at the close. These contracts closed at/near the day’s lows.  Cattle futures closed slightly lower nearby and posted small gains in August-forward contracts. Boxed beef values were mixed. Lean Hog futures closed mixed with losses through August and dollar-plus gains in the December 2019 and beyond contracts.

CBOT futures closed mixed. Corn and soybean futures closed slightly higher as traders wait for confirmation of a US/China trade deal. Cattle futures closed higher on stronger boxed beef values and Friday’s stronger cash cattle market.  Lean Hog futures closed higher with bigger gains in distant months. LH continue to be supported by pork values and ideas that China is buying large quantities of US pork.

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While the United States Department of Agriculture is working to develop regulations for agricultural hemp, the Risk Management Agency is formulating a crop insurance plan to help farmers protect their risk.  Administrator Martin Barbre talks about what is being developed, the challenges and if agricultural hemp is too risky.

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The agriculture department at Eastern Kentucky University is continuing to grow as a new class of students enroll to obtain a degree in a number of areas.  Eastern Kentucky University Agronomy Professor Dr. John Settimi discusses what programs are offered at the university, the students that are enrolling and what they seem to be interested in.

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Farmers should observe safety practices all year long on the farm, with the Spring planting season always a dangerous time.  Dale Dobson with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture reminds farmers of some timely safe practices on the farm, the need to have a plan and the importance of taking time to cope with the stresses of farming.

Dale Dobson with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture says it is important that agriculture and the general public share the road during the Spring planting season and all year long.  Dobson passes along reminders for farmers and drivers as activity picks up on and off the farm.

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United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles were joined by USDA Undersecretary Greg Ibach and Risk Management Agency Director Martin Barbre for a hemp forum in Louisville.  They discussed Kentucky’s role in formulating hemp regulations and the importance of getting those in place in the near future.

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