A series of six, multi-county Master Cattleman courses will be running for ten weeks this fall, giving local producers an educational opportunity to take their operations to the next level.  UK’s Ben Crites helps coordinate the effort which in a few short years has already trained over 400 participants in advanced cattle production practices.

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Some 16 Junior Chef teams are competing for pride and for scholarships at the Kentucky State Fair this week.  Tina Garland with the Kentucky Agriculture Department says this program has been underway for five years now, continues to expand to more schools, and offers a creative outlet for youngsters with culinary skills.

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Taylor County has received $10,000 in ag development grant funding to continue to operate its Heifer Chain.  Local extension agent, Amanda Sublett says the program began in 2007 and has served the community well, teaching animal husbandry and leadership skills to the county’s youth.

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This Thursday is Farm Bureau Day at the Kentucky State Fair and one of its most well-known elements is the Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast and Charity Auction. Event coordinator, Farm Bureau’s Jeff Harper, talks about the multi-million dollar contribution to charity the breakfast has had; and he runs down some of the details of the menu to feed 1,600 diners.  

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Although CBOT futures opened generally near steady, the closing prices were mostly lower except for MGEX wheat. Futures were pressured by non-threatening weather and technical selling as corn and wheat futures fall to new lows.  Cattle futures closed lower with feeder cattle down sharply which erased yesterday’s huge gains.

CBOT futures closed mixed but generally near the day’s highs. Futures traded lower overnight but managed to recover during the day session.   Live cattle closed lower and feeder futures ended higher. Traders have expected cash prices to weaken but last week’s average was $115/cwt. 

CBOT futures closed sharply lower and at the day’s lows following bearish USDA reports showing larger-than-expected corn and soybean yields, along with growing World carryout forecasts.  Cattle futures closed lower with sharper losses in the Live Cattle market due to follow-through selling off yesterday’s big losses.

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