A feature story on “conservation camp” for fourth through sixth grade Kentucky youngsters.  Ky Fish and Wildlife’s Laura Burford talks about this summer’s camp experience with features such as archery, canoeing, and “master casting.”  But she says probably the greatest value is providing for youngsters their first experience, overnighting away from home.  

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Three chefs are now on duty with the Ky Department of Agriculture in its new Chefs to Schools program.  The department’s Tina Garland says the effort, funded by USDA grants, is designed to increase school utilization of locally grown produce and to educate students and communities about the health and economic benefits of buying local. 

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CBOT futures closed steady to mostly higher, led by the soybean meal market.  Most contracts established their daily high about 12:45 pm CDT and then sold off into the closing bell, resulting in closes 2-3 cents off the highs.   Cattle futures closed higher but well off the day’s highs which were set by 10 am. Cattle futures hit new highs for this latest rally.  Lean Hog futures closed lower on pressure from weaker cash hog prices.

CBOT futures closed slightly lower to higher on a volatile day of trading caused in part by the USDA WASDE report at 11 am CDT.  The report contained somewhat bearish data in higher world carryout stocks number.  Cattle futures closed strongly higher for the fourth straight day. The nearby April LC and FC contracts traded to new highs.

CBOT futures closed lower on across-the-board fund selling – adding to their short positions. With large supplies available, there’s nothing to get buyers excited.   Cattle futures closed higher in follow-through strength to yesterday’s market turnaround.  Lean Hog futures opened close to unchanged but turned higher mid-morning and kept rallying into the close (except for the nearby April LH).

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A feature report on how UK entomologist Ric Bessin is working with growers of small fruits like strawberries, blueberries and grapes to trap and identify harmful insects and to then utilize social media to alert other growers about the spread of the pest. The net result is that often growers can avoid unnecessary and expensive crop protection applications because the pest isn’t yet active at harvest time in various locations. 

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