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A feature with Dr. John Settimi, chair of the ag department at Eastern Kentucky University which has received an ag development grant in stall and automatic milking system with its dairy operation.  Settimi says the innovation should serve as a model for smaller farmers in the region, helping many of them stay in business.  

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Three county extension offices in Adair, Green and Taylor Counties are initiating a new Master Haymaker Program over the next six weeks.  Feldhaus talks with Green County extension agent, Ricky Arnett who says the idea came from area producers who want to not only increase yields but to increase nutritional value of their stored feeds.  

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It looks like the Eastern Tent Caterpillar is emerging early across Kentucky, and UK entomologist, Lee Townsend, offers some tips for dealing with the pest.  On farms they appear in many fence rows, around the home they cluster in silky globs in the branches of ornamental cherry trees.  With a little attention they can be dealt with fairly easily. 

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Some 4,000 Kentucky livestock farmers have successfully completed UK’s Master Cattleman Program, and its coordinator, Ben Crites, is encouraging other farmers to sign up for that course which is now opening up in six regions across the state.  Registration details are available through county extension offices. 

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March and that means that many farmers across the state will head to the county clerk’s office to renew their custom farm tag license plates.  Ag Commissioner Ryan Quarles is encouraging them to participate in the Ag Tag donation program whose revenue is split between 4-H, FFA, and Kentucky Proud.

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Despite the stronger US Dollar, CBOT futures closed sharply higher and near the day’s highs. Corn and soybean futures traded inside Tuesday’s wide ranges, but wheat was able to close above yesterday’s highs.  Cattle futures tried to move higher in follow-through to Tuesday’s strong markets, but closed mixed. Live Cattle prices were supported by a stronger boxed beef market and higher cash prices at the Fed Cattle Exchange.

CBOT futures closed lower with corn and wheat settling near the day’s lows. Soybean futures rallied after noon to finish mid-range. Markets were pressured by the advancing soybean harvest in Brazil and weaker export basis.  Cattle futures closed strongly higher with the February LC contract surging to catch up with last week’s cash trade at $124-125/cwt.