Corn and wheat futures closed sharply higher on fund short-covering. Support came from concern that wet soils will delay corn planting and maybe some spring wheat seeding.  Cattle futures closed higher which mostly erased Monday’s losses. Support came from Monday’s friendly Cold Storage report, futures’ discount to cash price and firmer boxed beef values.

Kentucky Farm Bureau President Mark Haney comments on the confirmation of the new USDA Secretary, Sonny Perdue.

CBOT futures closed very mixed with soybean meal the big winner; meal’s gains offset weaker soybean oil to lift soybean futures one percent.  Cattle futures closed strongly lower but well off the day’s lows. Futures were pressured by Friday’s Cattle on Feed Report that reported March Placements higher than expected.

Kentucky Farm Bureau President Mark Haney discusses Earth Day and how it applies to Kentucky agriculture today.

“This research affects what the consumer pays for food. It also affects whether their food is safe and people want to know their food is safe for their children,” Dean Nancy Cox of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment said. “Research also helps to preserve wildlife, the environment and recreational uses of our lands.”

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Jefferson County produce farmer Bill Dohn did get a little freeze damage earlier on his mint crop, but since then it’s grown out nicely.  Dohn provides the mint for some 125,000 mint juleps to be sold at Churchill Downs next week, during the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby, May 5 and 6.    

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It’s estimated that nearly one third of Americans do gardening of one form or another.  UK Horticulture specialist, Rick Durham, talks about the extension publication available through local extension offices that can take beginners through a step by step guideline in getting started.  He suggests starting small with tomatoes, maybe sweet peppers, and squash or green beans.  

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