“The Most Wonderful Dream,” is the name of a new book authored and illustrated by Kentucky’s own, nationally renowned illustrator, Mitchell Tolle.  Butler County’s Betty Farris, a member of Ky Farm Bureau’s state women’s committee, says that book is at the center of “Ag Literacy Week” activities next week in schools throughout Kentucky.  

Listen here 

For the fourth year in a row the Spencer County FFA Dairy Judging Team has won that National FFA competition and this summer will head to Scotland for an international dairy event.  Local FFA advisor, Bland Baird, talks about the tradition of the teams national performance over the years and explains that team members are now in fund raising mode to make that trip possible. 

A feature report with a Hardin County grain farmer who’s made a connection with a regional brokerage firm to supply a local distillery with corn.  Larry Thomas says the buyers have a few specifications for how the crop is handled and delivered, but he feels most farmers could easily accommodate their requirements and earn a little bonus in the sale as well. 

Listen here

March is the month in Kentucky when holders of the customized “farm license plates,” do their annual registration.  Ky FFA Foundation director, Sheldon McKinney says it’s also time for them to consider a $10 Ag Tag donation, which last year netted $182,000 for the youth organization, with 50% of that going back to local chapters.

Listen here

An update on the most recent round of approvals made by the Ky Ag Finance Corporation for its ag infrastructure loan program which makes low interest loans, that in this latest round will impact farmers with poultry operations to one making the investment in a robotic milking system.  KAFC chief, Bill McCloskey is featured.

Listen here

March 15 Crop Insurance Deadline Nears

CBOT futures closed lower for a second day with corn and wheat ending close to the day’s lows.  Wheat led the way down as the US Dollar strengthened.  Cattle futures managed modest gains at the closing bell after a volatile trading day.  

CBOT futures closed lower led by the soy complex which is under pressure from the soy harvest in Brazil of a record crop (some estimates are rising).  Cattle futures changed small amounts today as traders wait for more cash market direction. Some early sales were down $3-4 from last week.

CBOT futures closed little changed with corn and soybeans closing near the day’s lows. The days’ highs came early in the day.  Cattle futures closed slightly lower after trading both sides.  Lean hog futures bolted higher at the open, but had peaked by 9 am and moved to the day’s lows near the unchanged level shortly after 11 am.