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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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Feldhaus visits with Ky Ag Department staffer Tim Hughes who explains the new “Buy Local,” incentive program developed for restaurants and food distributors to utilize more Kentucky grown foods. By utilizing Kentucky Proud, locally grown farm foods, restaurants can realize a 15% reward on such purchases.

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A feature report with Madison County young farmer, Derek Adams, who has successfully applied for and been accepted for a “beginning farmer loan,” through the Ky Ag Finance Corporation.  Adams describes that process which began with contacting a local lender for details, and which made possible the purchase of the young couple’s first farm.  

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The Kentucky Ag Department’s Junior Chef program will be used as a model for a regional competition by USDA.  KDA’s Junior Chef program coordinator, Tina Garland, says they’re very honored at the selection.  She also noted that district and regional competitions are underway this month and next for high school teams with an eye toward making it to state finals at the Kentucky State Fair.

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CBOT futures closed mixed with closing prices near unchanged. Futures were up and down twice today, testing the early highs and lows.   Cattle futures closed higher with the April LC contract leading the way – hitting new highs that are $30/cwt above the October lows.  April LC is chasing the cash market higher as some cattle traded $130-132 in S. Plains

CBOT corn and soybeans closed moderately lower under pressure from heavy spec fund selling – who are adding to their short positions. Wheat was able to separate itself from the corn/bean downdraft due to concerns for the spring wheat crop.  Cattle futures closed mixed with Live Cattle up and Feeders lower.