A discussion about the topical issues facing the agricultural industry in a Q&A format with  Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. Commissioner Quarles talks about the Hunger Task Force created earlier this year to help alleviate the issue of food insecurity in Kentucky.

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Matt and Amanda Gadjzik of Shelby County are one of the three finalists in the Outstanding Young Farm Family contest in the state.  Matt describes their operation made up of the typical range of Kentucky farm practices from row crops, to tobacco, to cattle. They’ve also added an orchard and roadside market to help even out farm income when the commodity prices fluctuate to the negative, as they are these days.

The season for the heightened likelihood of auto/deer collisions on Kentucky highways runs generally every October through December.  Feldhaus visits with Ky Fish and Wildlife Resources deer biologist, Kyle Sams, who says this second week of November is the actual peak of that season. He offers a few tips for avoiding deer strikes on the roadways.

The Ky Ag Department’s “Farm to School” program continues to grow in the number of school systems participating and the amount of fresh, locally grown and/or processed foods purchased by school systems is also rising.  KDA’s Tina Garland comments on the effort to encourage more nutritious food choices in schools.

The UK forestry department has just completed a 10-year examination of “best management practices” for timber harvesting to make sure the industry is doing all it can to protect water resources across the state.  UK forester, Jeff Stringer, says the study indicated most current practices were very adequate and only a few instances of “fine tuning” were required. 

Tomorrow is election day, and the leader of the state’s largest farm group is encouraging the rural sector to put a trip to the polling place at the top of its “to do” list for farm chores on Tuesday.  Farm Bureau president, Mark Haney of Pulaski County, says the farm vote can make a difference at the polls.   

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CBOT futures closed mixed with soybeans and meal leading the way on the downside, adding to Tuesday’s sharp losses. The November Soybean contract closed below the 200-day moving average, but January Soybean closed just above the 200-day.  Cattle futures closed mostly higher with the best gains coming in deferred contracts. Prices were supported by very strong boxed beef values and expectations for steady to higher cash cattle markets.