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After some three years of planning Pulaski County entrepreneur, Kyle Turpin and friends, have just opened the Summit Meat processing facility at Science Hill. He says response from the region’s farmers has been phenomenal, and already they’re working toward USDA certification which will expand their services even further. Turpin credits a state ag development grant and business pointers from the Ky Center for Ag and Rural Development for their success so far.

In Monroe County a group of crafters has been getting some professional help and mentoring in business practices both personal and as a group.  One result has been that once a month the group joins forces with the local farmers market and provides shoppers the opportunity to purchase locally made craft items.  Local craft group member, Sue Walsh talks about this very popular development.

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A new pest invading Kentucky’s sweet sorghum crops last year, in some cases, resulted in a total crop failure.  To help farmers fight back this year, the Kentucky agriculture department has issues a Section 18 Crisis Exemption to allow farmers to utilize a crop protection product, unavailable last year, which should help them turn their crop from cane to sweet sorghum syrup.

The Ky State Fair Board’s Steve Kelly provides a preview of some of the attraction at the Aug 18 opening of the Kentucky State Fair.  From educational exhibits to a female Houdini, from free concerts to “roving acts” across the fairgrounds, he says there plenty to see.  He also touts major savings by pre-purchasing tickets through Kroger or Ticketmaster.  Details available at: kystatefair.org.

A feature report on the second quarter “Marketbasket food price survey” for showing Kentucky food prices ups slightly from this year’s first quarter but actually down from the price average a year ago.  Farm Bureau communications director Todd Bright provides some of the details in pricing trends for the forty staple food items in the tally.

CBOT futures closed mixed with wheat futures leading the market higher. Most trading stayed above Tuesday’s lows.  Cattle closed higher on optimism for stronger cash cattle trade this week and a firmer boxed beef market.

Monday’s strong crop ratings and non-threatening weather forecasts maintained pressure on CBOT futures.   Cattle futures closed mostly higher, consolidating Monday’s gains with support from the boxed beef market. Lean Hog futures closed mixed, supported by a strong pork market at midday where Fob Plant was up 2.24.