The Federal Aviation Administration finally released clarification on its rules for commercial use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s) which can be used on farms very effectively for crop and livestock management.  UK professor ag engineering and bio-systems, Michael Sama, runs down some of the more important changes for this unfolding technology.

One of the early meat processing establishments to take advantage of  Ag Development Board grants and loans to get off the ground was Boone’s Butcher Shop in Nelson County. Allison Boone Porteus, vice president for Boone’s,  says several county grants and a sizeable loan from the state board will go toward a major expansion in freezer space and on the retail floor, both having positive impact for farmers and consumers.

A feature report on the Montgomery County 4-H Junior Chef team which won the state championship in that event at the Ky State Fair.  Volunteer coach, Lee Etta Greer talks about the team’s progress throughout the school year and the lessons learned in the competition far beyond developing culinary skills.   

CBOT futures closed higher on strong fund buying. Futures were led higher by soybean meal and soybeans on strong export sales.  Cattle futures finally turned around after 4 days of sharp losses, as traders booked their profits in an oversold market.

CBOT futures closed mixed with the soy complex performing the best. Market support came from a sharply lower US Dollar Index and the report showing better-than-expected export inspections(shipments) for last week.  Cattle futures closed sharply lower with nearby Feeder Cattle contracts touching the daily limit of $4.50/cwt.

Corn and wheat futures closed strongly higher on the first day of September; this comes after 8 straight days of lower closes.  It was a terrible day in cattle futures with nearby October Live Cattle closing down the daily $3.00 limit.  Lean Hog futures closed higher despite the crash in cattle futures.

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