CBOT futures closed lower with huge losses in wheat futures – for the second straight day in KC and Chicago. Futures closed at/near the day’s lows.

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A report on the new E-Discovery Challenge, a program to shape the next generation of Kentucky entrepreneurs. Beverly Smith, a teacher with the Bell County Area Technology Center, says last year her students loved the challenge, really got into product development, and partnered with the Middlesboro Mall to showcase their products. Smith says the effort is a partnership between the UK College of Ag and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

UK’s “pulling team” has earned a 3^rd place in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition. Ag engineering assistant professor, Michael Sama, discusses the dedication of the team members who design, build, and perfect their entry, and how the networking with industry judges helps their future career possibilities.

A follow-up report with “Farmers’ Almanac” editor, Pete Geiger, on a few of the more unusual items they’ve featured in that publication’s first 200 years.  He says the paperback publication is now at news stands, as popular as ever, and has successfully adapted to the cyber world, now with an internet presence.

A report on UK’s Department of Ag Economics’ “Academic Bowl” team winning the national championship for the first time since 1997.  Department chair, Dr. Leigh Maynard, explains the competition and that this “jeopardy-style” test requires knowledge, application skills, and a strategy in the contest itself.  

A feature with “Farmers’ Almanac” editor, Pete Geiger, who discusses some of the folk wisdom tidbits featured in that publication over the past two centuries. Celebrating its 200^th anniversary, he provides a few unique highlights from past decades, discusses this year’s “farmer of the year” search, and offers a hint for Kentucky’s winter weather using phrases like “numbing cold and snowy,” and “watch out for February.” 

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CBOT futures closed mixed with soybeans and meal moving higher on strong export news.  Live Cattle futures closed little changed after trading a fairly wide range high to low.