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Pro Farmer findings compared to Reuters poll of analysts… According to a Reuters poll of 10 analysts, the U.S. corn harvesting progress lagged behind last year’s pace. On average, the analysts estimated that 44% of the U.S. corn crop had been harvested as of Sunday, with estimates ranging from 35% to 55% for corn.
That estimation aligns with Pro Farmer’s recent survey of subscribers which found 43% of corn harvest was wrapped up and 80% of soybean harvest was complete as of the middle of last week. Pro Farmer’s numbers were derived largely from subscribers in the seven Crop Tour States in the gut-slot of the Corn Belt – although data from other areas were consistent with the overall trend. The brisk soybean harvest pace may help alleviate some pressure on soybeans as analysts generally expected soybean harvest at only 60% complete.
Secy Rollins has farm assistance ready… USDA Secretary Rollins has acknowledged she and the administration are aware critical emergency farm aid are currently being held up by the government shutdown. Speaking with Fox News, Rollins noted USDA’s readiness to issue the promised aid saying, “As soon as the shutdown lifts, we’ll be ready to roll something out.” Meanwhile, roughly 42,000 USDA staff members are furloughed including FSA and NRCS staffers. Rollins remarked it is currently difficult to grasp the full impact of the shutdown on farm country saying, “We’re not even entirely sure what the damage is yet, so it’s hard to craft.”
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that Senate Majority Leader John Thune is quietly pressing administration officials to let farmers continue to access Marketing Assistance Loans, which help meet cash flow needs during harvest season and as planting decisions for next year loom. Thus far, administration officials say they have no plans to shift other money around for the agriculture loans like they’ve done with troop pay and other priorities.
U.S. senators failed for the 10th time to resolve the U.S. government shutdown in votes last Thursday. The shutdown is now the third-longest funding lapse in modern history.
National Cattleman’s Beef Association CEO on Argy beef imports… “NCBA’s family farmers and ranchers have numerous concerns with importing more Argentinian beef to lower prices for consumers. This plan only creates chaos at a critical time of the year for American cattle producers, while doing nothing to lower grocery store prices,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “Additionally, Argentina has a deeply unbalanced trade relationship with the U.S. In the past five years Argentina has sold more than $801 million of beef into the U.S. market. By comparison, the U.S. has sold just over $7 million worth of American beef to Argentina. Argentina also has a history of foot-and-mouth disease, which if brought to the United States, could decimate our domestic livestock production.” -source: NCBA Press Release
Invasive pest found in Franklin County, Kansas… Officials in Kansas have issued a warning they have detected for the first time the presence of the Asian Longhorned Tick, which has been confirmed in Franklin County, Kansas. The invasive pest is noted as a threat to livestock, humans, pets and wildlife. “Right now, our concern is mainly for cattle,” said K-State University professor Gregg Hanzlicek.
In cattle, the tick infects white and red blood cells leading to fever, loss of appetite, weakness and in some cases, death of the animal. The pest is particularly prolific and vexing as it is able to reproduce without mating, meaning populations could spread quickly. Hanzlicek advises people take proper precautions including, “…wear long sleeves, use insect repellent, and check for ticks after being in grassy or wooded areas.”
Perry, Iowa breaks ground on production facility… JBS USA broke ground Tuesday on a “state of the art” sausage making facility in Perry Iowa and celebrated with city and state leaders calling it a “turning point” for the community. The roughly 110-acre site on the southeast side of Perry is slated to be operational a year from now and officials expect to add a second shift about six months later.
Senator aims to separate Forest service from USDA… Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Mike Lee is resurrecting an old idea to shake up the Forest Service and separate the agency from the Department of Agriculture. The Utah Republican is working on legislation to move the Forest Service to the Interior Department, where its mission historically sat until President Theodore Roosevelt oversaw a switch to USDA in 1905.
The draft legislation, called the “Forest Service Reorganization Act of 2025,” would also create a separate wildland fire agency and would waive overtime pay caps for wildland firefighters. The propsal includes other priorities notably, making the forest chief’s position a political appointment, subject to Senate confirmation.
Notable closes…
Export inspections of corn in the week ended October 16 totaled 1.318 million metric tons – that was in line with trade expectations. The corn market is also taking note of disappointing harvest results east and west of the Mississippi River.
- December corn futures were three-quarters of a cent higher at $4.23 1/4
- March corn up half cent to $4.37
- May corn futures closed at $4.45 1/4, up quarter-of-a-penny
The cattle complex was in recovery mode today after Friday’s sharply lower prices driven by President Trump’s comments about efforts to lower beef prices.
- December live cattle were $1.82 ½ higher at $243.65
- February live cattle up $1.70 to $244.52 ½
- November feeders up 97 ½ cents to $372.67 ½.