Most farmers have selected seed for the upcoming growing season, but WinField United technical seed agronomist Corey Evans says that’s just the first of many steps in the planning process.

He tells Brownfield technology can help with decision-making, which will likely be more complicated this year given the weather challenges of 2019.

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· This week in the markets – Live cattle were unchanged on the week and feeder cattle markets were steady to $4 higher. February live cattle were $1.50 lower and March feeder cattle closed nearly $3 lower. The Choice Box beef price gained $2.80 this week, on strength in all the components. Choice box beef prices are now equal to year-ago levels. Cash barrow and gilt prices gained nearly $1 this week. February lean hogs were basically unchanged for the week. Pork cutout value gained nearly $1 on strength in the bellies. 

· Retail Prices – The Choice beef retail price gained 0.4% for December relative to the previous month. That’s 4.4% higher than December ’18. The pork retail price fell 1.3% relative to November. But is still nearly 2% above year-ago levels. Choice sirloin stead prices were $8.48, 2% above the previous month. While bacon was $5.47 in December, down 0.6% from November. 

· Consumer Confidence – The January Index of Consumer Sentiment was down 0.2% relative to December on a weakening index of consumer expectations. The Current Economic Conditions Index was up 0.3% month-over-month. The January 2020 overall index is 8.7% above year-ago levels. 

· Trade – It’s been a big week in trade. Scott and Meghan dig into the big trade news of the week that including the signing of the phase one trade deal with China and progress on the USMCA.

· Next week’s reports: Cold Storage, Livestock slaughter, and Cattle on Feed.

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Looking back at his 2019 soybean harvest Southern Illinois farmer Fred Helms says he was impressed. Helms says they ended up with soybean yields that were above and beyond his highest level of expectation. 

In this Managing for Profit, he explains how this soybean crop beat the odds given the challenging year that was 2019.

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Ag technology is changing how farmers farm. But sifting through all the latest tools to identify what’s necessary can be a challenge.

WinField United director of digital transformation and the Deal with Yield podcast co-host Joel Wipperfurth says there are three things to consider when evaluating ag technology, beginning with knowing what the problem is before looking for a solution.

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• This week in the markets – Live cattle prices were $.85 lower this week. Feeder cattle auctions were generally steady to $4 higher. The February live cattle future contract closed more than $2.50 higher this week. March feeder cattle contract was up more than $4.25. Choice box beef price gained $.85 this week. Cash barrow and gilt prices were $.25 lower for the week. February lean hog futures closed more than $1.25 lower this. Pork cutout value lost $.77 this week with weakness in loins and picnics. 
• The latest Supply and Demand report was released on Friday – From a livestock perspective there was very little change with the exception of chicken production which increase by 145 million pounds. If correct, total US red meat and poultry production will be 2.8 billion pounds above the 2019 level. 
• Jobs report – The US economy added 145,000 jobs in December, while slightly below expectations, still another consecutive month of job growth. 
• Monthly Trade Data – Pork exports in November reached 623 million pounds, a record level of monthly exports. Beef exports have trailed year-ago levels for the 11th consecutive month. Hopefully the new bilateral agreement between the US and Japan will push beef prices higher this year. 
• Scott and Meghan talk China – The phase one trade deal is expected to be signed on the 15th. 
• Next week’s reports – Retail prices and consumer sentiment

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BASF has launched a new industry-initiative. This approach includes Cultural and mechanical practices, chemical control and eradication diligence

In this Operation Weed Eradication Radio Road Show, Kate Greif, Marketing Manager with BASF joins us to talk about why the time is right for Operation Weed Eradication.

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Some farmers have expressed concern that they weren’t able to fall-apply their nitrogen. But, commercial agronomist Jason Webster says he doesn’t have a single worry in the world about it. In fact he says, “I think it’s actually a good thing.”

In this Managing for Profit he’ll explain how farmers can use that to their advantage.

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Bayer PLUS Rewards isn’t your typical rewards program and farmers are benefiting.

In this Managing for Profit, Josh VanDeWalle, grower marketing manager for Bayer elaborates on how farmers can get the most of the Bayer PLUS Rewards program.

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Winter is here, and farmers are busy planning for the upcoming growing season.

WinField United agronomist and the Deal with Yield podcast host Jon Zuk says once crop rotation is determined, there’s a lot to discuss with trusted advisors.

He points to 2019 yields, soil sample results, and 2020 goals as key talking points. 

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• This week in the markets – Live cattle ended the week $2.50 higher. Another slow week of feeder cattle auctions due to the holiday, and not enough information is available for a comparable test. February live cattle futures contract closed nearly $2 lower this week as did the January feeder cattle futures contract. The Choice Box Beef price lost $1 this week, it now sets more than $6.50 lower than year-ago levels. Cash barrow and gilt prices rose $.70 this week, while the February lean hog futures contract closed nearly $2 lower. The pork cutout value lost $2 this week, primarily on weakness in bellies.
• Phase One Deal with China – A date has been signed. But…
• The US – Japan Trade deal has started implementation – Scott outlines what we can expect to see.
• Next week’s reports: Monthly Trade Data, WASDE and Jobs Reports come out on Friday

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