Whether it’s a vehicle or farm property, “winter weather is something that just takes a toll,” says Brian Riches, a financial representative at COUNTRY Financial, adding that the effects of cold weather can result in damage or injury. Riches talks about what can be done to prepare for winter’s onslaught, including maintenance tips for vehicle owners and emergency kits that should be a part of every car or truck on the road during winter. It’s also a good idea to maintain adequate insurance coverage for winter maladies.

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Augers play an integral part of every grain farm, but improper use can lead to injury or even death.

In this Managing for Profit, Jeanna Lemaster with Indiana Farmers Insurance has some safety tips to prevent grain auger accidents on the farm.

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Peterson Farms Seed agronomy manager Adam Spelhaug says much of a late maturing crop remains to be harvested as wet weather plagues the Upper Midwest. Interestingly, he tells Brownfield grain quality has been surprisingly good, easing concerns of farmers who plan to store corn and soybeans as they await better marketing opportunities.

In this edition of The Seed Difference Podcast, Spelhaug also highlights some test plot data and discusses seed supplies for 2020. 

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• This week in the markets – Fed cattle were $2 higher this week, while feeder cattle were steady to $3 lower. The futures market showed strength this week with December live cattle up $3.40 and November feeder cattle futures up $3.60. Boxed beef prices gained $7.70 this week on strength in ribs and loins. Cash barrow and gilt prices were nearly $2 lower this week and the December lean hog futures contract closed nearly $1 lower. Pork cutout value was basically unchanged this week, as strength in picnics, ribs, and hams were offset by weakness in the bellies. 
• Restaurant Performance Index – The Overall Restaurant Performance Index came in at 100.4, still suggesting minor expansion. For the fourth consecutive month we have seen a decline in the Current Situation Index. It now sits at 99.6 for September, its lowest level since January of 2018. The Expectation Index came in at 101.3. 
• Jobs Report – Total non-farm employment rose by 128,000 in October, exceeding the pre-report estimate of 75,000. They also revised both September and August numbers up. All of that is positive news for the economy and for domestic demand. 
• Next week’s reports: Monthly Trade Data, WASDE, and Consumer Confidence.

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Different parts of the country have their own challenging weeds to control. For Missouri farmer BT Meredith – it’s pigweed.

In this Managing for Profit, BT talks about their switch to the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Crop System and how it’s been a game changer for his farm.

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The trend is growing in which people want details of how their food is produced, or they want to participate in the harvest of their produce. Many farmers have successfully created a profit center from hosting tourists on their farms. From corn mazes to pick-your-own produce operations, there are a growing number of farms that welcome the public, but as we hear from Kristin Kramer, a farm product and training manager with COUNTRY Financial, adequate insurance coverage is important.

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Fall is one of the busiest times of years for farmers and getting through this season safely is one of the top priorities.

In this Managing for Profit, Bart Anderson with Indiana Farmers Insurance has a few tips to keep farmers safe in the middle of the hustle and bustle of harvest.

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· This week in the markets – Cash fed cattle are $1 lower this week, feeder cattle auctions were steady to $2 higher. Cattle futures were up this week. The December live cattle futures contract closed $2.80 higher and November feeder cattle closed up $2.40. The Choice box beef price was $5.25 higher this week with strength across the board. Barrow and gilt prices were $1.25 lower this week and the December lean hogs futures contract closed $2.70 lower this week. The Pork Cutout value closed $.80 this week due to weakness in the bellies. 

· Cold Storage – Total supply of beef in lockers was 8.5 percent below year-ago levels for September, while pork in cold storage was 1.6 percent higher than last year. Those are both supportive to cattle and hog prices. Hams were down nearly 13 million pounds relative to a year ago, likely due to strong export demand. Total beef, pork, chicken, and turkey was 116 million pounds below year-ago levels. Due in large part to a better poultry market outlook.

· Livestock Slaughter – Another report that confirms that we are growing meat supplies in this country. Pork production has been on the increase for 19 consecutive quarters. Beef production has been up 15 of the last 16 quarters. Chicken production has been up 26 of the last 28 quarters. Third quarter pork production was 6.2 percent higher than a year ago and beef production is 1.5 percent higher than last year at this time. 

· Cattle on Feed – The report came close to pre-report average guesses. Cattle placements in September were at 102. Cattle on Feed as of October 1 came in at 98.9 percent. The percentage of heifers on feed continues to rise and has reached just over 39 percent for the third quarter of this year. While steers on feed continue to fall below year-ago levels. 

· Next week’s reports: Restaurant Performance Index and Jobs Report

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2019 was the first widespread planting of Enlist E3 soybeans – and farmers are talking.

In this Managing for Profit, Shawna Hubbard, trait herbicide product manager takes a look back at the 2019 growing season and offers some thoughts about the outlook for Enlist for 2020.

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Harvest in full swing and it’s also the time of year farmers are making decisions about seed products for the 2020 growing season.

In this Managing for Profit, Dekalb Asgrow technical agronomist Sue Eivins Brakhane talks about some considerations farmers should make when finalizing those big seed selection decisions for next year.

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