It has been another quiet week in the grain markets and OSU Extension Grain Market Economist Dr. Kim Anderson says, this isn't necessarily a bad thing given the current market situation for most commodities.

For wheat, it is a bit speculative as the USDA has predicted HRW export sales to be even with the previous year. However, at this point, US wheat exports are down 37 percent, which means is the USDA is correct then there is a lot of export demand left to make up the difference that has yet to come in. At the same time, though, small rallies continue to spark as rumors pop up that Russia is suspended exports from certain terminals. While that is good news in general, Anderson wonders if Russia is not simply attempting to build up expectations and prices in order to capture a higher price for its wheat.

Looking at other commodities- corn and soybeans are both in a similar situation with either near or above record production this year. Most analysts agree that the price of corn has hit a bottom and could even in fact bump up by 30 to 40 cents. Meanwhile, soybeans have been overall steady but have recently increased by as much as 50 cents. Anderson, though, is hesitant at this point to call it an upward trend- at least not until it breaks $9.30 or better in the near-term.

Finally, cotton has also sparked some speculation as well with prices lately mostly flat. While there might still be some room for cotton to work down maybe a few cents lower, Anderson believes cotton is very near its bottom.

According to State Climatologist Gary McManus, though, the forecast for Oklahoma is setting up well for a chance at total drought removal over the course of the next week. Be aware, though, this expectation comes with the possibility of flooding as well, especially in western Oklahoma.

For a closer look at this week's Drought Monitor Map, or to read McManus' latest edition of the Mesonet Ticker report, click here.

Yesterday, R-CALF USA sent a letter to U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer arguing that the USMCA trade agreement announced by the Trump Administration fails to achieve its America first goal in respect to US cattle producers.

By trade, Janeal Yancey works as a program technician in the Meat Science department at the University of Arkansas. On the side, though, Yancey has built up a large following through her blog, Mom at the Meat Counter, where she shares her knowledge of meat production with the goal of answering questions that ag-illiterate consumers may have about their food and how it is produced. She talked recently with us about the importance of sharing ag's story with consumers.


According to Yancey, the average consumer of today is at least three generations removed from the farm and in their lifetime has probably only visited a working farm maybe once. Because of this, she says most consumers have a very limited knowledge of what actually goes on in a farm or ranch operation, much less why certain things are done the way they are. This is important for people in the industry to understand, she says, because consumers today have many questions and are often met with some response from an engaged member of the agricultural community. However, what is often overlooked in those responses is a lack of effective communication. She says consumers knowledge of ag is so limited that often times, what those in the industry might consider very basic terms, are often completely lost on the consumer who hears nothing but confusing jargon when an explanation is being offered.


Yancey says producers may feel it necessary to clarify terms like GMO, EPD, and AI... but more often than not, she says a consumer is likely to also need clarification on the simple things like heifer, steer, gilt and barrow. Most consumers recognize cow, sheep, pig and goat, etc. But Yancey says the first step to effective communication is bringing things down to a level that consumers can understand.


Yancey believes that engaging with the public is more important than ever for the ag industry, as the gap between the producer and consumer continues to widen. By sharing individual experiences, she believes that renewed trust and understanding can be established. Motivated by that belief, Yancey encourages others to share their stories in the same way she was recruited, acknowledging the inherent strength in numbers.


Listen to Yancey and I discuss her advocacy efforts on behalf of the ag industry, on yesterday's Beef Buzz - click here.