As Harvest Progresses, Corn Quality Holds Steady 

With harvest now underway across the country, the condition of the corn crop remains strong, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released today. With 55 percent of the crop in good or excellent condition, 40 percent of the crop had reached full maturity and 7 percent of all corn acres had been harvested by September 22.

"With harvest now underway, we grow closer by the week to having an accurate assessment of the 2013 corn crop," said National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson. "The reports of a quality crop bolster our hopes for our nation's supply, but it is imperative that we keep in mind how much can change should the weather shift before harvest is complete."

Harvest has now begun in all of the top 18 corn-producing states with only the exception of Minnesota and Wisconsin. While harvest progress trails 30 points behind this week in 2012, crop quality remains far superior with a full 31 points more listed in good or excellent condition. Harvest progress only trails the five-year average by nine points.

The corn condition remained largely unchanged from the prior week's forecast with 13 percent of the crop reported to be in excellent condition and 42 percent in good condition, a two point increase from last week. 

Click here for the USDA's weekly report on crop progress.

Click here for the U.S. Drought Monitor website.

 

Wheat Planting Slightly Behind, Crop Progress Ahead of Average 

Planting of wheat in Oklahoma was just a few points behind normal while 75 percent of wheat seedbed preparation was complete as of Sunday, and 15 percent of wheat had been planted.
Planting of winter canola is also underway- and is now 14% complete.

Most row crops were even or ahead of normal progress, but corn harvest continued to be behind the five-year average. Sorghum coloring was 89 percent complete, and 44 percent was mature. Harvest of sorghum was 15 percent complete by the week's end.  Half of the peanut crop was mature, and a small portion had been dug by the end of the week. Fifty-six percent of cotton had bolls opening by Sunday, on track with the five-year average.  (We have more details of the Oklahoma Crop Weather update- along with a quick interview with Mike Schulte of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission on wheat planting- click here to jump there.)

Winter wheat planting in Kansas was was 13 percent last week, near 15 last year and 15 average. Corn dented was 96 percent, behind 100 last year and 99 average. Fifty-two percent of the crop was mature, behind 94 last year and 77 average. Corn harvested was 16 percent complete, well behind 62 last year, and 34 average. Corn condition rated 11 percent very poor, 18 poor, 32 fair, 31 good, and 8 excellent.  (Click here for the full Kansas report.)

Early seeded wheat was off to a good start due to the added moisture in Texas. Cotton in the Northern and Southern High Plains progressed nicely with the added precipitation. Producers were preparing for defoliation in the coming week. Peanuts continued to mature in South Texas and were ready for harvest as field conditions allow. (The full Texas report is available by clicking here.)

Lack of Cattle Catches Up with Beef Industry

Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist writes in the latest Cow-Calf Newsletter:

The September USDA Cattle on Feed report shows a September 1 feedlot inventory at 9.88 million head, down 7 percent from last year and the smallest September feedlot inventory since 2003. The August placement total of 1.79 million head was 11 percent lower than one year ago and was the lowest August placement figure since the current report format began in the mid 1990s. Placements were lower for all weights but down the most for animals weighing under 700 pounds. This follows July placements which were also down nearly 11 percent from the previous year. Feedlot marketings in August were down 3.7 percent from last year. However, marketings as a percent of the on-feed total have been well above year ago levels in July and August.

It is perhaps less surprising that feedlot inventories are rapidly tightening than the fact that it has taken so long for the situation to develop. Drought and several other factors have postponed this situation to some degree since at least 2011. Though the timing is different, changes in several cattle sector flows have supported feedlot inventories and beef production temporarily in the face of ever tighter cattle supplies. The largest component of this, no doubt, is the fact that drought has postponed heifer retention. 

Click here for more of Derrell's analysis.

 

New Analysis: Ethanol Cutting Crude Oil, Gasoline Prices

Consumers are saving $0.50-1.50 per gallon on gasoline as a result of increased ethanol production under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), according to a new analysis by renowned energy economist Philip K. Verleger, who served as an advisor on energy issues to both the Ford and Carter administrations.

"The implication for world consumers is clear... he US renewable fuels program has cut annual consumer expenditures in 2013 between $700 billion and $2.6 trillion," writes Verleger. "This translates to consumers paying between $0.50 and $1.50 per gallon less for gasoline." The commentary summarizes a more detailed analysis that was included in Verleger's August Petroleum Economics Monthly newsletter.

Crude oil prices would be between $15-$40 per barrel higher today without the substantial volumes of ethanol that have been added to petroleum inventories since enactment of the RFS. According to the commentary, the RFS today has added "...the equivalent of Ecuador's crude oil output to the world market at a time of extreme tightness."

You can read more of this story by clicking here.

Mourer Says Producers Have Several Tools to Add Value to Their Beef Cattle

With weaning season upon us, ranchers are preparing to market their cattle. Gant Mourer, Value Added Specialist with the Oklahoma State University Animal Science Department, says there are a lot of things producers can do to add value to each head sold. He spoke with me recently and joins me on the latest Beef Buzz.

"When I think of weaning calves, we can keep those calves back, vaccinate those calves and make them healthy for the next person who wants to purchase those calves," Mourer says.

Adding value can be as easy as producers simply considering what kind of calves they would want to buy and what kind of calves they, themselves, would be willing to pay more money for.

Beyond genetics, he says there are plenty of things producers can do to increase their returns on market day. 

"If we can just vaccinate those calves--get two rounds of vaccinations in them, booster those calves, get the health of those calves where we need them to be-60 percent of the time, we'll see increased value in those calves anywhere between $50 and $60 a head."

Click here  to read more or to catch the Beef Buzz. 

 

National Cowboy Museum President Chuck Schroeder to Step Down

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum President Chuck Schroeder announced today that he has accepted a new position with the University of Nebraska as the Founding Director of the Rural Futures Institute beginning Dec. 1, 2013.

"I have been very blessed by the opportunity to provide leadership for the National Cowboy Museum over the past 11 years. Its roots are my roots," said Schroeder. "I have enjoyed working with the board and my staff colleagues to tell the story of the West with increasing diversity and credibility. I know that work will continue with vigor."

"The National Cowboy Museum is grateful for Chuck's contributions to the Museum," said Everett Dobson, Chairman of the Museum's Board of Directors. "Prior to Chuck's departure, he will assist the staff and Board of Directors with the transition process. Together, we will continue to focus on the goals of the Museum and engage in a search for the position while considering both national and internal candidates."

Schroeder served as president since 2002.

 

This N That- Livestock Judging Team Excels in Kansas, Final Call for Beef Quality Summit and Lots of Questions

Over the past weekend the Oklahoma State University Livestock Judging team competed in two contests highlighted by winning the Mid America Classic in Wichita, Kansas on Saturday. OSU was the high team in both the Sheep and Goat, as well as the Beef Cattle divisions en route to the victory.   

Kass Pfeiffer was the high individual overall, while teammates Taylor Graham and Brock Herren finished 3rd and 7th overall. Maverick Squires was the high Individual in oral reasons.   

One day earlier at the Flint Hills Classic in Manhattan, KS the team finished 3rd Overall. OSU had three students finish in the Top Ten. Morgan Neilson was 2nd, Maverick Squires was 8th and Taylor Graham was 10th overall.

The team next competes in the Tulsa State Fair in early October.   

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The Oklahoma Beef Council, in cooperation with the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agriculture Product Center at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater will be conducting a beef checkoff-funded program that allows participants (beef producers, feeders, processors, media, retailers and foodservice operators) to see and feel first-hand the product that will end up being served to consumers. Heather Buckmaster and the OBC would like to invite you to attend the Oklahoma Beef Quality Summit, an extremely hands-on course that lasts two and a half days.   

The next Oklahoma Beef Quality Summit classes are scheduled for Monday - Wednesday, October 21-23, and Wednesday - Friday, October 23-25, at the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater.  Click here for more details and how you can register and attend. Registration is free. 

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