Podcasts about total farm marketing

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The August 11, 2026 edition of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason for Illinois Public Media, opens with market commentary and a preview of the upcoming USDA WASDE and crop production reports featuring Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing. Blohm highlights expectations for corn and soybean yield figures, technical trading trends, and broader market drivers such as European drought conditions and energy sector influences. Following a review of the latest USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report—which notes steady national development alongside accelerated progress in Minnesota—Gleason previews an upcoming insect management plot tour with extension entomologist Nick Seiter.The program then features Dr. Adam Davis, head of the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois College of ACES, who discusses the 150th anniversary of the Morrow Plots. Davis details the historical significance of the world's second-oldest experimental agricultural field, key long-term findings on soil management and crop rotation, recent site revitalization efforts, public celebration plans for October 28, and the introduction of the new Alma Mater plots. Closing out the broadcast, meteorologist Don Day of Day Weather reports from the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, detailing a "ring of fire" weather pattern across the Corn Belt that brings heat, muggy nights, and heavy localized rainfall, while analyzing how a strong El Niño could influence the upcoming harvest season.02:00 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing12:05 Insect Management Plot Tour Tomorrow12:54 150th Anniversary of the Morrow Plots17:21 Ag Weather with Don Day, Day Weather ★ Support this podcast ★

On Monday's show, we talk weather for the week ahead with Eric Snodgrass from Nutrien Ag Solutions followed by a recap of last week's Professional Ag Marketing annual crop tour and a look at the markets with Mike Minor. Then, we talk market action and get perspective on yield estimates, weather, risk management and more with John Heinberg from Total Farm Marketing to close the show.

On Thursday we saw corn and soybeans quietly higher, wheat, cattle, and hogs all lower. We start the show in Segment One with analysis from our Midday Commentary with Mike Castle, Senior Commodities Economist at StoneX. Then, it's a new episode of Cattle Chatter with Susan Littlefield as she talks with Brad Kooima from Kooima Kooima Varilek, who breaks down the ongoing volatility, including the lack of open interest and the challenges facing the market. He also discusses the uncertainty surrounding the Fort Morgan plant, dry pastures across parts of the West while other areas are finally receiving rain, and what those conditions could mean for cattle supplies. Then we talk with Bryan Doherty from Total Farm Marketing who discusses why corn may be closer to a breakdown than it looks, what next week's WASDE and FSA numbers could mean for direction, why the stock market rally isn't translating cleanly to livestock, and why he can't find a convincing bearish case for wheat right now. Later, Bryan continues his ongoing options strategy series with a breakdown of short call and short put options — what they are, how they work, and why they can be powerful tools for producers and end users alike.

The Wisconsin State Fair is about 48 hours away. Each moment this year will be precious for John Yingling. Not only is is the 175th anniversary of the fair, it's also the last fair John will enjoy as chair of the WI State Fair Park Board. Pam Jahnke visits with the neighborhood boy who found his way to the fair. Yingling admits, when he was first presented the opportunity to be on the board - he was not prepared. Rain is already showing up on the margins of Wisconsin. Stu Muck says it'll warm up today with the best chances of rain building into the afternoon. The diversity of items on the Steffes auction site is pretty amazing. Ashly Huhn joins Pam Jahnke to highlight a few unique items/groups that you won't often see, including professional nutrient handling equipment. Paid for by Steffes Group. Seems like many neighborhood porches have bags and boxes of fresh produce waiting to be shared. That's one way to use the overflow from gardens and farm markets. That fresh produce only lasts so long though. What about the baked goods we make, or the preserves generated. That's where people have to be careful. Teri Barr joins us with an update from the WI Farmers Union on efforts to update the "Cottage Food" guidelines in the state. Michelle Rameriz-White says some of these rules need to be revisited to allow small scale food processors market access. The harvest has begun in some areas of the U.S. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to discuss. Did the rain come in time to save much of the corn crop? Good question and one that the market's weighing this morning. Heinberg also points to early anxiety about China's purchases of soybeans, but also interest in corn and wheat!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday's show, we talk markets with Mike Minor from Professional Ag Marketing in Segment One followed by weather with Eric Snodgrass in Segment Two. Then we get analysis and perspective from John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing later in the show.

Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing by Stewart Peterson, joins the program to discuss the after effects of steady showers throughout the weekend and the unexpected movements on a Monday.Josh Snodgrass, Mick and Mary's in Thayer, Illinois, talks about making steaks and running an non-traditional restaurant just off of Route 66 in our continuing Meaty Monday series.Chris Yates, Chief Meteorologist at WMBD-TV in Peoria, joins the program to discuss the aftermath of some constant rain.

On Thursday's show, we talk market action in Segment One with Darren Frye from Water Street Solutions followed by a new episode of Cattle Chatter with Susan Littlefield and Joe Kooima from KKV Trading in Segment Two. Then we talk markets, long call option basics and more with Bryan Doherty from Total Farm Marketing to finish out the show.

Three Wisconsin counties have been the first to detect tar spot in corn fields. Pam Jahnke gets the latest update from Dr. Damon Smith, UW-Extension Plant Pathologist. Smith says the plant symptoms we're seeing today started with injury and infection weeks ago. Smith says the current hot and dry weather in Wisconsin has successfully lowered the risk of major crop diseases, providing a "saving grace" after a wet, mild June that initially raised concerns about disease potential. Current infections resulted from favorable conditions three to four weeks ago. Smith says disease pressure will likely increase if rainfall returns, creating a "race" to mature the corn crop before the disease compromises it. He says advancements in hybrid genetics are providing "partial resistance," which helps by creating smaller spots and slowing down secondary infection cycles, allowing the crop more time to reach maturity. Smith is also keeping an eye on the potential for white mold in Wisconsin soybeans. He says, again, the risk for white mold has dropped significantly due to the hot, dry weather. He does not though that irrigated fields continue to face a different risk profile and should still be monitored carefully. We get a break from some of the heat today according to Stu Muck. That will give folks in the Fox Valley a chance to clean up after a tornado rumbled through Menasha. Rainfall reporters said they received anywhere from 1.5" of rain to literally nothing in the whirlwind weather activity that crossed the state. Did you ever wonder if that farm equipment you bought a decade ago is worth what you paid? Ashly Huhn from the Steffest Group did a little research. He looked at 3 pieces of popular farm equipment and found out that the equipment's maintenance matters. Huhn says if equipment has been maintained and cared for, many sellers recoup almost 80% of their investment in some cases. Paid for by Steffes Group. Troy Runge has assumed a new leadership role on the UW-Madison campus as the interim dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Dean and Director Glenda Gillaspy announced that she will move into a new role serving as the university’s director of the Wisconsin Rural Partnerships Institute. Hello Mexican cattle! USDA has announced it will allow Mexican cattle back into the United States despite ongoing concerns over New World Screwworm. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend says this sent the cattle market into a tailspin. He notes that this sell off has been building. He also says rain that moved across Nebraska overnight has taken a lot of the weather premium out of the grain trade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Heinberg, Total Farm Marketing says corn and soybeans see a technical bounce on falling crop ratings. Cattle recover but for how long? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode of Market Talk, we have this week's Cattle Chatter with Susan Littlefield as she talks with Joe Kooima from Kooima Kooima Varilek in Segment Two and we also have analysis from Bryan Doherty with Total Farm Marketing in Segment Three.

Bryan Doherty, Total Farm Marketing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The July 21, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, provides an overview of agricultural commodity markets, crop conditions, energy prices, and weather forecasts. Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing analyzes recent rallies in wheat and soybean futures, attributing market movements to European droughts and ongoing geopolitical tensions, while cautioning producers about potential price pullbacks. The broadcast details the latest USDA Crop Progress Report, noting that corn and soybean development is ahead of historical averages across much of the Midwest, and provides an update on tar spot tracking from the Crop Protection Network. Dave Chatterton of Strategic Farm Marketing discusses the volatility in agricultural energies, warning that escalating conflicts in the Middle East and the Black Sea, combined with low strategic petroleum reserves, pose upside risks for fall diesel and fertilizer prices. Finally, Don Day of Day Weather outlines a hot and dry forecast for the northern and western Corn Belt, highlighting concerns about potential crop stress during the critical August period.01:15 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing 08:21 USDA Crop Progress Report 10:48 Crop Protection Network Update 12:55 Ag Energies with Dave Chatterton, Strategic Farm Marketing 19:55 Ag Weather with Don Day, Day Weather ★ Support this podcast ★

The Beef Quality Assurance program has been around for a while, but it's always evolving. Jill Welke finds out from one of the best! Dr. Sandy Stuttgen, Associate Professor and Ag Educator with UW-Madison Extension in Taylor County leads coordination of the states program. She tells Welke that it's a serious responsibility, providing food for consumers. Through the BQA program, beef producers can perform at the level that consumers and processors expect. Milder weather today gives Wisconsinites a break. Stu Muck says what's missing is rain. Although there were storms that moved through the state, it brought with it very little rain. Muck says there's not much on the horizon either. Christmas in July may seem like excessive planning, but auction planning in July is not. Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to talk about it. He says July has routinely turned out to be their busiest booking month. Huhn says that kind of advance planning allows his team to work ahead on everything from pictures to descriptions. Paid for by Steffes Group. The Wisconsin State FFA Officer team just returned from Washington, D.C. and the annual Leadership Conference. Cheryl Zimmerman, state executive director of the WI FFA Association, says they had an accelerated course on advocacy before heading to "the hill" for conversations. It's all about weather and tariffs in the marketplace this morning. John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing out of West Bend says heat and dry are the buzz words. Crop quality ratings slipped a bit in some areas this week at a key time when some crops are at critical growth stages. At the same time, the government has announced a 25% increase in tariffs against Brazilian soybeans/oil. That's caused the market to surge higher on domestic supplies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crops are looking solid across much of the Midwest, despite heat stress and wildfire smoke in the Great Lakes area. Soybeans rallied again on more Chinese demand business while corn and wheat were mixed and cattle ended their long losing streak with higher futures on Monday. Mike Minor with Professional Ag Marketing joins us to discuss on one of today's interviews. We also hear from John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing who joins us for analysis and perspective. There are also numerous weather factors being watched right now across the U.S. including wildfire smoke impacts in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, extreme heat continuing across some areas, severe weather potential and even activity in the Gulf. Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions joins us to discuss on our Weekly Weather Update. Find more at https://www.agweather.com.

On Thursday's show, we start things off with a market conversation between Susan Littlefield and Arlan Suderman of StoneX in Segment One followed by a new episode of Cattle Chatter with Susan and Brad Kooima from KKV Trading. Then, Jesse sits down for analysis with Bryan Doherty from Total Farm Marketing and we also kickoff a series of educational tips on futures and options, focusing on long call options to start.

Jill Welke joins us from Eau Claire to talk about the FRESH area being offered by the Marshfield Clinic.Stu Muck says warm weather is going to continue.Pam Jahnke gets the scoop from Ashely Huhn. Their team will be at Farm Technology Days. She learns where we can find them! Paid for by Steffes.Michelle Paul is the Equine Chair of this year’s event. She’s lined up an agenda that features a lot of horsepower! Their new trainer even and Belgian hitches are sure to amaze spectators.John Heinberg, Market Advisor with Total Farm Marketing talks the impact of heat, volatile wheat prices and the latest impact of the Iran/US war on the marketplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing is guest analyst this afternoon plus Cary Artac of artacadvisory.com and wickedstocks.com talks technicals and equities and Jack Scoville of The Price Futures Group shares price action perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We saw the cattle complex shoot lower into Thursday's close with a fairly ugly close. Meantime, the soybean complex continued to selloff after confirmed sales to China while wheat found support on Thursday. Bryan Doherty with Total Farm Marketing joins us to recap the trade action. Find more at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. For the past several weeks, we've been discussing the importance of preparing for the possibility of a lower cattle market. On this week's Cattle Chatter, Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek breaks down what is now the ninth consecutive day of lower August live cattle futures and what the recent price action could mean for producers.

Bryan Doherty of Total Farm Marketing is our guest market analyst this afternoon and Brian Bledsoe of Brian Bledsoe Weather provides a weather outlook. Brian Splitt of AgMarket.com shares price action perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This edition of the Closing Market Report covers the latest developments in agricultural commodity markets, crop progress, and regional weather forecasting. Host Todd Gleason opens with commodity price updates before talking with Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing, who details a recent technical recovery bounce driven by hot, dry weather patterns and underscores the market significance of the upcoming July WASDE report. The program also reviews the nationwide USDA NASS Crop Progress Report, highlighting that corn, soybean, and winter wheat developments are running well ahead of their historic five-year averages. A feature from Harvest Public Media examines the ongoing regulatory and ecological challenges surrounding the volatile herbicide dicamba and its propensity for off-target drift. Finally, meteorologist Don Day warns of an intense, unseasonable "heat dome" set to bring triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions to the northern Corn Belt, establishing a unique weather pattern wrapped by an outer ring of moisture.02:19 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing09:32 USDA NASS Crop Progress Report11:58 CropProtectionNetwork.com to Monitor Disease13:48 Dicamba, EPA, and U.S. Farmers18:06 Ag Weather with Don Day, Day Weather ★ Support this podcast ★

There are some amazing ideas in food processing happening in Wisconsin, but some need a little financial support to get started. Pam Jahnke finds out about a recent project with Westby Coop Creamery and the USDA Rural Development Agency. Andrew Iverson is the state director for USDA Rural Development Agency. He explains their overarching duties in working with businesses and organizations on building infrastructure. Iverson describes the challenges being faced by Westby Coop Creamery. It's the only cottage cheese producer in the state and demand for their product has outstripped capacity. USDA Rural Development stepped in with at $15.5 million loan guarantee to help get that project underway. A calm Tuesday on the way weatherwise for Wisconsin. STu Muck say temps will still move to the upper 80's, and it will feel warm with little breeze today. There is a developing chance of storms moving in by Wednesday evening. July is an excellent time for preplanning your auction. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to talk about the process his staff is currently going through with a lot of operators looking at auctions later this year. Huhn says once that contract is signed, they start promoting the auction and items offered immediately. Paid for by Steffes Group. Soybeans led the way up on Monday after rumors of a sale to China inspired traders. So far, the gains have been maintained. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to explain what we know so far on the rumor. He also focuses on areas that are starting to see stress in this weeks crop progress report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soybeans and soy products surged higher coming out of the holiday weekend, which helped pull corn and wheat higher on Monday too. Was this weather driven buying? China demand rumors? All of the above? We talk about the surge in the grains and a quieter day in the livestock sector with John Heinberg from Total Farm Marketing on today's show. Find more online at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Now that we are past the 4th of July, could traditional seasonality start to impact meat demand and price action? How could tightening household finances play a role as well? Jeff Hoogendoorn with Professional Ag Marketing joins us to discuss that and the surge in the grain markets on Monday. Find more at https://www.professionalagmarketing.com. We saw some localized heavy rain and severe weather over the weekend, what does that mean for the bigger picture weather story? Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions joins us to discuss on our Weekly Weather Update for Monday, July 6th, 2026. Find more details online by going to https://www.agweather.com.

We wrap up this short trading week ahead of the July 4th holiday with a Markets Roundtable with John Heinberg of Total Farm Marketing and Cory Bratland of AgMarket.Net. Plus Oliver Sloup shares price action perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

***Markets are closed in observance of the 4th of July holiday on Friday. We will return with a new program on Monday.*** It was a quiet end to the week in the grain and livestock markets as we head to the 4th of July holiday with little fresh news to work with. Bryan Doherty with Total Farm Marketing joins us to recap the trading week and share perspective on market seasonality, chart direction and more as we celebrate 250 years of America this weekend. Find more online at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. The USDA has announced up to $500 million in assistance for meat processors, a move aimed at expanding packing capacity and strengthening the nation's meat supply chain. On this week's Cattle Chatter, we break down what the investment could mean for the cattle market, both in the near term and for the industry's long-term infrastructure. Brad Kooima with Kooima Kooima Varilek also discusses this week's cash cattle trade and answers listener questions with Susan Littlefield.

The June 30, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, provides a comprehensive look at agricultural markets, conservation practices, and weather forecasts. The program begins with Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing analyzing the morning's USDA grain stocks and acreage reports, noting that while corn and soybean acreages aligned closely with expectations, a significant drop in winter wheat harvested acres due to drought offered some market support. The focus then shifts to a University of Illinois Extension conservation cropping initiative featuring a panel discussion with farmers Brent Fowler, Adam Dahmer, and Greg Thoren. They share their personal experiences overcoming familial skepticism, equipment limitations, and the necessary mindset shifts required to successfully adopt no-till practices and multi-species cover crops. Finally, returning meteorologist Ed Kieser delivers the agricultural weather outlook, forecasting intense heat across the Corn Belt leading into the holiday weekend, with scattered, "ridge-riding" thunderstorms expected along the edge of a high-pressure system before slightly cooler temperatures arrive the following week.01:05 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing07:49 Cover Crop Conversations: cultural and mindset shifts18:53 Ag Weather with Ed Kieser, Illinois Public Media ★ Support this podcast ★

Even with hot weather in the forecast this week, the grain markets saw a selloff and profit taking on Monday to kickoff what could be a volatile week of trading. John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing joins us to discuss how the hot weather might be a supportive factor short term, thoughts ahead of USDA's reports, macro perspectives and a look at cattle, hogs and dairy. Find more at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Corn and soybeans were under pressure to start the week on Monday ahead of USDA's acreage and grain stocks reports on Tuesday. Mike Minor with Professional Ag Marketing joins us from the road to discuss crop conditions, report day ahead, last week's Quarterly Hogs & Pigs report and more. Find more at https://www.professionalagmarketing.com. A large heat dome is setting up over much of the U.S. east of the Rockies for this week. Along with that, ridge-riding thunderstorm and severe weather potential is out there as well. Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions joins us to discuss the set up and outlook ahead of the 4th of July holiday. Find more at https://www.agweather.com.

The cash cattle trade was in a bit of a standstill late in the day on Friday and that may have factored into some profit taking on the futures side. Meanwhile, lean hogs found a little support and the grain complex (although it was quiet to lower) did have some things to talk about this week. Scott Varilek with Kooima Kooima Varilek in Sioux Center, IA joins us for market analysis in Segment Two today. Find more information online by visiting https://www.kkvtrading.com. Also on today's show, we begin in Segment One with some analysis from Kyle Bumsted from Allendale and close the show with comments from Arlan Suderman at StoneX and Naomi Blohm with Total Farm Marketing in Segment Four. In between, during segment three of the show, we talk with Farm Credit Mid-America Livestock Product Specialist Austin Robinson. He joins the show to share perspective on managing risk, changes to Livestock Risk Protection and more.

On today's Market Talk, we begin the show in Segment One with analysis and perspective from Sue Martin with Ag & Investments in Clarion, IA followed by this week's episode of Cattle Chatter in Segment Two as Jesse gets to talk with Brad Kooima from Kooima Kooima Varilek on this week's program. Then, we take a look at Thursday's strength in soybeans coupled with weather thoughts, a higher US dollar and more with Bryan Doherty from Total Farm Marketing to close out the show.

The June 23, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report focuses on dairy production, trade policy, agronomic profitability, energy markets, and regional weather outlooks. Host Todd Gleason opens the program with Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing to analyze the dairy sector and international trade. Blohm notes that the latest milk production report indicates a bearish trend, with May production rising 2.3% year-over-year, driving Class III milk prices below $16 despite robust domestic demand. The discussion transitions to the upcoming mandatory USMCA evaluation on July 1, highlighting market uncertainty regarding the United States' position, contrasted against efforts by Canada and Mexico to strengthen bilateral maritime trade routes.On crop production and management, the program highlights a multi-year data review presented by University of Illinois Extension agricultural economist Gary Schnitkey. The 11-year study reveals that increasing nitrogen application rates above the Maximum Return To Nitrogen (MRTN) baseline or adding extra tillage passes occasionally boosts yields but consistently fails to improve overall net profitability due to elevated input costs. Additionally, Extension weed scientist Aaron Hager previews the university's upcoming annual Weed Science Field Day, detailing its self-guided tour format designed for farmers and commercial applicators.In the agricultural energy segment, Kansas State University Extension economist Dan O'Brien reports stable domestic ethanol production, operating at approximately 89.3% of plant capacity across 201 active facilities. Plant profit margins remain steady between 11 and 15 cents per gallon, with eastern corn belt ethanol plants currently paying the highest cash corn prices in the nation. Turning to regional crop conditions, O'Brien characterizes the 2026 Kansas wheat harvest as exceptionally poor, citing near-record-low harvested-to-planted acreage ratios caused by severe storm and derecho damage.00:42 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing07:42 High N-Rates and More Tillage Do Not Pay10:54 USMCA Review Begins July 1 with an Uncertain Future14:44 Ag Energies with Dan O'Brien, Kansas State Extension19:58 Ag Weather with Don Day, Day Weather ★ Support this podcast ★

It's National Lightning Awareness Week and Wisconsin farmers, golfers, gardeners, joggers should all heed the warnings. In Wisconsin, more people have died by lightning strikes since 2006, than by tornadoes since 1986. Chris Vagasky, Research Program Manager, Wisconet and Lightning Data Specialist, National Lightning Safety Counci, explains how people can protect themselves, and farmers can protect their livestock and assets. Rain starts moving back in by late Tuesday night. Stu Muck says it won't really amount to much but sets up a change in pattern that will bring very hot weather to the state by the weekend. A record breaking price on a tractor has gotten a lot of attention for the Steffes Auction Group. Ashley Huhn tells Pam Jahnke that live auctions are still drawing a crowd with money to spend. He explains the record sale. Paid for by Steffes Group. While Wisconsin communities continue to struggle with the data center question, Texas is now regretting some of their decisions. Sid Miller, Texas Ag Commissioner, says he hears about it every day. To date, Texas is home to about 575 data centers that consume about 430 million gallons of water daily. Miller contends they're overbuilt and using water resources most of Texas just doesn't have. Wisconsin crops are matching up about equal with other Midwest states as far as development. John Heinberg joins Pam Jahnke to discuss. Heinberg, with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, says that there's really no weather threat to get the market to move. At the same time, South America's harvest is moving along smoothly bringing more product to the marketplace. While the crop may be moving, Heinberg also explains the financial strain that South American farmers are facing as bankruptcies there increase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could the cattle complex be ready to head sharply higher once again after the latest Cattle on Feed report and as we officially kick off summer? Is there some seasonal activity we need to watch? Also, grains were mixed to lower as we near first notice day and more. John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing joins us for analysis and perspective on today's show. Find more at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. As the calendar officially flips to the start of summer, this is the time of year where the grain markets start to typically pay attention to the weather for some direction. Meantime, how could household finances affect the overall meat demand picture and could it factor in to cash and futures trade in cattle and hogs? Jeff Hoogendoorn with Professional Ag Marketing joins us to discuss. More at https://www.professionalagmarketing.com. We saw more tornadoes in Illinois and Indiana over the weekend and there have been hundreds of tornadoes in Illinois this year alone. On our Weekly Weather Update with Eric Snodgrass from Nutrien Ag Solutions, he talks about the severe weather and the potential shift of tornado alley farther to the east. Snodgrass also shares some updates on recent rainfall and what it could mean for crop growth moving forward. Find more online at https://www.ag-wx.com. In Segment Four, we close the show with analysis and perspective of the grain and cattle trade with Tim Strunk from AgMarket.net. Find more at https://www.agmarket.net.

***NOTE: markets are closed on Friday for Juneteenth. We will be back with a new program on Monday. As we wrapped up the trading week on Thursday, USDA confirmed rumored soybean sales to China on the morning export report. So why did the grain markets (soybeans especially) find a negative tone into the holiday weekend? We discuss the broader selloff in grains and livestock ahead of Father's Day with Bryan Doherty, Senior Market Advisor at Total Farm Marketing on today's show. More at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Also, it's a new episode of Cattle Chatter in Segment Two as Susan and Brad go through the week in the cattle market ahead of the long holiday weekend.

We saw the grain markets mixed to lower on Thursday as the June WASDE report came and went with minimal changes. Cattle futures saw a good day to the upside as the markets continue to digest New World Screwworm in the United States. Bryan Doherty with Total Farm Marketing joins us for analysis and perspective on today's show. Find more at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Meanwhile, it's been a week filled with head-scratching price action and volatility in the cattle market. According to Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek, the market has become increasingly difficult to read on a day-to-day basis. He joins Susan Littlefield for a new episode of Cattle Chatter in Segment Two. PLUS, we have analysis of the WASDE to open the show from Arlan Suderman at StoneX.

Wisconsin is home now to 79 weather stations that dot the state. These stations are generating real time information that farmers and outdoor enthusiasts can tap into. Pam Jahnke visit with Chris Vagasky, Research Program Manager for Wisconet. Vagasky says one new element they've added to these stations are soil sensors. The 400 soil sensors provide "plant available water" readings at multiple depths in the soil profile. Heat and humidity are building in Wisconsin today with some severe weather that could develop. Stu Muck hones in on what areas need to be alert. The lull in auction action is over. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group tells Pam Jahnke that they're already seeing a surg on auctions being booked for later this fall. Huhn says by being proactive, clients get the benefit of solid preplanning, preparation and advance promotion. Paid for by Steffes Group. The market's continuing to watch development of New World Screw Worm. Now a total of four cases have been detected, including a dog in New Mexico. While it's not a food risk, it is a market disrupter. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, joins Pam Jahnke to discuss the chatter online. He's also watching certain regions in the latest crop progress report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show, Susan Littlefield sits in again and has conversation with Jeff Hoogendoorn from Professional Ag Marketing, Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions and John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing.

Dan Schaefer of Schaefer Beef Consulting tells Kiley Allan about common mistakes producers make when transitioning from dairy to beef. Stu Muck outlines a beautiful day in the Revolution Plastics Ag Weather Update. Is manure feeding your crops like it used to? Division of Extension Specialist Chris Clark tells Stephanie Hoff about her latest research out of the UW Dairy Innovation Hub looking at manure micronutrients and where farms are falling short. Ashley Huhn and Pam Jahnke discuss The Steffes Group's auction calendar and resources for both buyers and sellers. Market advisor John Heinberg of Total Farm Marketing walks Stephanie Hoff through the first USDA crop condition ratings and the recent loss of bullish momentum in the grain markets. Heinberg explains that while early corn and soybean ratings landed slightly below market expectations, the primary downward pressure on prices stems from a typical seasonal peak and heavy global competition from South American harvests. Ultimately, he advises producers to look past early-season weather anxieties and implement defensive risk management strategies before the market historically runs out of steam in mid-June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New month, same story it seemed on Monday as the grain and livestock markets were largely mixed with the exception being soybean oil and cattle finding early week support. John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing joins us on today's show to provide analysis and perspective as the markets enter a new month with many of the same dynamics and headlines factoring into the trade. Find more at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. We saw soybean oil move higher again on Monday, along with crude oil, while the rest of the grain markets were mixed to lower watching the same old news headlines and more. Meantime, cattle futures had a decent rebound from last week to kickoff the month of June. Mike Minor with Professional Ag Marketing joins us to discuss on today's show. Find more online at https://professionalagmarketing.com. As the calendar flips to June, farmers and ranchers are watching the drought monitor, severe weather, rain potential and more closely as we enter the growing season. Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions joins us to discuss on our Weekly Weather Update. More at https://www.ag-wx.com. We also close out the show in Segment Four as our own Susan Littlefield talks markets after Monday's session with Matt Bennett from AgMarket.net.

We saw soybean oil and soybeans find support on Thursday with the latter being pulled higher by a surge in bean oil. The rest of the markets had a mixed to sideways tone as we near the end of the week and the month of May. Bryan Doherty with Total Farm Marketing joins us to discuss the market action on today's show. Find more at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Also, it's a new episode of Cattle Chatter with Susan Littlefield and Brad Kooima in Segment Two and we hear from Sam Hudson of Cornbelt Marketing to open the show in Segment One who gives perspective on this week's market trade action.

Wisconsin continues to move forward with the goal of connecting everyone to the internet. Ben Jarboe finds out that the path has been rife with challenges. Alyssa Kenney, State Broadband and Digital Equity Director for Public Service Commission of Wisconsin says the goal remains to achieve full broadband access statewide by 2030. The state has had a broadband expansion grant program in place since 2014. Early funding was modest, but investments increased significantly starting in 2019 and surged during the pandemic. State and federal funding (including the American Rescue Plan Act) have driven major broadband expansion. Over $365 million has been invested, supporting more than 400 broadband projects. Nearly 1 million people (about 300,000 locations) have gained improved broadband access in the last five years. Heat has returned to Wisconsin! Stu Muck says now everyone needs to stay aware of the possibility for severe weather as the week unfolds. Career opportunities abound with the Steffes Group. Ashley Huhn visits with Pam Jahnke about some of the areas they need staff that may not first come to mind for people. Paid for by Steffes Group. The fertilizer industry is as anxious as consumers to find out what damage has been caused in the Strait of Hormuz. Corey Rosenbush, President and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute says about a third of the world’s urea, 20 percent of the phosphate, and more than half of the sulfur moves through the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked by Iran since March 2nd. Unfortunately, says Rosenbusch, there are no simple or quick answers to bringing those prices back down. Oil prices did take a break over the holiday weekend. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing our of West Bend says traders will watch that today. He also notes that China has told Brazil they're not accepting their beef until after detecting hormones in some packages, but thinks there's some gamesmanship there. He also recaps Friday's April Milk Production figures. Big cow numbers and big production. That'll keep the pressure on Wisconsin dairy operations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The week started with plenty of volatility in the grains and oilseeds while we ended the week with big losses in feeder cattle futures. Will this volatility stick around after Memorial Day? What seasonal windows should we be watching in the grain trade? Naomi Blohm with Total Farm Marketing joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on the markets and risk management. Find more online at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. News of the lockout at Cargill in Fort Morgan, CO, more rumors of other plant strikes, fund movement ahead of the holiday weekend; there appears to be a lot of things happening across cattle futures to close out the week. Scott Varilek with Kooima Kooima Varilek joins us for analysis and perspective on the week in the livestock trade. More at https://www.kkvtrading.com. And as we saw heavy volatility in the cattle futures to end the week, Brady Huck with EmpowerAg Trading joins us to share some thoughts on the technical picture in the feeder cattle market. We also discuss the weather situation and how that could play into the herd rebuild and the grain markets moving into summer. Find more at https://www.empoweragtrading.com.

Our lineup this afternoon is Bryan Doherty of Total Farm Marketing, Lance Honig, Agricultural Statistics Board chair, Methodology Division director and acting Statistics Division Director at NASS, and Patrick Linnell of CattleFax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's dairy operator's are being asked a lot. Many industry partners need to share details about sustainability practices with their consumers, but need the dairy story as part of the dialog. Stephanie Hoff talks with Jennifer Block, director of value chain partnerships, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative. Dairy farmers have improved efficiency for decades, but they have lacked a consistent, credible way to quantify these efforts to receive financial recognition in the marketplace. There is increasing pressure on the supply chain to report Scope 3 emissions -- the carbon footprint generated directly on the farm -- making verified data more critical than ever. Empower+ provides a structured, third-party verified framework to turn everyday improvements into measurable climate outcomes that the value chain can trust. Unlike top-down mandates from corporations, this program allows farmers to choose the practices that fit their specific business, whether that is genetics, cow nutrition, or manure management. There are three pillars of implementation: 1) Gathering a complete baseline across feed, herd, manure, and cropping; 2) Running "what-if" models to identify the biggest efficiency gains before a farmer invests capital; 3) Using third-party audits to prove to processors and buyers that a reduction has actually occurred. The program focuses on an "insetting" model, keeping the carbon value within the dairy value chain (farmer, processor, and buyer) rather than selling it to outside industries. Most farmers already have an ongoing wish list of improvements; the ultimate goal is to ensure no value is left on the table as the global market shifts toward carbon-conscious sourcing. Rain moves through the state this morning. Stu Muck says some of the storms may have measurable rain, and strong winds. Once we're past this front, he says things calm down, and dry out. Steffes Group is still open to your item for their bi-monthly sale. Ashly Huhn tells Pam Jahnke about how this opportunity fits many elements of equipment. Paid for by Steffes Group. The Indy 500 will have a dairy presence again this year. Jenni Browning, CEO of the American Dairy Association of Indiana says it’s a time-honored tradition. One new change this year is making milk available for purchase during the race. China has agreed to a $17 billion commitment to the U.S. and its annual agricultural purchases. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend says the market can only trade off that for so long. Heinberg's also watching the wheat ratings as those crop scouts finish their observations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agriculture has not come up so far in President Trump's meeting with China President Xin Jinping, which has the grain markets sharply lower at midday. Riley Smith visits with Amanda Brill of Total Farm Marketing. 

Consumers are continuing to confront high beef prices at the store. Is the industry closer to helping resolve the imbalance? Stephanie Hoff finds out with the help of Jeff Swenson, meat and livestock specialist, DATCP. Swenson says high cattle prices are leading to larger swings in both directions, influenced by fluctuating harvest rates and packer demand. Despite market volatility, farmers currently hold more leverage than packers, as market-ready cattle remain at a premium. Meat packers are currently struggling with profitability, balancing high cattle costs against wholesale beef cutout values. Feed remains the number one expense for cattle feeders, while fuel and pharmaceutical costs (vaccinations) continue to rise for cow-calf producers.High pasture rents and the initial cost of livestock make it difficult for new farmers to enter the beef industry. Many dairy producers are transitioning to eef as an exit strategy or diversifying their operations with "beef-on-dairy" crossbreeding. While dairy-beef crosses are improving in quality, 100% purebred beef animals still command a price premium. The typical 10-year cattle cycle has been elongated due to drought, resulting in a tighter supply than historically expected at this stage. Rain is drifting across the state today, bringing with it some gusty winds. Stu Muck says that temps should stay above average Sales averages on many implements and tractors remains firm. That's the latest update from Ashley Huhn at the Steffes Group. He is also seeing a surge in interest for fall auctions. Paid for by Steffes Group. Meet Gabrielle Huitema from Markesan! This UW-River Falls grad is another finalist for the 79th Alice in Dairyland position. Huitema has focused most of her college and career experience on humane anmial handling in the slaughter process. She wants to make sure the message gets out that many things go right in the animal handling arena. Wisconsin farmers are almost caught up on spring planting pace. Pam Jahnke provides the latest crop progress update. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend tells Pam Jahnke that most areas of the U.S. are now on par with planting progress. The unfortunate crop right now is wheat. Heinberg also highlights news that the Trump administration intends to allow more beef imports into the U.S. Heinberg says the U.S. is already on a record pace of accepting outside beef, but it's usually much lower quality than what's produced in the U.S. Markets will be watching developments during the meeting of President Trump and China President, Xi JinpingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brandon Doherty of Total Farm Marketing joins Mark Magnuson for today's midday market podcast.

We talk about drivers and motorcycle operators using care when sharing the road with large farm equipment. We also must focus attention on the farm youth that could be operating those implements. Ben Jarboe talks with Brittany Marquard, the education and programing manager at The Food and Farm Exploration Center in Plover. She says the with distracted drivers causing more accidents then ever before, it's important that young operators receive some training before operating. Marquard says even for 'farm kids', there's training necessary. Parents need to also have realistic expectations on what their kids can do. Understanding their body size and maturity are key components. Marquard says with all the increased horsepower on today's farm, even a small string on a hoodie can become a lethal entanglement that youth need to be aware of. Nice day on the way - and dry! Stu Muck says he's been seeing some seeders out, fertilizers getting spread - all thanks to drier conditions. Temperatures will cool a bit today, and there's still a chance of frost in the forecast through Thursday mid-morning. Auctioneering is a people to people service. Ashley Huhn from the Steffes Group joins Pam Jahnke to recap some comments from clients that have worked with the group. Huhn says every employee in their firm makes a human connection with the client. That's a difference maker. Paid for by Steffes Group. Weather is causing problems for more than just Wisconsin farmers. Alyssa Kenney, State Broadband and Digital Equity Director for Public Service Commission of Wisconsin says some broadband internet projects got held up too. Kenney notes that Wisconsin has about 92% of their connectivity projects complete, but areas in Door County that received a lot of late snow are delayed. Still, she believes the state is well on its way to attaining statewide connectivity by 2030. Crop progress report had a few items of note this week. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend joins Pam Jahnke to review. Lots of risk for Wisconsin farmers to monitor and manage coming up over the next 10 days according to Heinberg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle hosts a panel discussion to review the week's market action with Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing and Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Heinberg of Total Farm Marketing is guest analyst this afternoon plus Drew Lerner of World Weather, Inc. shares near-term outlook as well as over the next few months for North and South America. Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net with price action analysis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.