Podcast appearances and mentions of will robinson

In this final episode of Weekly Commodity Market Update, Will and Ben talk about the EPA approving E-15 summer sales, and planting continuing slowly.Market recap (changes on week as of Friday's close): » May 2025 corn down $.04 at $4.78» December 2025 corn down $.11 at $4.55» May 2025 soybeans up $.14 at $10.49» November 2025 soybeans up $.04 at $10.35» May soybean oil up 1.42 cents at 49.28 cents/lb» May soybean meal down $5.80 at $290.00/short ton» May wheat down $.18 at $5.30» July 2025 wheat down $.16 at $5.45» May 2025 cotton up 0.53 cents at 66.85 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton up 1.53 cents at 69.97 cents/lb» May 2025 rough rice down $0.55 at $12.935/cwt » September 2025 rough rice down $0.07 at $13.475/cwt » May WTI Crude Oil up $0.85 at $62.53/barrel Weekly highlights:U.S. consumer sentiment plunged 8% in April. The 52.5 reading is the fourth lowest monthly reading since records began in 1952.For the third consecutive week crude oil stocks were higher (+10.3 million gallons) while U.S gasoline and distillate fuels were down 188 and 98.8 million gallons respectively. Implied gasoline consumption increased sharply on the week and to a calendar year high. U.S. ethanol production increased to 304 million gallons after matching a calendar year low the week prior. Ethanol stocks decreased 56 million gallons and fell below the same level this time last year.Weekly export sales of grains and oilseeds were as expected but down week over week. Sales in million bushels reported for corn (45.4) and soybeans (10.2) were neutral. There were net cancelations of 5.3 million bushels of wheat across classes. Rice sales of 1.1 million hundredweight were a four-week high.Open interest in futures and options positions of grains and oilseeds fell 0.5% week over week. Producers and merchants were net buyers, shrinking their short positions 44,084 contracts. Money managers were net buyers of 1,743 contracts- decreasing their short position.Grain and oilseed export inspections were bullish for wheat at 23.8 million bushels while neutral for corn (65.1), soybeans (16.1) and grain sorghum (0.855).U.S. corn planting was 24% this week- a little behind the 28% average for this time of year and a little slower than trade expectations of 25%. U.S. soybean planting is at 18% ahead the 12% on average and the 17% expected in pre-report expectations.U.S. winter wheat conditions were 49% good to excellent- up 4 points from the week prior and up 2 percentage points from pre-report trade exceptions. Topics:» Market recap» EPA approves E15 for summer season» Planting continues slowly» Consumer sentiment drops in April» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thank you Will Robinson, john king (MY HUMBLE OPINION), Sabrina, Shelia Long, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.* DNC Chair Takes Aim at Vice Chair David Hogg's Push for Primary Challengers: “There are some effective people in our party; there are certainly some who are failing to meet the moment and know it's time for them not to seek reelection,” Hogg told T… To hear more, visit egberto.substack.com

This week Will and Ben discuss how tightening corn ending stocks sets the futures market up for gains if adverse weather lowers yield potential this summer.Market recap (changes on week as of Friday's close): » May 2025 corn down $.08 at $4.82» December 2025 corn up $.03 at $4.66» May 2025 soybeans down $.07 at $10.35» November 2025 soybeans up $.06 at $10.31» May soybean oil up 0.51 cents at 47.86 cents/lb» May soybean meal down $3.80 at $295.80/short ton» May wheat down $.07 at $5.48» July 2025 wheat down $.09 at $5.61» May 2025 cotton up 0.43 cents at 66.32 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton down 0.07 cents at 68.44 cents/lb» May 2025 rough rice down $0.02 at $13.485/cwt » September 2025 rough rice down $0.12 at $13.545/cwt » May WTI Crude Oil up $3.07 at $64.57/barrelWeekly highlights:U.S. retail sales in March surged to a 26-month high. Consumer product chains warn that it was a lot of panic buying ahead of anticipated U.S. tariffs on imports.The National Oilseed Processors Association reported their members crushed 194.6 million bushels in March- down 3 million from expectations, but up 16.7 million bushels from the disappointing February value.Again, this week crude oil stocks were higher (+21.6 million gallons) while U.S gasoline and distillate fuels were down 82.2 and 77.7 million gallons respectively. U.S. gasoline demand was flat week over week.U.S. ethanol production fell to 298 million gallons matching a calendar year low. Ethanol stocks decreased 9.24 million gallons, but remain seasonally high.Weekly export sales of grains and oilseeds were mixed. Corn sales of 61.5 million bushels are 2.5 months high, soybean sales of 20.4 million bushels are a six-week high. Grain sorghum and cotton export sales were average. Wheat and rice sales were somewhat disappointing.U.S. cattle on feed as of April 1, 2025 was down 1.6% year over year- nearly matching expectations. Placements and marketings in March at +5.1% and +1.1%, respectively were both slightly higher than expected.Open interest in futures and options positions of grains and oilseeds fell 4% week over week. Producers and merchants were net sellers expanding their short position while money mangers were net buyers of 208,757 contracts- decreasing their short position.U.S. export inspections were bullish for grains and neutral to bullish for oilseeds for the second straight week. Corn and wheat inspections came in above all expectations at 67.0 and 18.7 million bushels, respectively. Soybean inspections were as expected at 20.2 million bushels.U.S. corn planting was 4% this week- a little behind the 5% average for this time of year and behind the 6% trade expectation. U.S. soybean planting is at 2% matching the 2% on average but also behind the 3% expected in pre-report expectations.U.S. winter wheat conditions were 47% good to excellent- down 1 point from the week prior but matching trade expectations. The value compares to 55% good to excellent this time last year.Topics:» Market recap» Corn carryout tightens» Wet planting conditions» March NOPA report» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this video, Will and Ben look at the rebound in crop prices as tariffs are largely paused and the inflationary pressures ease.Market recap (changes on week as of Friday's close): » May 2025 corn up $.30 at $4.90» December 2025 corn up $.17 at $4.63» May 2025 soybeans up $.65 at $10.42» November 2025 soybeans up $.41 at $10.25» May soybean oil up 1.51 cents at 47.35 cents/lb» May soybean meal up $16.50 at $299.60/short ton» May wheat up $.26 at $5.55» July 2025 wheat up $.28 at $5.70» May 2025 cotton up 2.53 cents at 63.36 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton up 2.35 cents at 68.51 cents/lb» May 2025 rough rice up $0.43 at $13.505/cwt» September 2025 rough rice up $0.315 at $13.665/cwt» May WTI Crude Oil down $0.49 at $61.50/barrelWeekly highlights:Both the Consumer Price Index and the Producer Price Index fell month over month- well below expectations they would increase just slightly. The initial consumer sentiment reading of 50.8 came in below the 54.6 expectations.Energy stocks were mixed on the week. U.S. crude oil stocks were up 107 million gallons while gasoline and distillate fuels were down 67.2 and 148.9 million gallons. Implied gasoline demand was down 1% week over week and 4% below the four-week average.US ethanol production decreased to 300 million gallons produced- down from 313 million gallons the week prior and 310 million gallons the saw week last year. Ethanol stocks increased 17.7 million gallons on the week and are 9% higher than the five-year average for the week.Weekly export sales of grains and oilseeds were neutral to slightly bearish. Sales of corn (30.9), soybeans (6.3), grain sorghum (0.9), and wheats (3.9) million bushels were all within expectations, but down from the week prior and recent volumes.Open interest in futures and options of grains and oilseeds was down 0.4% week over week. Producers and merchants were net sellers expanding their net short position in the complex. Managed money traders were net buyers reducing their net short position.U.S. export inspections were bullish for grains and neutral to bullish for oilseeds. Corn and wheat inspections came in above all expectations at 72.0 and 22.2 million bushels, respectively. Soybean inspections were as expected at 20.1 million bushels.U.S. corn planting was 4% this week- a little behind the 5% average for this time of year and behind the 6% trade expectation. U.S. soybean planting is at 2% matching the 2% on average but also behind the 3% expected in pre-report expectations.U.S. winter wheat conditions were 47% good to excellent- down 1 point from the week prior but matching trade expectations. The value compares to 55% good to excellent this time last year.Topics:- Market recap- Pause on tariffs- Dollar value adjustments- Crop export support- Inflation pressures slow- Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben check the pulse of trade and tariff discussions' impact on crop markets.Market recap (changes on week as of Friday's close): » May 2025 corn up $.07 at $4.60» December 2025 corn up $.04 at $4.46» May 2025 soybeans down $.46 at $9.77» November 2025 soybeans down $.45 at $9.84» May soybean oil up 0.68 cents at 45.84 cents/lb» May soybean meal down $10.40 at $283.10/short ton» May wheat up $.01 at $5.29» July 2025 wheat flat at $5.42» May 2025 cotton down 3.54 cents at 63.36 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton down 3.93 cents at 66.16 cents/lb» May 2025 rough rice down $0.44 at $13.075/cwt» September 2025 rough rice down $0.405 at $13.350/cwt» May WTI Crude Oil down $7.29 at $61.99/barrelWeekly highlights:U.S. job openings fell slightly in February to 7.6 million versus 7.7 million in January 2025 and down from expectations of 7.7 million. New openings have fallen steadily from the peak of 12 million in 2022.The U.S. added a larger-than-expected 228,000 jobs in March- up from 117,000 in February and expectations of 140,000. The unemployment rate did tick higher to 4.2% vs 4.1% last month.Energy stocks were mixed on the week. U.S. crude oil and distillate fuel stocks were higher 258.9 and 11.1 million gallons, respectively. U.S. gasoline stocks were down 65.1 million gallons. U.S. motor fuel demand was 2% week over week and down 4% from recent levels.US ethanol production increased slightly to 313 million gallons produced- up from 310 million gallons. Ethanol stocks fell 31 million gallons.Weekly export sales of 46.2, 15.1, and 12.5 million bushels were reported for corn, soybeans, and wheat, respectively. The wheat sales exceeded pre-report expectations. Rice export sales fell to 0.7 million cwt from 2.2 million the week prior.Open interest in futures and options of grains and oilseeds was up 4.5% week over week. Producers and merchants increased their net short 8,959 contracts while money manager decreased their net short position 4,559 contracts.Weekly grain and oilseed exports were mixed- corn and soybean export inspections of 62.3 and 29.6 million bushels, respectively were on the top end of expectations; while wheat inspections of 12.3 million were on the low end of pre-report expectations.The first corn planting progress report of the year showed 2% of the nations corn had been planted- matching normal and pre-report expectations.U.S. winter wheat conditions were 48% good to excellent- slightly higher than the 47% pre-report expectations. The crop was rated 56% good to excellent this time last year.Topics:» Market recap» General tariff impacts» Smoot Hawley Act of 1930» China's retaliatory tariffs impact on soybeans» Further acreage changes ahead of planting» Rainy weather and wet conditions» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben review the latest USDA acreage and stocks numbers and take a look at what Trump's reciprocal tariffs mean for agriculture.Market recap (changes on week as of Friday's close): » May 2025 corn down $.11 at $4.53» December 2025 corn down $.09 at $4.42» May 2025 soybeans up $.14 at $10.23» November 2025 soybeans up $.22 at $10.29» May soybean oil up 3.15 cents at 45.16 cents/lb» May soybean meal down $6.80 at $293.50/short ton» May wheat down $.30 at $5.28» July 2025 wheat down $.32 at $5.42» May 2025 cotton up 1.63 cents at 66.90 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton up 1.43 cents at 70.09 cents/lb» May 2025 rough rice up $0.095 at $13.515/cwt» September 2025 rough rice up $0.10 at $13.755/cwt» May WTI Crude Oil up $0.91 at $69.28/barrelWeekly highlights:Consumer confidence dropped in March to 92.9, down 7.2 points from 100.1 in February. This is the fourth consecutive monthly decline.Personal incomes were higher than expected in February while spending was slightly less. The PCE index at 0.3% matched expectations and the prior months increase signaling prices remain stubborn.Energy stocks were largely down week over week. Crude oil minus the strategic petroleum reserve was down 140.3 million gallons, gasoline down 60.7 million gallons, and distillate fuel down 17.7 million gallons.US ethanol production decreased to 310 million gallons- down from 325 million gallons the week prior and matching the same volume last year. US ethanol stocks increased 32.6 million gallons.Weekly grain and oilseed export sales were largely as expected, but mostly down week over week and recent volumes. Corn sales- 49.9 million bushels, soybean sales-12.4 million bushels, wheat- 3.7 million bushels, rice- 2.2 million hundredweight, and cotton- 89,000 bales.Open interest in futures and options of grains and oilseeds was up 0.3% week over week. Producer and merchants decreased their net short 109,703 futures and options contracts. Money managers increased their net short 108,996 contracts.USDA released grain stocks as of March 1- grain stocks were nearly as estimated across the board. Corn and rough rice stocks were down year over year, while soybean and sorghum stocks were up year over year.USDA reported farmers intend to plant 95.3 million corn acres, 83.5 million soybean acres, 6.09 million soft red winter wheat acres, 9.87 million cotton acres, and 2.9 million rice acres.Weekly grain and oilseed export inspections were relatively strong this week. Corn exports of 63.6 million bushels were bullish coming in above all pre-report expectations. Soybeans, grain sorghum, and wheat exports at 29.1, 0.9, and 16.0 million bushels were at the top end of expectations.Topics:» Market recap» USDA acreage numbers» USDA stocks report» Trump administration tariff actions» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben look at the growing competition in South American soybean production and emerging export opportunities.Market recap (changes on week as of Friday's close): » May 2025 corn up $.06 at $4.64» December 2025 corn flat at $4.51» May 2025 soybeans down $.07 at $10.09» November 2025 soybeans down $.11 at $10.07» May soybean oil up 0.42 cents at 42.01 cents/lb» May soybean meal down $5.60 at $300.30/short ton» May wheat up $.01 at $5.58» July 2025 wheat up $.01 at $5.74» May 2025 cotton down 2.1 cents at 65.27 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton down 1.32 cents at 68.66 cents/lb» May WTI Crude Oil up $1.41 at $68.37/barrelWeekly highlights:US housing starts at 1.50 million exceeded expectations of 1.38 million and the 1.35 million in January.The Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged this week at a range of 4.25% to 4.5%, citing increased economic uncertainty and lowering its growth forecast for the year.US crude oil stocks were up 73.3 million gallons, while gasoline and distillate stocks were down 22.1 and 118.1 million gallons. Implied gasoline demand was down 4% week over week, but still up 1% from the prior four-week average.US ethanol production increased to an impressive 325 million gallons- up from 312 million gallons last week and 308 million gallons this time last year. Ethanol stocks were down 33.6 million gallons week over week but still 7% higher than the five-year average.Weekly grain and oilseed export sales were mixed- corn sales were again strong at 58.9 million bushels. However, soybean export sales of 13.0 million bushels fell below all expectations Wheat sales were especially disappointing at net cancelations of -9.1 million bushels- 20 million bushels below the most bearish estimate.Open interest in futures and options of grains and oilseeds was up 1.3% week over week. Producer and merchants decreased their net short 8,793 futures and options contracts. Money managers increased their net short 43,637 contracts to -205,435 contracts.Weekly grain and oilseed export inspections were neutral to bullish on the week. Corn and soybean shipments of 57.6 and 30.2 million bushels, respectively were toward the top end of expectations, while wheat shipments of 17.8 million bushels topped all pre-report expectations. There were no grain sorghum inspections.Topics:» Market recap» Black Sea wheat outlook» Chinese soybean demand» South American soybean production» Corn export opportunity in Japan» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben check in on inflationary measures and USDA's updated supply and demand numbers.Market recap (changes on week as of Friday's close): » May 2025 corn down $.11 at $4.58» December 2025 corn down $.03 at $4.51» May 2025 soybeans down $.09 at $10.16» November 2025 soybeans down $.07 at $10.18» May soybean oil down 1.83 cents at 41.59 cents/lb» May soybean meal up $9.40 at $305.90/short ton» May wheat up $.06 at $5.57» July 2025 wheat up $.08 at $5.73» May 2025 cotton up 1.30 cents at 67.37 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton up $1.52 at 69.98 cents/lb » May WTI Crude Oil up $.18 at $66.96/barrel Weekly highlights:US job openings in January were reported at 7.7 million jobs- that was up from a two year low of 7.5 in December 2024.The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was reported up at 0.2% month over month vs expectations of increasing 0.2%. The annual CPI increased 3.1% vs 3.3% last month and expectations of 3.2%.The Producer Price Index (PPI) was flat month over month in February- below expectations of 0.3% growth. The annual PPI was reported at 3.2%- down from 3.7% in January.The Preliminary Consumer Sentiment value fell harder than expected in March. Consumers have concerns about economic health and high levels of future inflation.US retail sales were up 0.2% in February compared to January, but below the 0.6 growth expectations. Year over year retail sales are up 3.1%.USDA left the corn and soybean balance sheets virtually unchanged this month- the exception being a 15-cent decline in the season-average price for soybeans. Sorghum demand categories continue to change, and wheat saw reductions in demand and price.US crude oil stocks were up 60.8 million gallons while gasoline and distillate fuel stocks were down 241 and 65.5 million gallons, respectively. Implied US gasoline demand was up 3% from last week and up 8% compared to the prior four week average.US ethanol production pulled back to 312 million gallons- down from 321, but up from 301 last year and the five-year average of 296 million gallons. Ethanol stocks increased 3.7 million gallons but remain just below the all time record set in April 2020 at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.The National Oilseed Processors Association reported their members crushed 177.9 million bushels of soybeans in February- below all pre-report estimates.Weekly grain and oilseed export sales were neutral to bullish on the week- corn sales of 38.1 million bushels were in line with pre-report expectations but up from the week prior. Soybean and wheat export sales of 27.6 and 28.8 million bushels, respectively were both above all pre-report expectations. Sorghum sales were healthy at 1.3 million bushels. Rice sales fell to a 5-week low at 0.7 mil. Cwt.Open interest in futures and options of grains and oilseeds was up 0.3% week over week. Producer and merchants reduced their net short position 71,035 contracts, while money managers were net sellers again this week- increasing their net short position. Weekly grain and oilseed export inspections were solid this week. Corn and soybean inspections of 65.3 and 23.8 million bushels were both within range, while wheat inspections of 18.1 million bushels were bullish- above all pre-report expectations. Topics:» Market recap» Checking inflation measures» USDA updates its supply and demand estimates» Oilseed crush comes in below expectations» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben look at the positive impacts of a weakening US dollar, an historic shift in commodity crop managed money positions and glance at the winter wheat market.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben break down USDA's record ag trade deficit projection and incoming US ag export tariffs.Market recap (changes on week as of Friday's close): » May 2025 corn down $.36 at $4.69» December 2025 corn down $.15 at $4.55» May 2025 soybeans down $.32 at $10.25» November 2025 soybeans down $.30 at $10.29» May soybean oil down 3.22 cents at 44.12 cents/lb» May soybean meal down $3.70 at $300.20/short ton» May wheat down $.49 at $5.55» July 2025 wheat down $.48 at $5.69» May 2025 cotton down 2.09 cents at 65.25 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton down $1.27 at 67.88 cents/lb » May WTI Crude Oil down $0.88 at $69.34/barrel Weekly highlights:Personal incomes increased 0.9% in January- partially aided by social security updates and state level minimum wage increases, but consumer spending fell 0.2% month over month- the first decline in 22 months, vs expectations of a 0.1% gain.US energy stocks were up across the board. Crude oil stocks increased 98 million gallons on the week, gasoline stocks increased 17 million gallons, and distillate fuel stocks were up 164 million gallons.US ethanol production pulled back just slightly to 318 million gallons produced- vs 319 million gallons, but sharply lower ethanol exports caused ethanol stocks to jump to their largest volume since April 2020.US ethanol producers used 457.4 million bushels of corn in January according to USDA. The volume was down from the volume in December and a pretty disappointing volume for the month of January.US soybean crushers crushed 212.6 million bushels of soybeans in January. The value exceeded all pre-report expectations and was slightly bullish to the soybean market.At the USDA Ag Outlook Forum- USDA estimated corn and soybean acreage at 94.0 and 84.0 million acres, respectively. Yields were estimated at 181.0 and 52.5 bushels per acre, respectively.Weekly grain and oilseed export sales were bearish on the week. Corn sales of 31.3 million bushels came in below all pre-report estimates. Wheat sales of 9.9 million bushels were also below all pre-report estimates. Soybeans sales at 15.1 million bushels were within expectations but down week over week.Open interest in futures and options of grains and oilseeds were down 11.2% week over week. Producer and merchants reduced their net short position 6.7% and managed money holders reduced their net long position 26.1% or 57,650 contracts. Money managers are net long the complex 162,917 contracts.Weekly export inspections for US grains and oilseeds were all as expected. Corn and sorghum shipments of 53.2 and 0.6 million bushels, respectively were up week over week, while soybean inspections of 25.5 million bushels were down week over week and wheat shipments were flat at 14.3 million bushels. Topics:» Market recap» USDA expects record ag trade deficit» Tariffs hitting US ag exports» Ethanol stocks swell» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben dive into the upcoming opening crop balance sheet for the 2025 season.Market recap (changes on week as of Friday's close): » March 2025 corn up $.09 at $5.05» December 2025 corn down $.03 at $4.70» March 2025 soybeans up $.21 at $10.57» November 2025 soybeans up $.07 at $10.59» March soybean oil up 0.74 cents at 46.81 cents/lb» March soybean meal down $1.10 at $294.80/short ton» March wheat up $.10 at $5.90» July 2025 wheat down $.08 at $6.17» March 2025 cotton down 1.03 cents at 66.08 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton down $0.24 at 69.15 cents/lb» October WTI Crude Oil down $0.49 at $70.22/barrelWeekly highlights:Consumer Sentiment declined significantly in February to 64.7 vs 71.7 in January and below expectations of 68.0.US crude oil stocks increased 195 million gallons on the week- the four straight week. US gasoline stocks were mostly flat on slightly lower weekly demand. Distillate stocks were down 86 million gallons.US ethanol production increased just slightly to 319 million gallons- up from 218 million last week but matching the volume this time last year. Ethanol ending stocks were up 22 million gallons and are 3% higher than last year.The National Oilseed Processors Association reported their members crushed 200.4 million bushels in January- a new record for January, but below expectations. The implied soybean oil demand number was bullish despite a bearish crush report.Grain and oilseed export sales were neutral on the week with corn sales of 57.2 million bushels, soybean sales of 17.6 million bushels, grain sorghum at 870,00 bushels, and all wheat sales at 19.6 million bushels. Soybean oil sales came in above all expectations after being negative the week prior.Cattle on Feed in as of February 1 was reported at 11.716 million head- 99.3% of last year. The report was seen as neutral to slightly bullish with both placements and marketings coming in higher than last year.Open interest in futures and options contracts of grains and oilseeds was up 1.5% week over week with producer and merchants increasing their net short position 3.4% and money managers increasing their net long position a combined 39,366 contracts- all of which were nearly exact opposites of the week prior.US grain and oilseed export inspections were all as expected today although down week over week for corn and up week over week for soybeans and total wheats.Topics:» Market recap» USDA balance sheet out on Friday» A record oilseed crush falls below expectations» The impact of dropping consumer sentiment» Cattle on feed's impact to feed grains» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will Robinson, VP of Engineering at Coinbase, explores the company's expanding role in decentralized finance (DeFi), highlighting the launch of Bitcoin-backed USDC loans through Morpho and Coinbase's broader efforts to integrate DeFi solutions. He explains how Coinbase is working to connect centralized finance (CeFi) with DeFi by incorporating decentralized protocols while prioritizing security and regulatory compliance. Robinson also discusses the introduction of cbBTC as an alternative to WBTC, the company's approach to multi-chain development, and its plans for further DeFi integrations. Additionally, he addresses ongoing debates about Ethereum Layer 2 networks and their impact on the main chain, emphasizing the importance of improved cross-chain interoperability. He also provides insights into Coinbase's asset listing process, the role of meme coins in the crypto ecosystem, and the company's broader mission to support a more open and accessible financial system.Chapters00:00 - Intro: Will Robinson, VP of Engineering at Coinbase00:45 - Coinbase's expanding role in DeFi01:16 - Bitcoin-backed USDC loans powered by Morpho02:34 - How Coinbase enables BTC holders to access liquidity05:15 - Risks involved in Bitcoin-backed loans08:58 - Liquidation risks and loan-to-value ratios11:13 - Early demand and adoption of the product13:15 - cbBTC vs. WBTC: Why Coinbase launched its own Bitcoin wrapper18:47 - How cbBTC is issued and traded21:36 - Coinbase's approach to self-custody and wallets24:07 - The role of Coinbase Wallet in bridging CeFi and DeFi27:31 - Coinbase's long-term DeFi strategy and future integrations29:50 - Will DeFi become a mainstream part of traditional finance?33:51 - Coinbase's evolution from exchange to financial institution34:34 - The rise of Base: How Coinbase grew its Layer 238:28 - Are Layer 2s parasitic to Ethereum?49:08 - The role of meme coins in crypto and Coinbase's listing process54:20 - The future of on-chain finance and economic freedom✨ Check out our new website ✨https://thedefiant.io/

Will Robinson makes another appearance on Vibing With Sleezy. We discuss Pat Kelsey, Mark Pope, Kentucky Basketball, Louisville Basketball, the NFL Season, NFL Awards, Hall of Fames, the NBA, Sports, and more! 

This week Will and Ben discuss how higher than expected inflation measurements could benefit agriculture.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » March 2025 corn up $.09 at $4.96» December 2025 corn up $.07 at $4.73» March 2025 soybeans down $.13 at $10.36» November 2025 soybeans down $.05 at $10.52» March soybean oil flat at 46.07 cents/lb» March soybean meal down $5.50 at $295.90/short ton» March wheat up $.18 at $6.00» July 2025 wheat up $.19 at $6.25» March 2025 cotton up 1.48 cents at 67.11 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton up $0.78 at 69.39 cents/lb » October WTI Crude Oil down $0.26 at $70.74/barrel Weekly highlights:The Consumer Price Index came in up 0.5% month over month- higher than the 0.3% expected and the 0.4% experienced last month. The Producer Price Index was also higher than expected, but lower than the December index.US retail sales were worse than expected- posting the largest monthly drop in nearly two years.US crude oil stocks increased again this week- up 171 million gallons along with distillate stocks up just 5.7 million gallons. Gasoline stocks were down 127.5 million gallons with US implied gasoline demand up 3% from the week prior and 5% from the same time last year.US ethanol production declined to 318 million gallons on the week- after a strong weekly production of 327 million gallons the week prior. The volume matches the same set during the week in 2024. Ethanol stocks declined 30 million gallons on the week.Grain and oilseed export sales were mixed this week with corn and wheat sales of 64.9 and 20.9 million bushels, respectively being up week over week and at the top end of pre-report expectations, while soybean sales of 6.8 were below all expectations. Sorghum sales of 2.1 million bushels were the largest weekly volume since Mid-November. Open interest in futures and options contracts of grains and oilseeds was down 1.6% week over week with producer and merchants decreasing their net short position 3.5% and money managers reducing their net long position a combined 55,387 contracts. It was the first net reduction of the complex in nearly 2 months.Topics:» Market recap» Inflation numbers higher than expected» Commodity markets could benefit from inflation» Bill introduced to instate year-round E15» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, which fights to address the retirement income crisis by protecting and expanding America's Social Security system. Social Security Works is the convening organization of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition— a coalition made up of over 340 national and state organizations representing over 50 million Americans. Brad and Alex talk about Elon Musk's infiltration of the social security system, his massive role in the Trump administration, their collective threat to America's social safety net, and today's protests against DOGE, Musk and in favor of protecting Social Security and Medicare. Then, Brad is joined by Democratic Media Creator Will Robinson. The two discuss the Democratic response to Trump's excesses (including strategy, message and tactics), Democrats' use of new media, and more. The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.  Will Robinson's handle on BlueSky is @willrobinson1776.bsky.social. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, which fights to address the retirement income crisis by protecting and expanding America's Social Security system. Social Security Works is the convening organization of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition— a coalition made up of over 340 national and state organizations representing over 50 million Americans. Brad and Alex talk about Elon Musk's infiltration of the social security system, his massive role in the Trump administration, their collective threat to America's social safety net, and today's protests against DOGE, Musk and in favor of protecting Social Security and Medicare. Then, Brad is joined by Democratic Media Creator Will Robinson. The two discuss the Democratic response to Trump's excesses (including strategy, message and tactics), Democrats' use of new media, and more. The 'Social Security Works' website is www.socialsecurityworks.org and their handle on BlueSky is @socialsecurityworks.org. Alex's handle there is @alaw202.bsky.social.  Will Robinson's handle on BlueSky is @willrobinson1776.bsky.social. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social. (Image Credit: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

This week Will and Ben discuss the tariff back and forth and fuel and fertilizer prices ahead of spring planting.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » March 2025 corn up $.05 at $4.87» December 2025 corn up $.06 at $4.66» March 2025 soybeans up $.07 at $10.49» November 2025 soybeans up $.06 at $10.57» March soybean oil flat at 45.98 cents/lb» March soybean meal up $.30 at $301.40/short ton» March wheat up $.23 at $5.82» July 2025 wheat up $.22 at $6.06» March 2025 cotton down 0.25 cents at 65.63 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton flat at 68.61 cents/lb » October WTI Crude Oil down $1.53 at $71.00/barrel Weekly highlights:The February 2025 JOLTS report revealed that US job openings decreased to 7.3 million, indicating a continued cooling in the US labor market.The February 2025 US employment report showed a gain of 143,000 jobs- down from 170,000 job expectations with unemployment rate edging down to 4.0%, while average hourly earnings increased by 0.5% to $35.87/hour.US crude oil stocks increased 364 million gallons and US gasoline stocks were up 94 million gallons, while distillate fuel stocks fell 229.8 million gallons. US ethanol production rebounded sharply to a calendar year record of 327 million gallons- up from 298 million the week prior. Ethanol stocks increased 29 million gallons.It was a neutral to bullish week for US grain and oilseed export sales- US corn export sales of 58.2 million were at the top of expectation, while soybean sales of 14.2 were towards the bottom. All wheat exports sales were reported at 16.1 million bushels.Open interest in futures and options contracts of grains and oilseeds was up 3.3% week over week while producer and merchants increased their net short position 6.8% and money managers added another 51,836 net long contracts. Topics:» Market recap» Trade tariff pressure continue to build» Diesel stocks continue to fall» Fertilizer prices shifting ahead of spring» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben discuss how the newly active tariffs will impact agriculture markets.Market recap (changes on week as of Sunday's close): » March 2025 corn down $.04 at $4.82» December 2025 corn down $.01 at $4.60» March 2025 soybeans down $.13 at $10.42» November 2025 soybeans up $.03 at $10.51» March soybean oil about up .89 cents at 46.11 cents/lb» March soybean meal down $4.80 at $301.10/short ton» March wheat up $.15 at $5.59» July 2025 wheat up $.14 at $5.84» March 2025 cotton down 1.73 cents at 65.88 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton down 0.79 cents at 68.71 cents/lb » October WTI Crude Oil down $2.13 at $72.53/barrel Weekly highlights:The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee maintained the federal funds rate at a range of 4.25-4.50%. In the official policy statement released- words around inflation moving in the correct direction were removed.In the fourth quarter of 2024, the US economy grew at an annual rate of 2.3%, driven by consumer and government spendings, despite downturns in investment and exports. This compares to expectations of 2.5% growth and the 3.3% experienced in Q4 of 2023.US crude oil stocks increased 145.5 million gallons on the week- the first increase in 2.5 months. Gasoline stocks were up 124 million gallons week over week while distillate fuel stocks were down 210 million gallons. Implied gasoline demand was 3% on the week.US ethanol production pulled back to 298 million gallons as the cold snap across the Midwest limited production. The volume compares to 323 the week prior and 291 the same week last year. This was the first time production fell below 300 million gallons since September.The December Cotton Systems report indicated that cotton consumption was 77% lower than December 2023 with cotton stocks down 50% year over year. Manmade fiber was down 26% from November 2024 and 4% from December 2023.It was a mixed week for export sales of US grains and oilseeds. Corn sales of 53.5 million bushels were down from the week prior. Soybean sales of 16.1 were bearish coming in below all expectations while wheat sales of 16.8 million bushels were near the top end of expectations. There were again- no new sorghum export sales.The USDA January 2025 cattle inventory report revealed the total US cattle inventory decreased by 1% from the previous year, totaling 86.7 million head as of January 1, 2025. This marks the lowest level of beef cattle in 64 years.Grain export inspections from the US last week came in within expectations. Corn, soybeans, and sorghum weekly shipments were all higher than the week prior, but lower week over week for combined US wheats.Topics:» Cotton market in peril» Trade tariffs with Canada and China » Avoiding tariffs with Mexico» Fed holds interest rates steady» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben examine how threats of tariffs could impact ag markets.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » March 2025 corn up $.02 at $4.86» December 2025 corn up $.05 at $4.56» March 2025 soybeans up $.21 at $10.55» November 2025 soybeans up $.21 at $10.48» March soybean oil about down .47 cents at 45.22 cents/lb» March soybean meal up $8.70 at $305.90/short ton» March wheat up $.06 at $5.44» July 2025 wheat up $.10 at $5.70» March 2025 cotton flat at 67.61 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton up 0.38 cents at 69.50 cents/lb » October WTI Crude Oil down $1.86 at $74.66/barrelWeekly highlights:Consumer Sentiment in January declined for the first time in six months due to deteriorating thoughts about current economy and expectations of the future. Expectations included higher prices and a weaker job market.US crude oil input, gasoline, and distillate fuel production was all lower week over week. US crude oil stocks fell 42.7 million gallons week over week along with distillate fuel stocks down 128.9 million gallons. US gasoline stocks were 97.9 million gallons higher with weekly implied gasoline demand down 3% week over week.US ethanol production increased to 323 million gallons- up from 322 the week prior and compares to 240 million gallons produced durign this week last year. Ethanol stocks were up 36.4 million gallons on the week.It was another strong week for corn export sales at 65.4 million bushels. Soybean exports also made a bullish counter seasonal move at 54.8 million bushels. There were no grain sorghum sales, while all wheat export sales were bearish at 6.1 million bushels. The wheat sales volume was below all pre-report expectations.Cattle on Feed as of January 1 were reported at 11.823 million head. The number is 99.1% of January 1, 2024, with the trade anticipating 99.6% Cattle placements in December were 96.7% vs trade estimate of 100.0%. Cattle marketings of 101% were below the average estimate of 101.3%. The report was seen as bullish to cattle markets.Open interest in futures and options positions of grains and oilseeds increased 4.6% on the week. Producers and merchants were net sellers on the week of 80,041- the fifth week of sales after 179,249 contracts last week, while money managers were net buyers of 44,467 contracts after 122,026 last week.Weekly grain and oilseed export inspections were mixed. Corn inspections of 49.1 million bushels were as expected, soybean inspections of 26.8 million bushels were bearish, while wheat inspections of 17.8 million bushels were bullish. There were 35,000 bushels of grain sorghum inspected. Topics:» Market recap» Avoiding trade friction with Colombia » Tariff threats looming over Canada, Mexico» Pressure to cut interest rates» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why would newly-inaugurated President Trump take time out from arguably the busiest week in US presidential history to hold a big PR event announcing "Project Stargate" (what a suggestive name, too!) with the intent to spend a half-TRILLION dollars to develop an AGI, or "Artificial General Intelligence?" Which people like the late physicist Steven Hawking described as the greatest existential threat ever faced by the human race. And maybe the last. Why now? Why at all? And what does it mean to those of us who arguably can't stop it, but certainly have been warned, repeatedly, by Scripture. "Danger, DANGER, Will Robinson!"

This week Will and Ben dive weigh strong soybean crush numbers against heightened Brazilian soybean expectations.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » March 2025 corn up $.14 at $4.84» December 2025 corn up $.06 at $4.56» March 2025 soybeans up $.09 at $10.34» November 2025 soybeans down $.04 at $10.27» March soybean oil about flat at 45.69 cents/lb» March soybean meal down $1.10 at $297.20/short ton» March wheat up $.08 at $5.38» July 2025 wheat up $.06 at $5.60» March 2025 cotton up 0.59 cents at 67.60 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton up 0.26 cents at 69.12 cents/lb » October WTI Crude Oil up $0.77 at $75.75/barrel Weekly highlights:Wall Street breathed a sigh of relief when the December inflation readings reported in the Producer Price Index and Consumer Price Index were not higher than expected- as some feared. Prices move higher in December but were largely as expected with annual readings for the PPI at 3.3% and the CPI at 2.9%.US energy stocks were mixed on the week- crude oil stocks fell 82.4 million gallons, while gasoline and distillate stocks were higher 245.8 and 129.2 million gallons, respectively. Gasoline stocks increased for the 9th straight week. Implied gasoline demand was down 4% from recent volumes.US ethanol production decreased for the third straight week to 322 million gallons from 324 million the week prior, but production remains well above the 310 million gallons this time last year. Ethanol stocks increased 36 million gallons on the production increase and lower implied demand.Soybean crush in December by National Oilseed Processors Association members was 206.6 million bushels- up the average of 205.5 million pre-report estimate, 193.2 million bushels in November 2024 prior and 195.3 million bushels in December 2023. The volume was a new single month record for any month of the year.It was a bullish week for feed grains in the export market with corn and wheat sales of 40.3 and 18.9 million bushels, respectively, coming in above all pre-report expectations. Soybean sales of 20.9 million bushels were in the middle of expectations and there were no grain sorghum sales.Open interest in futures and options positions of grains and oilseeds increased 6.7% on the week. Producers and merchants were net sellers on the week of 179,249 contracts while money managers were net buyers of 122,026 to establish the largest net long position since September 2023.Grain and oilseed export inspections were mixed. Corn inspections of 60.7 million bushels were a marketing year high and above all pre-report expectations while soybean and wheat inspections of 35.8 and 9.6 million bushels, respectively, were below all pre-report expectations.Topics:» Market recap» Brazil adjusts soybean expectations» Strong soybean crush numbers continue» Inflationary numbers fall within expectations» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben look at USDA's revamped production and supply numbers for 2024 crops.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » March 2025 corn up $.13 at $4.70» December 2025 corn up $.05 at $4.50» March 2025 soybeans up $.28 at $10.25» November 2025 soybeans up $.18 at $10.31» March soybean oil up 5.25 cents at 45.53 cents/lb» March soybean meal down $9.00 at $298.30/short ton» March wheat down $.10 at $5.30» July 2025 wheat down $.07 at $5.54» March 2025 cotton down 1.67 cents at 67.01 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton down 1.04 at 68.86 cents/lb» October WTI Crude Oil up 2.93 at $75.75/barrelWeekly highlights:There was lots of economic news this week- headlined by the December jobs and wage reports. The US economy added 256,000 jobs in December- well above expectations of 155,000 jobs. US unemployment ticked lower to 4.1% along with both a decrease in the number of layoffs on the month and the median length of unemployment. These data suggest the FED may slow interest rate cuts.US energy stocks were mixed with US crude oil stocks down 40.3 million gallons but a surprisingly large build to gasoline and distillate stocks of 266 and 255 million gallons, respectively. Implied gasoline demand was up 4% week over week.US ethanol production decreased to 324 million gallons for the week ending December January 3, but up from 312 million gallons last year and a five-year average of 294- ethanol stocks increased 21 million gallons.USDA lowered their estimate of 2024 corn and soybean yields to 179.3 and 50.7 bushels/acre, respectively- both below the most bullish pre-report estimates. With changes to harvested acreage- 2024 production for both crops came in below all estimates.US winter wheat seedings came in above the 2023 by 725,000 acres when the trade was expecting a small decrease. The acreage total was within the range of expectations. Wheat acreage was up year over year for all three wheat classes.It was a bearish week for grain and oilseed export inspections. US corn, soybean and wheat sales of 17.5, 10.6 and 4.1 million bushels were all the lowest of the marketing year to date and below all pre-report expectations.Topics:» Market recap» USDA numbers provide bullish push» Watch upcoming soybean crush» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben dive into how upcoming USDA numbers could shake the market out of sideways trading.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » March 2025 corn up $.05 at $4.57» December 2025 corn up $.06 at $4.45» March 2025 soybeans up $.06 at $9.97» November 2025 soybeans up $.05 at $10.13» March soybean oil flat at 40.33 cents/lb» March soybean meal down $4.50 at $307.30/short ton» March wheat down $.08 at $5.40» July 2025 wheat down $.05 at $5.61» March 2025 cotton flat at 68.68 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton flat at 69.90 cents/lb » October WTI Crude Oil up 2.29 at $72.82/barrel Weekly highlights:There were not many economic news headlines over the holiday season. That is not expected to continue in 2025 and seemed to start on Monday January 6th when Canada's Prime Minister, top 3 trading partner to the US, announced his resignation and the Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve, Michael Barr also announcing his resignation.US energy stocks were again mixed on the week. Crude oil stocks were down another 50 million gallons- the sixth consecutive reduction. US gasoline and distillate fuel stocks were both higher by 324 and 270 million gallons, respectively. US gasoline consumption fell 9% week over week but was 3% higher than last year.US ethanol production increased to 327 million gallons for the week ending December 27th up from 325 million gallons the week before and 308 million in 2023. Ethanol stocks increased 24 million gallons. USDA reported that November soybean crush came in at 210 million bushels- above the average trade estimate of 207.6 million bushels and 200.1 last November. This was a new record for the month of November but short of the volume set in October 2024 at 215.8 million bushels. USDA reported corn used for ethanol in November at 464.9 million bushels- down from 467 million in October but up from 457 million bushels in November 2023. Dried distillers grain production was estimated at 1.836 million short tons in November. Open interest in Chicago grains and oilseeds was down collectively 3% on the week. Open interest fell for combined wheats (-1.3%), soybeans (-10.2%), soybean oil (-2.4%), soybean meal (-8.2%) and rough rice (-3.5%) while being up for corn (+1.2%) and cotton (+1.0%). Money managers were net buyers of the complex- buying a net 120,000 contracts. Money managers were buyers of wheats (9,322), corn (67,859), soybeans (25,436), and soybean meal (31,429), while selling off rough rice (-869), cotton (-4,162), and soybean oil (-9,015). US grain and export sales were relatively disappointing over the holiday week- however, not the worst ever experienced. Corn, soybean and wheat export sales for 2024/25 marketing year at 30.6, 17.8 and 5.2 million bushels, respectively, were all bearish- falling below the expected range. Weekly grain and oilseed export inspections were slightly bullish on the week. Corn and soybean exports of 33.4 and 47.2 million bushels, respectively, were within expectations while wheat shipments of 15.2 million bushels were above all expectations. Topics:» Market recap» USDA numbers to shake up markets» Soybean crush remains strong» Impacts of cold snap» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode Topic In this episode of PayPod, host Kevin Rosenquist is joined by Will Robinson, CEO of Encapture, to discuss the transformative power of AI in banking and document processing. Encapture's innovative SaaS platform simplifies how financial institutions extract and process critical loan data. Will shares insights into how automation and machine learning are reducing manual tasks, improving compliance, and enabling teams to focus on strategic work. The conversation also explores the evolving role of AI in enhancing financial sector efficiency, from reducing errors in document processing to accelerating decision-making. Will addresses common misconceptions, including concerns about job loss and bias, and highlights AI's potential to enhance transparency, reduce bias, and drive operational success for financial organizations.   Lessons You'll Learn Discover how leading banks are using AI to automate repetitive tasks and free up their compliance teams to focus on more impactful work. Will Robinson shares practical examples of how AI minimizes human error, accelerates document processing, and ensures regulatory compliance without sacrificing accuracy. You'll learn why embracing AI is no longer optional for growing organizations and how teams that leverage tools like Encapture can boost productivity, reduce costs, and create a better experience for both employees and customers. Will also provides key insights into building high-performing teams that effectively integrate AI, creating a culture of trust, accountability, and innovation.   About Our Guest Will Robinson is the CEO of Encapture, a leading SaaS platform that uses machine learning to simplify document processing for financial institutions. Under his leadership, Encapture has helped banks and financial organizations automate manual tasks, improve data accuracy, and enhance compliance. With years of experience in leadership roles, Will is passionate about creating strong company cultures and empowering teams to adopt AI as a force multiplier. He shares his expertise on building AI-driven workflows, enhancing organizational efficiency, and fostering a mindset of innovation and accountability in a rapidly evolving financial landscape   Topics Covered This episode explores how AI in banking is transforming document processing and compliance by automating repetitive tasks, reducing errors, and improving efficiency. Will Robinson shares real-world examples of how Encapture enables financial institutions to streamline operations, allowing teams to focus on strategic, high-value priorities. The discussion addresses common misconceptions about AI, including fears of job loss and bias, while emphasizing its role in enhancing transparency, accuracy, and decision-making. Will also highlights the importance of fostering a strong company culture and mindset to successfully integrate AI into workflows. Looking ahead, the conversation delves into the future of AI-driven automation, the opportunities it presents for innovation, and its potential to redefine the financial sector by improving operational speed and customer experience.  

Will Robinson, VP of Exploration at West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSX.V:WRLG – OTCQB:WRLGF), joins me to focus on the potential of further exploring the Fork Deposit for a potential mining scenario, as a high-grade underground satellite deposit adjacent to the Madsen Mine, in the Red Lake district of Ontario, Canada.   We start getting into the historic work completed at the Fork deposit, which currently contains over 70,000 ounces of gold in all categories: An Indicated mineral resource of 20,900 ounces (“oz”) grading 5.3 grams per tonne (“g/t”) gold (“Au”), with an additional Inferred resource of 49,500 oz grading 5.2 g/t Au.   Their exploration and engineering teams have recently completed a re-evaluation of the Fork deposit pointing to its shallow, high-grade, low-plunging zone of gold mineralization that is located approximately 250 meters southwest from existing underground development at Madsen.  Will outlines that they would like to do about another 2,000-3,000 meters of definition drilling from surface, since those would be shallow holes, to better define some of the high-grade areas of mineralization and look for extensions.    FORK DRILLING HIGHLIGHTS (HISTORIC):   Hole RUM-08-49 Intersected 13.05m @ 13.97 g/t Au, from 107.65m to 120.7m, Including 3.63m @ 30.79 g/t Au, from 110.37m to 114.00m, Also including 1.97m @ 32.55 g/t Au, from 118.73m to 120.70m. Hole PDM04-318 Intersected 9.3m @ 8.14 g/t Au, from 128.1m to 137.4m, Including 0.7m @ 85.70 g/t Au, from 128.1m to 128.8m, Also including 0.6m @ 21.3 g/t Au, from 136.8m to 137.4m. Hole RUM-08-68 Intersected 1.3m @ 50.48 g/t Au, from 95.7m to 97.0m, Including 0.2m @ 169.09 g/t Au, from 95.8m to 96.0m, Also including 0.4m @ 53.27 g/t Au, from 96.2m to 96.6m.Hole PG14-011 Intersected 3.5m @ 17.18 g/t Au, from 152.5m to 156.0m, Including 1.6m @ 33.80 g/t Au, from 154.4m to 156.0m.   Will outlines that if that further drilling were to demonstrate that it was economically viable to drift over to the Fork Deposit from the existing underground infrastructure near McVeigh, then it could be brought into a mining scenario with about 2 months of underground development.  This makes Fork a compelling area of focus as could be brought into the mine plan earlier than some of the other exploration targets of focus.    If you have any follow up questions for Will or the team over at West Red Lake Gold please email me at  Shad@kereport.com.   In full disclosure, Shad is shareholder of West Red Lake Gold Mines at the time of this recording.   Click here to visit the West Red Lake Gold website and read over the recent news we discussed.

This week Will and Ben review USDA's December WASDE numbers and look ahead to the Federal Reserve's meeting this week.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » March 2025 corn up $.04 at $4.45» December 2025 corn up $.01 at $4.40» January 2025 soybeans down $.08 at $9.82» November 2025 soybeans down $.06 at $9.98» March soybean oil down 0.97 cents at 42.07 cents/lb» March soybean meal down $2.30 at $293.70/short ton» March wheat down $.08 at $5.50» July 2025 wheat down $.06 at $5.67» March cotton down 0.89 cents at 69.06 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton down 0.81 at 70.33 cents/lb » October WTI Crude Oil up 2.45 at $70.58/barrel Weekly highlights:The US Consumer Price Index for November was reported at 2.7% year over year matching expectations but up from 2.6% in October. The producer price index was up 3% in November compared to the year prior and up from 2.6% in October.The National Oilseed Processors Association reported their members crushed 193.2 million bushels of soybeans in November- down from 200 in October and 3.5 million below the average trade estimate. Although the volume was a new November record.NOPA Also reported soybean oil stocks at 1,084 million pounds- below the average trade estimate of 1,123 million pounds. Implied domestic use of 2,284 million pounds is down from October but a November record.USDA updated supply and demand estimates a week ago. The December report increased corn use for ethanol 50 million bushels and exports 150 million bushels. With no other changes- corn ending stocks were reduced 200 million bushels. Soybean balance sheet was left unchanged other than the season average price dropping to 60 cents per bushel to $10.20.US grains and oilseed export sales were bearish on the week. Corn sales of 37.3 million bushels and soybean sales of 43.1 million fell below their pre-report trade expectations. Wheat sales of 10.7 million bushels were at the low end of expectations. Weekly export inspections of grains and oilseeds were as expected. Corn shipments of 44.5 million bushels were above the week prior, at the top end of expectations and the largest weekly total in three months. Soybean shipments of 61.6 million bushels were down slightly from the week prior and the smallest volume in 2.5 months. Topics:» USDA releases December WASDE» NOPA: soybean crush numbers down on the month» Federal Reserve in interesting position» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben break down a shifting ag trade picture and what it means for U.S. growers.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » March 2025 corn down $.01 at $4.32» December 2025 corn flat at $4.32» January 2025 soybeans flat $9.85» November 2025 soybeans down $.05 at $10.05» March soybean oil slightly down at 41.42 cents/lb» March soybean meal up $8.00 at $293.70/short ton» March wheat down $.08 at $5.47» July 2025 wheat down $.11 at $5.62» March cotton slightly down at 71.49 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton flat at 72.27 cents/lb» October WTI Crude Oil down $.82 at $68.10/barrelWeekly highlights:US consumer confidence improved again in November- 2.1 points to 111.7 in November largely driving by improved current conditions in the labor market.US energy stocks were mixed with crude oil stock lower 77.5 million gallons, gasoline and diesel stocks higher 139 and 17.5 million gallons, respectively. US gasoline demand was up 1% from the week prior and 4% higher than the same week last year.US ethanol production once again set a weekly production record- the third such record in 2024 at 329 million gallons produced. Even with the record production, ethanol stocks only grew 12.9 million gallons.Open interest was down week over week for all Chicago grains and oilseeds: wheats (-10.1%), corn (-12.2%), soybeans (-1.4%), soybean oil (-7.8%), soybean meal (-8.2%), cotton (-2.2%), and rough rice (-4.3%).Money managers built on their net short position on the week. Managed money traders sold off 8,858 futures and options positions of wheats, 17,186 positions of corn, 13,771 positions of soybeans, 32,867 positions of soybean oil, and 11,716 positions of soybean meal, while being buyers of 15,986 positions of cotton and 661 positions of rough rice.US grain and oilseed export sales were neutral to bullish on the week. Corn, grain and wheat sales were as expected at 41.8, 4.8 and 13.5 million bushels, respectively. US soybean and soybean oil sales were above all expectations at 91.5 million bushels and 124.8 thousand metric tons, respectively.This week's grain and oilseed export inspections report was within expectations but down week over week for corn (36.8 million bushels), soybeans (76.7), and wheats (10.9). Grain sorghum exports were up on the week- 7.7 million bushels.Topics:» USDA increases 2025 ag trade deficit expectation» Jamieson Greer tapped for USTR» Ukraine introduces minimum export price for key ag goods» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We welcome back Matt Archbold of Creative Minority Report to discuss acedia, courage, and misunderstandings of the virtue of Hope. How can fidelity to our state in life help lukewarm Christians to join the fight?   Show Notes Forgiving Ourselves and Being Forgiven: Taking Out the Trash for Advent  Four Words to Guide Your Advent Season  St. Charles Borromeo: On the Meaning of Advent Doomscrolling Past Christ - Crisis Magazine Onlyfans Model, Dem Women Say Trump Election ‘Forced' Them to Get Sterilized Rather Than Lose ‘Reproductive Rights'  southern orders: DANGER! DANGER! DANGER! WILL ROBINSON!  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline iCatholic Mobile The Station of the Cross Merchandise - Use Coupon Code 14STATIONS for 10% off | Catholic to the Max Read Fr. McTeigue's Written Works! Listen to Fr. McTeigue's Preaching! | Herald of the Gospel Sermons Podcast on Spotify Visit Fr. McTeigue's Website | Herald of the Gospel Questions? Comments? Feedback? Ask Father!

Will Robinson, VP of Exploration at West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSX.V:WRLG – OTCQB:WRLGF), joins me for a comprehensive exploration update on the underground definition drilling and the 12,000 meter program on 4 new targets at the Madsen Mine, in the Red Lake district of Ontario, Canada.   We start off digging into to all the underground definition drilling going on with 2 rigs, to delineate more resources and to continue building an inventory of high-confidence ounces to support the restart of production next year at the Madsen Mine.   We also review that the PFS that was slated for year-end has been pushed back to January of 2025, to be able to incorporate all of this incoming data and truly optimize the economics and engineering work for the best possible outcome upon a relaunch of mining.   Next we shifted into all the more discovery-based exploration drilling at the 4 new targets from the program that just wrapped up at the high-grade shoot at Upper 8, MJ/Wedge, North Venus, and North Shore.  On November 12th, the Company released assays from some of the 17 holes drilled at the Upper 8 target.   UPPER 8 HIGHLIGHTS:   Hole WRL24-017 Intersected 1.5m @ 21.44 g/t Au, from 297.7m to 299.2m, Including 0.5m @ 52.17 g/t Au, from 298.2m to 298.7m - this high-grade 0.5m interval is complimented by approximately 30 specks of visible gold (Figure 1). Hole WRL24-021 Intersected 2m @ 7.41 g/t Au, from 340.25m to 342.25m, Including 0.5m @ 23.74 g/t Au, from 340.25m to 340.75m. WRLG has now successfully defined a new ore shoot at Upper 8 that is approximately 30m wide and 130m along plunge – this new zone of mineralization remains open at depth (Figure 4). The plunge line on the Upper 8 ore shoot has been constrained to an orientation at approximately 110°/-40° (azimuth/plunge), which is very similar to the orientation of the deeper 8 Zone deposit – this increases WRLG's confidence in the potential to grow Upper 8 down plunge with additional drilling.   Will goes on to describe the way the exploration team is interpreting these results at the Upper 8 Zone, and how it may be part of a series of stacked lens between this area and the deeper 8 Zone, with the potential for more mineralized areas in between these two zones.   We then shift over to the drilling that continued into the MJ target at Wedge, and also the 2 new north splay targets, North Venus and North Shore.  There are still assays pending from all 4 of these new exploration target areas to be released in the near future.    If you have any follow up questions for Will or the team over at West Red Lake Gold please email me at  Shad@kereport.com.   In full disclosure, Shad is shareholder of West Red Lake Gold Mines at the time of this recording.   Click here to visit the West Red Lake Gold website and read over the recent news we discussed.

This week Will and Ben reflect on further developments in the Black Sea region and a new trade deal between China and Brazil.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » December 2024 corn down $.05 at $4.24» December 2025 corn down $.09 at $4.32» January 2025 soybeans down $.24 at $9.85» November 2025 soybeans down $.16 at $10.10» December soybean oil down 4.31 cents at 41.21 cents/lb» December soybean meal up $3.40 at $293.70/short ton» December 2024 wheat down $.12 at $5.35» July 2025 wheat down $.09 at $5.72» December 2024 cotton up 6.58 cents at 73.20 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton up 1.65 cents at 72.27 cents/lb» October WTI Crude Oil down $.25 at $68.92/barrelWeekly highlights:The leading indicators of the US economy index dropped 0.3% last month due to higher jobless claims, fewer building permits and a decline in manufacturing orders. Still there is little sign that the current four-year expansion is ending- just slowing.US consumer sentiment was up in November to 71.8 from 70.5 in October- the highest monthly reading since April 2024.US energy stocks were mostly higher on the week with crude oil up 23 million gallons, gasoline up 86 million gallons, and ethanol 22 million gallons. Distillate fuel stocks were down 5 million gallons. Energy prices continue to ease as talk of a ceasefire in the Middle East grow.US ethanol production pulled back from its record high volume of 327 million gallons to 326 million gallons. Ethanol production has been a supportive fundamental for the US corn market this summer and fall.Open interest was up week over week for wheat (+0.3%), corn (+0.1%), soybean (+5.1%), and soybean meal (+0.7%), while down for soybean oil (-1.7%), cotton (-3.2%), and rough rice (+10.9%).Money managers were mixed on the commodities this week but the whole complex returned to a net short position. Traders sold off 10,516 contracts of wheat, 13,165 contracts of soybeans, 19,084 contracts of soybean oil, 36,069 contracts of soybean meal, and 22,136 contracts of cotton while buyers of corn and rough rice by 4,639 and 530 contracts, respectively.US Cattle on Feed as of November 1st totaled 11.986 million head or 100.3% of last year. That was slightly higher than the pre-report estimates of 99.9%. October placements were 105.3%, above expectations while placements marketings were 104.7%, slightly below expectations of 105.2%.US export sales were mixed on the week- corn sales of 58.8 million bushels were down week over week while soybean sales of 68.4 million bushels exceeded all pre-report expectations. Grain sorghum and wheat sales of 4.8 and 20.2 million bushels were solid.This week's grain and oilseed export inspections report was slightly bullish with corn inspections at 35.6 million bushels, coming in above pre-report expectations and wheat shipments of 13.2 million bushels at a two-month high.US winter wheat conditions were reported at 55% good to excellent this week- up from 49% last week and well above pre-report expectations of 51%.Topics:» Market recap» Escalation in Blach Sea region» New ag trade deal between Chin and Brazil» Impact of Trump Administration cabinet selections» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben review record ethanol and soy crush numbers and the wide swings in wheat prices.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » December 2024 corn down $.01 at $4.29» December 2025 corn down $.04 at $4.41» January 2025 soybeans down $.13 at $10.09» November 2025 soybeans down $.19 at $10.26» December soybean oil down 2.62 cents at 45.52 cents/lb» December soybean meal down $4.80 at $290.30/short ton» December 2024 wheat down $.18 at $5.47» July 2025 wheat down $.17 at $5.81» December 2024 cotton down 3.07 cents at 66.62 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton down 2.1 cents at 70.62 cents/lb » October WTI Crude Oil up $1.17 at $69.21/barrel Weekly highlights:Three sets of economic data released last week show that reductions in inflation growth have stalled presenting problems for the Federal Reserve. The CPI showed consumer prices up 2.6% on the year, the PPI showed producer prices up 2.4% year over year and retail sales increased 0.4% from September to October.US energy stocks were mixed on the week. US crude oil stocks were up 87.7 million gallons, while gasoline and distillate stocks were down 185.1 and 58.6 million gallons, respectively. Implied gasoline demand was up 6% week over week.US ethanol production surged again this week to a new weekly record 327 million gallons- up from 325 million gallons last week and exceeding the previous weekly record of 326 million gallons. Ethanol stocks were flat on the week.The National Oilseed Processors Association reported their members crushed 199.96 million bushels of soybeans in October- up from 177.3 in September and expectations of 196.8 million bushels. The volume is a new record for any month of the year.Open interest was up for everything except cotton this week- wheat (+1.4%), corn (+1.0%), soybean (+2.2%), soybean meal (+6.2%), and rough rice (+10.9%). Open interest for cotton fell week over week (-10.3%). Money managers were mixed on the commodities this week but across the entire complex turned their net short of -51,409 futures and options contracts into a small net long of 14,346 contracts. Managed money traders were large net buyers of 87,946 corn futures and options contracts.US export sales were mixed on the week. Grains sorghum, combined wheats and rice were all up week over week while everything else was down. Corn sales of 51.8 million bushels fell toward the bottom of pre-report expectations.US Crop Conditions:US winter wheat conditions continue to improve. The conditions index increased to 338 up from 326 last week and compares to 333 this time last year. A perfect score is 500. The percentage of the crop estimated at good to excellent increased to 49%- up from 44% last week and above the 46% expected. On a state-by-state basis, conditions were mixed across the country with no region showing clear gains or losses. Topics:» Market recap» Record ethanol production» Record soybean crush» Wheat market fluctuations» Inflation on the rise again» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben look at shifting production numbers and the future of ag policy.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » December 2024 corn up $.14 at $4.30» December 2025 corn up $.05 at $4.45» January 2025 soybeans up $.25 at $10.22» November 2025 soybeans up $.10 at $10.45» December soybean oil up 2.58 cents at 48.14 cents/lb» December soybean meal down $4.50 at $299.60/short ton» December 2024 wheat up $.03 at $5.65» July 2025 wheat down $.06 at $5.98» December 2024 cotton down 0.24 cents at 69.69 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton flat at 72.72 cents/lb» October WTI Crude Oil down $3.68 at $68.04/barrelWeekly highlights:The Federal Reserve cut interest rates 25 basis points at their November meeting. The short-term borrowing rate is now in a range of 4.5-4.75 percent.US energy stocks were up across the board this week- crude oil up 90.3 million gallons, gasoline up 17.3 million gallons, distillate fuels up 123.8 million gallons and ethanol up 10.5 million gallons. Gasoline demand was up 4% week over week.US ethanol production surged to 325 million gallons produced on the week- up from 318 million the week prior and working closer to the record 326 million gallons in one week set back in July.USDA lowered corn yield 0.7 bushels per acre to 183.1 bushels per acre. Grain sorghum yields were increase 3.1 bushels per acre to 60.8. Soybean yields were lowered 1.4 bushels per acre to 51.7 bushels per acre and fell below all pre-report estimates. Rice and cotton yields were unchanged month over month.Open interest was up across the board this week: wheats (+4.7%), corn (+0.7%), soybeans (+1.0%), soybean oil (+7.1%), soybean meal (+1.2%), cotton (+1.6%) and rough rice (+19.5%).Money managers were net buyers of Chicago grains and oilseeds this week. Traders were net buyers of corn (39,746), soybeans (2,114), and soybean oil (26,179), more than offsetting the net sales in other commodities.US export sales of US grains and oilseeds were strong again this week. Corn sales of 108.9 million bushels exceeded all trade expectations. Soybean oil sales have heated up and also exceed all pre-report expectations. Soybean and wheat sales were down week over week but within trade expectations at 74.9 and 13.8 million bushels, respectfully.US Crop Conditions:US corn and soybean yields declined this month compared to October according to USDA. Corn is still estimated at a record yield of 183.1 bushels per acre. Most states saw some deterioration in corn yields- including Missouri that saw yield fall to 182 bushels per acre- down from 185 bushels per acre estimated previously. Even with the monthly decline- Missouri's corn yield remains 19% better than 2023 due to better growing conditions.Topics:» Market recap» USDA production estimate adjustments (corn, soybeans, sorghum, cotton)» Potential shifts in ag trade policy» Farm Bill solution unlikely in near future» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben talk about another likely drop in interest rates and increases in export numbers.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » December 2024 corn up $.06 at $4.16» December 2025 corn up $.01 at $4.40» January 2025 soybeans up $.11 at $9.97» November 2025 soybeans up $.14 at $10.35» December soybean oil up 2.87 cents at 45.56 cents/lb» December soybean meal down $5.20 at $299.60/short ton» December 2024 wheat up $.10 at $5.68» July 2025 wheat down $.12 at $6.04» December 2024 cotton down 0.46 cents at 69.9 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton flat at 72.61 cents/lb » October WTI Crude Oil up $4.27 at $71.72/barrel Weekly highlights:The US economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.8% last quarter- down from 3.0% in the second quarter and down from 3.0% growth expectations. Personal consumption expenditures grew 3.7%-up from 2.8% in second quarter and well above the 3.0% growth expected.The Jobs Openings and Loss report estimated 7.443 million open jobs to end September- down from the end of August and below pre-report expectations of 7.9 million open jobs. Jobs quit rates fell to 1.9% in September, which is below the 2.3% prior to the 2020 pandemic.US energy stocks were down for crude oil, gasoline, and distillate fuels by 22, 114, and 41 million gallons, respectively week over week. US gasoline demand was also up 4% and is 5% stronger than this time last year.US ethanol production was just marginally higher on the week- extending the weekly increases to the fifth straight week. US ethanol stocks were down 19 million gallons on the week.The USDA September grain crushing report estimated 440 million bushels of corn used for ethanol- down from 480 in August, but above 424 last September.The USDA soybean crush report estimated 186.5 million bushels were crushed during September- down from expectations of 187.4 million bushels and below all trade expectations.Open interest was up for wheats (+1.2%), corn (+0.5%), soybean meal (+2.7%), and cotton (+1.1%), while being down for soybeans (-15.7%), soybean oil (-1.0%), and rough rice (-3.0%)Money managers traders were net buyers of corn (53,796) while sellers of all other commodities. Soybean oil (-3,122), soybean meal (-43,550) cotton (-4,455), soybeans (-12,652), wheats (-5,770) and rice (-367).After a very strong week of ag export sales last week- export sales of grains and oilseeds were all as expected, but down from the prior week for corn at 92.2 million bushels, grain sorghum at 0.2 million bushels and wheat at 15.1 million bushels. Soybeans were up week over week at 83.5 million bushels. Weekly grain and oilseed expectations were down week over week for corn, soybeans, and combined wheats, but up for grain sorghum and soft red winter wheat. Wheat inspections of 7.1 million bushels were below all pre-report trade expectations.Topics:» Market recap» Lowering interest rates» Export outlook continues to shift» USDA reports reshaping corn and soybean balance sheets» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben look under the hood of strong U.S. energy production numbers and its impact on ag markets.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » December 2024 corn up $.01 at $4.10» December 2025 corn up $.02 at $4.39» November 2024 soybeans down $.07 at $9.74» November 2025 soybeans down $.04 at $10.21» December soybean oil flat at 42.69 cents/lb» December soybean meal down $13.50 at $304.80/short ton» December 2024 wheat down $.14 at $5.58» July 2025 wheat down $.12 at $5.97» December 2024 cotton down 1.84 cents at 70.36 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton down 0.77 cents at 72.72 cents/lb » October WTI Crude Oil down $2.55 at $67.45/barrelWeekly highlights:US leading economic indicators came in a little lower than expected. The reading for September was down 0.5% vs expectations of being down 0.3% month over month.Housing data was mixed on the week. Sales of existing housing was down month over month, while sales of new homes were up nearly 30,000 units month over month and above expectations.US energy stocks were mixed on the week. Crude oil and gasoline stocks were up 230 and 37 million gallons, respectively- while distillate fuel stocks were down 48 million gallons and ethanol stocks were flat. Gasoline demand was up 2% on the week.US ethanol production increased for the fourth consecutive week to 318 million gallons- up from 306 million gallons last week and 306 million gallons last year. Ethanol profitability is expected to decline some over the next couple weeks.Open interest was up for wheats (+3.5%), corn (+6.5%), soybeans (+0.1%), soybean oil (+4.5%), soybean meal (+2.3%), cotton (+2.2%), and rough rice (+2.3%). Money managers traders were net buyers of corn (15,489) soybean oil (+13,711), soybean meal (+737) and cotton (+6,470) while being sellers of soybeans (-19,233), wheats (-2,061) and rice (-367).The USDA Cattle on Feed Report for October 1 showed all cattle on feed at 11.6 million head, nearly matching last year's volume and just slightly ahead of the 99.7% average trade estimate. September marketings were 102% of last year and placements were 98.1% compared to estimated of 102% and 96%, respectively.Weekly export sales of US grains and oilseeds were relatively bullish on the week. Corn sales of 142 million bushels were above all pre-report estimates and the largest since April 2021. Soybean and wheat sales were strong at 79.1 and 19.6 million bushels, respectively. Cotton sales of 180,000 bales were the largest in nearly 2 months.Weekly grain and oilseed expectations were down week over week for corn, soybeans, milo, and combined wheats but still supportive. Shipments were 32.4 million bushels for corn, 88.0 million bushels for soybeans, 0.127 million bushels for milo, and 9.1 million bushels for combined wheats.Corn and soybean harvest is now 81% and 89% complete, respectively. Corn was slightly ahead of 80% expectations while soybeans was slightly behind the 91% expectations. Winter wheat planting was 80% complete on the week vs expectations of 83%. The winter wheat conditions ration is 38% good to excellent vs 47% estimated.Topics:» Market recap» Energy production» Strong export numbers» International production snapshot» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben look at slow grain marketing as low prices encourage storage.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » December 2024 corn up $.01 at $4.09» December 2025 corn down $.05 at $4.37» November 2024 soybeans down $.15 at $9.81» November 2025 soybeans down $.22 at $10.25» December soybean oil up 0.49 cents at 42.39 cents/lb» December soybean meal up $2.80 at $318.30/short ton» December 2024 wheat down $.13 at $5.72» July 2025 wheat down $.15 at $6.09» December 2024 cotton up 1.17 cents at 72.20 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton up 0.60 cents at 73.49 cents/lb» October WTI Crude Oil down $3.34 at $70.00/barrelWeekly highlights:US retail sales were up 0.4% in September compared to August. Expectations were for retail sales to be up 0.3%.US housing starts and building permits were as expected in September- coming in below levels experienced in August.US energy stocks decreased across the board week over week for crude oil, gasoline, and distillate fuels- 92, 92, and 148 million gallons, respectively. Weekly gasoline demand was down 11% week over week, down 4% from last year but 5% higher than the previous five-week average.US ethanol production increased just slightly on the week- up to 306 million gallons from 305 million gallons the week prior. US ethanol stocks increased 5 million gallons.The National Oilseed Processors Association announced their members crushed 177.3 million bushels of soybeans in September- above Aug 24, Sept 23, and all pre-report trade expectations.Open interest was up for wheats (+1.8%), corn (+4.3%), soybeans (+8.6%), soybean meal (+2.3%), and cotton (+0.9%), while being down for soybean oil (-2.1%) and rough rice (-4.3%).Money managers are again short the grains and oilseed markets. Traders were net sellers of corn (-63,259), soybean (-18,543), soybean oil (-5,565), soybean meal (-40,877) and cotton (-741). Traders were buyers of wheats and rice.Weekly export sales for grain and oilseeds were bullish on the week. Corn sales to all destinations of 87.6 million bushels were above all expectations and the largest single week since April 2023. Soybean sales were also supportive at 62.6 million bushels. Wheat sales of 18.5 million bushels came in at the top end of pre-report expectations.Weekly grain and oilseed expectations were mixed. Corn export inspections of 39.4 million bushels and soybean inspections of 89.4 million bushels were within expectations but up from the week prior and recent volumes. Wheat inspections of 9.9 million bushels were below all expectations.Harvest continues across the region. Corn harvest is 65% complete- up from 52% on average and 63% expected. Soybean harvest was 81% complete up from 67% on average. Cotton harvest was 44% complete compared to 38% on average.Winter wheat planting is 73% complete as of Sunday- below expectations of 77% completed.Topics:» Market recap» Wheat planting» Harvest updates» Export outlook» Strong soybean crush» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben dive into lower crop prices and grain sorghum export expectations.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » December 2024 corn down $.18 at $4.08» December 2025 corn down $.13 at $4.42» November 2024 soybeans down $.38 at $9.96» November 2025 soybeans down $.33 at $10.47» December soybean oil down 2.67 cents at 41.90 cents/lb» December soybean meal down $9.30 at $315.50/short ton» December 2024 wheat down $.07 at $5.85» July 2025 wheat down $.13 at $6.24» December 2024 cotton down 2.5 cents at 71.03 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton down .93 cents at 72.89 cents/lb » October WTI Crude Oil down $3.29 at $73.34/barrelWeekly highlights:The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased more than expected last month. Price for consumers increased 0.2% in September, matching August but above expectations of +0.1%. Annual CPI was up 2.4% compared to expectations it would fall to 2.3%.The US Producer Price Index (PPI) was flat month over month in September. The value was below an expected increase of 0.2% for the month. The annual value of 1.8% in September was up from 1.7% in the month prior and above expectations of 1.6%. US energy stocks were again mixed week over week. Crude oil stocks were up 244 million gallons while, gasoline, distillate and ethanol stocks were down 265, 131, and 55 million gallons, respectively. Implied gasoline use was up 13% on the week.US ethanol production increased again this week- up 7 million gallons to 305 million gallons. Ethanol profitability has fallen below the average experienced last year and close to the long run average.The October USDA report was slightly bearish to grain and oilseed markets. USDA increased the national average corn yield 0.2 bushels/acre to 183.8- the trade was expecting a small decrease. The national average soybean yield was lowered 0.1 bushels per acre matching expectations. Corn and soybean production and ending stocks for 2024/25 came in above expectations creating a bearish sentiment to the market. Open interest was up for wheats (+0.4%), corn (+0.3%), soybeans (+3.4%), soybean meal (+1.7%), cotton (+4.5%), and rough rice (+3.1%) while being down for soybean oil (-0.1%).Money managers are now net long the grains and oilseeds for the first time since September 5, 2023. Managed money traders were net buyers of everything except for soybean meal. Weekly export sales for grain and oilseeds were neutral on the week relatively to expectations but down week over week for corn, soybeans, milo, wheats, and cotton while up week over week for rice.Topics:» Market recap» USDA WASDE update» Grain sorghum exports» Grain sorghum outlook» Inflationary pressure watch» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode broke down FCC2 clinching the top spot in Eastern Conference for NextPro Playoffs! Our thoughts on if inconsistency in lineups is finally catching up to the first team as we lose again at home. Will Robinson& Vazquez feature under Poch for USMNT this week?| Lucho back in convo for repeat MVP

This week Will and Ben cover the impact of general market factors and upcoming USDA production estimates on crop prices.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » December 2024 corn up $.02 at $4.26» December 2025 corn up $.01 at $4.55» November 2024 soybeans down $.13 at $10.34» November 2025 soybeans down $.14 at $10.80» December soybean oil up 1.26 cents at 44.57 cents/lb» December soybean meal down $16.80 at $324.80/short ton» December 2024 wheat up $.08 at $5.92» July 2025 wheat up $.16 at $6.37» December 2024 cotton flat at 73.53 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton flat at 73.82 cents/lb » October WTI Crude Oil up $8.75 at $76.63/barrelWeekly highlights:The US economy is humming, or at least that was the message from the September employment report that showed job creation well above expectations, unemployment down, and hourly wages up. However, a disconnect between sentiment of the economy and the data seems to exist.StoneX's October Customer Survey of US corn and soybean yield increased relative to September. Corn at 184.0 bushels per acre up from 182.9 in September. US soybean yield was estimated at 53.5 bushels per acre up from 53.0 in September. USDA is at 183.6 and 53.2 bushels per acre for corn and soybean yields, respectively.US energy stocks were mixed. Crude oil and gasoline stocks were up 163 and 47 million gallons while distillate and ethanol stocks were down 54 and 3 million gallons. Implied gasoline demand was down 7% week over week.US ethanol production rebounded to 298 million gallons produced on the week- up from 292 million gallons the week before and 297 million gallons.Open interest was up for wheats (+5.6%), corn (+3.8%), soybeans (3.5%), soybean meal (+5.2%), and cotton (+1.75), while down for rough rice (-1.6%) and soybean oil (-1.0%).Money managers were net buyers of futures and option contracts of Chicago wheats (+8,192), corn (+63,000), soybeans (+34,659), soybean meal (+44,950), and cotton (+5,402) but down for rough rice (-329).Weekly export sales for grain and oilseeds were supportive for the complex. Corn sales of 66.3 million bushels exceeded all pre-report expectations while soybean and wheat sales of 53 and 16.3 million bushels were at the top end of their respective ranges as well.US grain and oilseed export inspections were neutral for corn and wheat at 36.7 and 13.4 million bushels respectively, bullish for soybeans at 52.6 million bushels, and bearish for grain sorghum at 113,000 bushels.US corn conditions ratings of 64% good to excellent were unchanged on the week. Corn harvest is 30% complete. US soybean good to excellent ratings fell 1% point to 63% with harvest 47% complete. Over half of the US winter wheat area is now planted. US farmers planted 12% of the wheat acreage over the week.The US cotton crop is 26% harvested- up 3% on the week. The condition of the US cotton crop rated good to excellent increased 1% point after a large drop due to Hurricane Helene the week prior.Topics:» Market recap» Macro data impacting ag markets» Traders re-enter market» Chinese corn imports projected to waiver» Split in expectations of upcoming USDA supply numbers» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben look at the importance of U.S. port strikes and the impact of the farm bill's expiration.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » December 2024 corn up $.11 at $4.24» December 2025 corn up $.04 at $4.54» November 2024 soybeans up $.18 at $10.57» November 2025 soybeans up $.15 at $10.94» December soybean oil up 1.47 cents at 43.31 cents/lb» December soybean meal up $12.90 at $341.60/short ton» December 2024 wheat up $.02 at $5.84» July 2025 wheat up $.04 at $6.21» December 2024 cotton up 17 cents at 73.61 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton up 20 cents at 73.37 cents/lb» October WTI Crude Oil down $2.05 at $67.88/barrelWeekly highlights:US consumer confidence, as reported by the Conference Board, fell in September to a three-month low. Interestingly, a rival product, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index, showed an increase. Uncertainty in consumer confidence does not signal strong economic growth continuing.US energy stocks of crude oil, gasoline, distillate fuels, and ethanol were all down last week- by 188, 65, 96, and 11 million gallons, respectively. Weekly implied gasoline demand was up 5% week over week and 7% higher than the same week in 2023.US ethanol production pulled back again to 292 million gallons - down from 308 million gallons the week prior- this was the first week below 300 million gallons since early May. Ethanol exports have been a increasing use of US ethanol but have declined in September. August ethanol exports were up 25% from August 2023.As of September 1st there were 76.480 million hogs and pigs in the US- up 0.5% from last year, but more than the 0.2% expected. The breeding stock was down 2.2% compared to last year nearly matching expectations. Pig per litter were up 0.9% vs +1.1% expectations. Pigs per litter was a record for any quarter.Open interest in Chicago commodities were up week over week for wheats (+1.7%), corn (+2.0%), Soybean meal (+0.0%), and rough rice (+2.5%), while down for soybeans (-0.1%), soybean oil (-3.0%), and cotton (-0.5%).Money managers were net buyers of Chicago corn (+4,115 contracts), soybean (+47,437), soybean oil (+31,732), soybean meal (+18,501), cotton (+12,969) and rough rice (+882).It was a bearish week for grain export sales and rather neutral for oilseeds. Corn and wheat export sales of 21.1 and 5.8 million bushels, respectively were both below all pre-report expectations. There were no grain sorghum sales on the week. And rice exports sales of 1.2 million hundredweights was down from last weeks volume of 1.8 million hundredweights. Soybean sales of 57.9 million bushels were in the middle of expectations but down from the 64.2 million bushels the week prior. Cotton sales were also down on the week.US grain and oilseed export inspections were neutral on the week- corn shipments of 44.9 million bushels were on the top end of expectations and milo of 7.1 was the largest volume in a month- while soybeans of 24.8 and wheats of 19.7 were in the middle of expectations.September 1st Grain Stocks Report was largely as expected. The report indicated corn stocks of 1.760 billion bushels- down 84 million from pre-report expectations and 52 million below the September WASDE ending stocks estimate. Soybean ending stocks at 342 million and wheat ending stocks of 1.986 million were both just slight off pre-report expectations.US corn conditions ratings fell 1 percentage point to 64% good to excellent as expected. The crop is 21% harvested- matching the same pace last year.US soybean ratings were unchanged at 64% good to excellent this week as expected. Harvest is 26% complete, ahead of 20% last year and 18% on average.Winter wheat is 39% planted- up 1 percentage point higher than expected and slightly ahead of average for the comparable week.US cotton is 20% harvested and 31% of the crop is rated good to excellent- down from 37% last week.Topics:» Market recap» Port strike impacts» Hurricane logistical challenges» Farm bill expiration» Harvest progress» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will Robinson, VP of Exploration at West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSX.V:WRLG – OTCQB:WRLGF), joins us to review some of the recent wide high-grade gold drill intercepts returned from the South Austin and Main Austin Zones. These exploration results feed into the delineation of resources and to continue building an inventory of high-confidence ounces to support the restart of production next year at the Madsen Mine, in the Red Lake district of Ontario, Canada.   South Austin Zone Highlights (released September 24th, 2024:   Hole MM24D-08-4447-035 Intersected 4.48m @ 49.39 g/t Au, from 114.91m to 119.39m, Including 2.5m @ 76.51 g/t Au, from 116.0m to 118.5m. Hole MM24D-08-4447-025 Intersected 11.2m @ 18.46 g/t Au, from 106.0m to 117.2m, Including 4m @ 34.41 g/t Au, from 107m to 111m, Also including 0.5m @ 10.21 g/t Au, from 113.0m to 113.5m, Also including 1.5m @ 32.13 g/t Au, from 114.5m to 116.0m. Hole MM24D-08-4447-033 Intersected 1.74m @ 74.92 g/t Au, from 100.26m to 102.00m.   Austin Zone Highlights (released September 10, 2024):   Hole MM24D-12-4791-020 Intersected 4m @ 54.19 g/t Au, from 32m to 36m, Including 1m @ 215.61 g/t Au, from 33m to 34m. Hole MM24D-12-4791-026 Intersected 3.53m @ 23.73 g/t Au, from 27.50m to 31.03m, Including 1m @ 79.81 g/t Au, from 30.03m to 31.03m. Hole MM24D-12-4791-023 Intersected 3m @ 24.49 g/t Au, from 32m to 35m, Including 1m @ 71.02 g/t Au, from 33m to 34m; AND   The purpose of this drilling was definition within priority areas of Austin to continue building an inventory of high-confidence ounces to support the restart of production at the Madsen mine, which is expected to commence in H2 2025. The Company expects to complete a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) in support of that restart goal in the coming months.   Additionally, Will shares with us that there is also drilling underway at surface testing a few other true discovery targets like the Upper 8 target, the MJ/Wedge target, and a new conceptual splay target, where there will be results starting to come in on those in the weeks to come.   If you have any follow up questions for the team over at West Red Lake Gold please email us at Fleck@kereport.com and Shad@kereport.com.   In full disclosure, Shad is shareholder of West Red Lake Gold Mines at the time of this recording.   Click here to visit the West Red Lake Gold website and read over the recent news we discussed.

This week Will and Ben cover the Fed's interest rate cut, falling fuel prices, preview USDA's September grain stocks report and more.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » December 2024 corn up $.03 at $4.13» December 2025 corn up $.02 at $4.50» November 2024 soybeans up $.35 at $10.39» November 2025 soybeans up $.22 at $10.79» December soybean oil down 2.73 cents at 41.84 cents/lb» December soybean meal up $4.90 at $328.70/short ton» December 2024 wheat up $.04 at $5.82» July 2025 wheat up $.04 at $6.17» December 2024 cotton up 62 cents at 73.44 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton up 63 cents at 73.07 cents/lb» October WTI Crude Oil up $0.91 at $69.93/barrelWeekly highlights:The Federal Reserve cut their short-term interest rate for the first time since March 2020 by 50 basis point. The target rate is now 4.75-5.00 percent.US energy stocks were mixed last week- down 68 million gallons for crude oil stocks, but slightly up (basically flat) for gasoline stocks, distillate fuels and ethanol stocks. Gasoline demand was up 4% on the week and from the same week the previous year.US ethanol production pulled back to 308 million gallons- down from 318 million gallons the week prior but up from 288 million gallons produced during the week last year. Cumulative corn used for ethanol is up 11 million bushels from the year prior.US Cattle on Feed as of September 1, were estimated at 11.198 million head- 100.6% of last year. The trade was estimating 100.9%. Placements of 98.6% were down from the 99.0% expected while marketing were also down 96.4% compared to 96.6% expected.Open interest in Chicago commodities were up week over week for corn (4.9%), soybeans (+2.3%), soybean oil (+2.8%), soybean meal (1.6%), and cotton (+2.0%), while down for wheats (-0.3%) and rough rice (-3.3%).Money managers were net buyers of Chicago wheats (+5,388 contracts), soybeans (+8,186 contracts), soybean meal (+2,710 contracts), cotton (+18,974 contracts) and rough rice (+372). They were net sellers of corn (-2,680) and soybean oil (-2,971 contracts).It was a mixed week for export sales of grains and oilseeds. Corn sales of 33.4 million bushels were a little bearish by being quite a bit below the volumes we had been experiencing, soybean sales of 64.2 million bushels exceeded all expectations, while wheat sales of 9.1 million bushels fell below all expectations. There were large sales of soybean oil to Mexico and Canada. If they actually get shipped this marketing year- the current soybean oil export estimate is too low.US grain and oilseed export inspections were bullish on the week. Corn, soybeans, milo, and combined wheats were all up week over week. Corn and wheat shipments of 43.4 and 26.1 million bushels, respectively, exceeded all pre-report expectations.US corn conditions ratings remained at 65% good to excellent across the US last week- with the trade anticipating a 1%-point decline. Corn harvest is 14%- a little slower than the 17% expected.US soybean ratings were also unchanged at 64% good to excellent this week- with the trade anticipating a 1%-point decline for soybeans as well. Soybean harvest is 13% complete matching expectations.Topics:» Market recap» Interest rate cut» Drop in energy prices» Grain Stocks report preview» Major U.S. port worker strike pending» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Will and Ben look at what USDA's strong corn production estimates mean for the market.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » December 2024 corn up $.03 at $4.10» December 2025 corn up $.03 at $4.48» November 2024 soybeans down $.14 at $10.04» November 2025 soybeans down $.06 at $10.57» December soybean oil down 1.37 cents at 39.11 cents/lb» December soybean meal up $1.20 at $323.80/short ton» December 2024 wheat up $.10 at $5.78» July 2025 wheat up $.09 at $6.13» December 2024 cotton up 5.13 cents at 72.82 cents/lb» December 2025 cotton up 2.09 cents at 72.44 cents/lb» October WTI Crude Oil up $1.25 at $70.10/barrelWeekly highlights:The Consumer Price Index (2.5%) and the Producer Price Index (1.7%) had annual changes that both came in below levels experienced in July and analyst pre-report expectations.US energy stocks were up across the board last week as crude oil, gasoline, distillate fuel, and ethanol stocks increased 35, 97, 97 and 15 million gallons, respectively. Implied gasoline use fell 5% on the week.US ethanol production increased 5 millin gallons to 318 million gallons on the week- compared to 305 million gallons last year and 283 million gallons in 2022. Ethanol profitability remains supportive of relatively high crush margins.The September WASDE Report showed a larger US corn yield at 183.6 bushels per acre, a higher sorghum yield at 57.4 bushels per acre, a lower cotton yield at 807 pounds per acre, lower rice yield at 7,588 pounds per acre, and flat soybean and wheat yields at 53.2 and 52.2 bushels per acre, respectively. Global soybean stocks continue to be burdensome.Open interest in Chicago commodities was down for wheats (-3.8%) and soybean meal (-0.8%), while up for corn (+0.6%), soybean (+1.7%), soybean oil (+1.0%), cotton (+1.3%), and rough rice (2.5%).Money managers were net buyers of Chicago wheats (+21,954 contracts), corn (+44,077 contracts), soybeans (+23,495 contracts), soybean meal (+13,877 contracts), and rough rice (+376). They were net sellers of soybean oil (-90 contracts) and cotton (-6,827).The new marketing year has started for corn, grain sorghum and soybeans with export sales for the first week of the marketing year reported at 26.2, 2.8 and 54.2 million bushels, respectively. Maybe most notable in the data were US soybean export sales to Argentina.US Crop Conditions:There are some chances of precipitation across the country this coming weekend and in the Atlantic Coast states, but unfortunately the broader region remains hotter than normal.The corn crop seems to be getting bigger as harvest rolls along. The lack of precipitation and hotter than normal temperatures had many thinking that weekly corn conditions ratings would deteriorate on the week. Instead corn ratings increased one percentage point. It is likely that producers are finding yields on their yield monitors and the conversation has influenced condition's reporters that the crop is better than originally reported. This is bearish to the corn market in the short run.US grain and oilseed export inspections were neutral. Corn shipments of 26.5, grain sorghum shipments of 2.6, and soybean shipments of 14.7 million bushels were all within expectations but below recent volumes. Wheat shipments of 20.5 million bushels were slightly higher than recent volumes.The National Oilseed Processors Association reported their members crushed 158.0 million bushels of soybeans in August- well below all trade estimates and the lowest monthly volume since September 2021.US corn conditions ratings were 1 percentage point higher on the week to 65% good to excellent when the expectation was for a 1 percentage point decline. Corn harvest is 9% completed compared to 5% this time last year.US soybean conditions rating was 1 point lower- matching expectations. Soybean harvest is 6% complete as of Sunday.Topics:» Market recap» September crop supply and demand» Soybean crush drops to three-year low» Managing an operation during low prices» Federal Reserve to meet over interest rates» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Thursday, Coinbase unveiled cbBTC, a tokenized version of Bitcoin on its Base layer 2 and Ethereum. This launch follows the recent BitGo controversy about the custody arrangement for Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) now involving Justin Sun, sparking concerns within the crypto community. In this episode, Will Robinson, Coinbase's VP of engineering, discusses the strategic importance of cbBTC, how it differs from other wrapped Bitcoin products, and what this means for the future of Bitcoin within DeFi ecosystems.  Will Coinbase's reputation as a "trusted custodian" be enough to make cbBTC the go-to choice for Bitcoin in DeFi, or will the industry remain skeptical? 01:54 Why Coinbase launched cbBTC and how it aims to bring Bitcoin into the world of DeFi 04:05 What happens behind the scenes when users mint cbBTC 05:21 What sets cbBTC apart from other wrapped Bitcoin options, according to Will 06:32 Whether Coinbase will expand cbBTC to other layer 2s and where users can already use it on major DeFi platforms 08:45 Will's response to criticisms about the centralization of cbBTC 12:28 Why Coinbase's cbBTC launch was part of long-term plans, unrelated to the recent controversy around WBTC and Justin Sun 13:31 How Coinbase plans to make money from cbBTC, considering that WBTC has not been a big moneymaker for BitGo 15:38 Why Coinbase has the ability to freeze and blacklist cbBTC addresses 19:34 How Coinbase ensures that Bitcoin backing cbBTC remains the property of token holders and won't be used as collateral or rehypothecated 20:58 Why Coinbase, a centralized entity, is launching cbBTC, a product for the decentralized, onchain world 23:57 Why Will doesn't want to predict how much demand there'll be for cbBTC Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! iTrustCapital Polkadot Mantle's FBTC Gemini Stellar Guest Will Robinson, VP of Engineering at Coinbase Links cbBTC Unchained: Coinbase's Wrapped Bitcoin Product cbBTC Launches on Base and Ethereum BitGo changing custody and its implications:  Unchained:  Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) Redemptions Vastly Outpaced Minting Since BitGo's Custodial Changes Announcement Lending Protocol Aave to Propose Onboarding TBTC in Response to Concerns About Latest WBTC Custodial Changes Could dlcBTC Resolve the Issues With Wrapped Bitcoin? BitGo Abruptly Pivots on Holders of WBTC Multi-Sig Keys Following Community Outcry MakerDAO Considers Offboarding WBTC as BitGo Plans Custody Changes Aave DAO's Chaos Labs Says ‘Risk-Off' Recommendation for WBTC ‘Premature'  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coinbase's new wrapped Bitcoin alternative, cbBTC, just launched. Will it challenge the dominance of WBTC in DeFi, or is it just another centralized solution? Coinbase's VP of engineering, Will Robinson, breaks it all down.On Thursday, Coinbase unveiled cbBTC, a tokenized version of Bitcoin on its Base layer 2 and Ethereum. This launch follows the recent BitGo controversy about the custody arrangement for Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) now involving Justin Sun, sparking concerns within the crypto community.In this episode, Will Robinson, Coinbase's VP of engineering, discusses the strategic importance of cbBTC, how it differs from other wrapped Bitcoin products, and what this means for the future of Bitcoin within DeFi ecosystems. Will Coinbase's reputation as a "trusted custodian" be enough to make cbBTC the go-to choice for Bitcoin in DeFi, or will the industry remain skeptical?Why Coinbase launched cbBTC and how it aims to bring Bitcoin into the world of DeFiWhat happens behind the scenes when users mint cbBTCWhat sets cbBTC apart from other wrapped Bitcoin options, according to WillWhether Coinbase will expand cbBTC to other layer 2s and where users can already use it on major DeFi platformsWill's response to criticisms about the centralization of cbBTCWhy Coinbase's cbBTC launch was part of long-term plans, unrelated to the recent controversy around WBTC and Justin SunHow Coinbase plans to make money from cbBTC, considering that WBTC has not been a big moneymaker for BitGoWhy Coinbase has the ability to freeze and blacklist cbBTC addressesHow Coinbase ensures that Bitcoin backing cbBTC remains the property of token holders and won't be used as collateral or rehypothecatedWhy Coinbase, a centralized entity, is launching cbBTC, a product for the decentralized, onchain worldWhy Will doesn't want to predict how much demand there'll be for cbBTCVisit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.comThank you to our sponsors!iTrustCapitalPolkadotMante's FBTCGeminiStellarGuestWill Robinson, VP of Engineering at CoinbaseUnchained Podcast is Produced by Laura Shin Media, LLC. Distributed by CoinDesk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

https://slasrpodcast.com/      SLASRPodcast@gmail.com  This week we are joined by Will Robinson. Will most recently completed a fastest known time for the Northeast 115 hiking list, completing a self supported FKT in 19 days, 15 hours, and 43 minutes. This is a unique accomplishment combining hiking, driving, logistics and maintaining nutrition for an extended period of time while hiking all the 4000 footers across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. Will will break down his story and go over some other adventures he has had on the 115 list. Plus, a Dodge to Lodge attempt is going off this weekend, A new Iphone and Apple OS is being released which will allow expanded messaging via satellite, Mosquito borne illnesses in new hampshire, Norovirus news, some history fun facts from the 1876 White Mountain Guide written by Moses Sweetser and some history about the Kancamagus Highway. This weeks Higher Summit Forecast   About Will Robinson Instagram Fastest Known Time Page   Topics Franconia Ridge - Old Bridle Path and Falling Waters start of trail rerouted - new stairs Cats are being killed by their automated litter boxes Danger Will Robinson!!! Mike's Periodontal calamity  A Dodge to Lodge attempt this weekend!  Apple upgrades satellite text messaging capabilities Mosquito Illnesses in New Hampshire Norovirus on hiking trails The Woodpecker Restaurant building has a new tenant - Bergie Jrs Seafood Market - Stomp Reviews White Mountain History - the Origins of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Favorite Mountains of early hikers, cost to stay at the Crawford House Reklis - Full Conditions Release Party is October 16th Dad Jokes Pop Culture - RIP James Earl Jones Recent Hike - Quincy Bogs Notable Hikes - Everyone gets a prize!  Guest of the Week - Will Robinson  History Segment - Kancamagus Highway Recent Search and Rescue News   Show Notes Apple Podcast link for 5 star reviews SLASR Merchandise SLASR LinkTree LELT Race Series Pleasant Mountain Race Franconia Ridge Reroute Instagram Reel Automatic litter box death machine Danger Will Robinson - Lost in Space! Juddo_96 takes on the Dodge to Lodge  challenge  Apple Satellite Text Messaging NH man catches 3 mosquito viruses at once. Another batch found in North Hampton. Entire Kalalau Trail closed due to norovirus. Bergie Jrs. Seafood Market The road well-traveled: 50 years of the Kancamagus Highway  New Hampshire How the Kancamagus Highway Got Its Name and How to Pronounce It Black Mtn. Chippewa Trail Hiker rescued on Monroe Loop Trail    Sponsors, Friends  and Partners 24th Annual Seek the Peak Fieldstone Kombucha CS Instant Coffee 2024 Longest Day - 48 Peaks Mount Washington Higher Summits Forecast Hiking Buddies  Vaucluse - Sweat less. Explore more. – Vaucluse Gear White Mountains Endurance Coaching

This week Will and Ben discuss what farm income estimates mean for growers.Market recap (changes on week as of Monday's close): » December 2024 corn up $.06 at $4.07» December 2025 corn up $.07 at $4.45» November 2024 soybeans up $.18 at $10.18» November 2025 soybeans up $.18 at $10.63» December soybean oil up 1.51 cents at 40.48 cents/lb» December soybean meal up $11.90 at $325.00/short ton» December 2024 wheat up $.16 at $5.68» July 2025 wheat up $.13 at $6.04» October cotton down 1.61 cents at 67.54 cents/lb» December cotton down 2.23 cents at 67.69 cents/lb» October WTI Crude Oil down $4.98 at $68.85/barrelWeekly highlights:The US economy added 142,000 jobs in August- below expectations of 161,000 jobs. The US unemployment rate ticked lower to 4.2% from 4.3% and the annual wage rate increased 3.8%- up from 3.6% in July and 3.7% expectations.Allendale estimated US corn and soybean yields at 182.5 and 53.33 bushels per acre, respectively. Stone X increased their 2024 US corn and soybean yield estimates in September from August to 182.9 and 53 bushels per acre respectively.US stocks of crude oil were again down week over week by 289 million gallons. while distillate stocks were also down 16 million gallons. Gasoline stocks increased 36 million gallons.US ethanol production pulled back again this week to 312 million gallons- down from 315 million gallons the week prior, but remains above the 291 in 2022 and 298 in 2023. Ethanol stocks were down 9 million gallons on the week but are 8% higher than the same period last year.Soybeans crush for July came in at 193.5 million bushels- above the pre-report estimate of 192.1 million bushels and 183.7 million bushels in June and 184.8 in July 2023.Corn crushed for ethanol in July was pegged at 474 million bushels- up from 446 in June and 455 last July.The US Department of Agriculture released an update on Net Farm Income and Net Cash Farm Income last week showing better than previously reported income for 2024 but lower 2023 income. At 154.1 billion dollars, net cash farm income for 2024 is above the 20-year average by 6.2%Open interest in Chicago commodities was down for wheats (-0.9%), Corn (-4.2%), and soybean meal (-1.0%). Open interest was flat for soybean oil (-0.001%) and up for soybean (+1.1%), Cotton (+1.6%), and Rough Rice (+6.5%).Managed money traders were net buyers on the week of everything but rough rice covering some of their short positions. Traders bought 65,697, 18,343, and 22,455 contracts of corn, wheats, and soybeans respectively. Traders were buyers of 2,643 contracts of cotton but seller of 267 contracts of rough rice.The 2023/24 marketing year is just over for corn, sorghum and soybeans which means large cancelations or rolls to the next year and that's what we got this week. 2024/25 sales were strong at 71.7, and 60.9 million bushels for corn and soybeans respectively. Wheat sales at 12.5 million bushels were toward the bottom of expectations.US grain and oilseed export inspections were neutral to slightly bearish on the week.Corn, soybean, milo, and wheat export inspections for week ending September 5 of 32.9, 13.0, 0.1, and 21.6 million bushels, respectively, were all down week over week. US corn conditions ratings were 1 percentage point lower on the week to 64% good to excellent. US soybean ratings were steady at 65% good to excellent. 6% of the US winter wheat crop is planted at this point.Topics:» Market recap» Strong private yield estimates» Estimated farm income» Soybean crush numbers» Ethanol production» Reports to watchConnect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownfieldAgNews» Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsAbout Brownfield Ag News:Brownfield Ag News is your trusted source for reliable agriculture news, market trends, weather updates, and expert interviews. Get comprehensive coverage and stay ahead in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!" The second film that Kevin has chosen for us to discuss this week is the 1998 adaptation of Lost in Space.

Will Robinson, VP of Exploration at West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSX.V:WRLG – OTCQB:WRLGF), joins us to review some of the recent wide high-grade gold drill intercepts returned from the Main Austin Zone and McVeigh Zone. These exploration results feed into the delineation of resources and to continue building an inventory of high-confidence ounces to support the restart of production at the Madsen Mine, in the Red Lake district of Ontario, Canada.   Drill Hole # MM24D-09-4796-018 in the Austin Main Zone intersected 2.5m @ 107.61 g/t Au, from 80.0m to 82.5m, Including 1m @ 252.10 g/t Au, from 80m to 81m, Also including 1m @ 14.22 g/t Au, from 81m to 82m. Drill Hole # MM24D-01-4081-019 in the McVeigh Zone intersected 2.35m @ 106.99 g/t Au, from 37.65m to 40.00m, Including 0.5m @ 13.32 g/t Au, from 37.65m to 38.15m, Also Including 0.5m @ 479.09 g/t Au, from 39.0m to 39.5m.   Will points out that there were a number of drill holes also reported in this news release from both zones with wide 3-meter up to 11-meter high-grade intercepts that were both meaningful as well as mineable in a development scenario. The Austin Zone currently contains the majority of the mineral inventory with an Indicated mineral resource of 914,200 ounces (“oz”) grading 6.9 grams per tonne (“g/t”) gold (“Au”), with an additional Inferred resource of 104,900 oz grading 6.5 g/t Au. The McVeigh Zone currently contains an Indicated mineral resource of 79,800 oz grading 6.4 g/t Au, with an additional Inferred resource of 14,300 oz grading 6.9 g/t Au.   We also review the potential at depth at Madsen with both the South Austin Zone still open, at a new target called the Upper 8, at the Wedge/MJ area, and then also some underground drilling work planned for this Q4 at the 8-Zone.  Underground drilling of these targets will allow the exploration team to follow up on these areas with more accuracy, and much more efficient holes, than trying to drill from surface as prior operators had done.  There will also be a lot of regional exploration work on surface testing the thesis of periodicity of the mineralization and overlaying soil work with geophysical surveys.   If you have any follow up questions for the team over at West Red Lake Gold please email us at Fleck@kereport.com and Shad@kereport.com.   In full disclosure, Shad is shareholder of  West Red Lake Gold Mines at the time of this recording.   Click here to visit the West Red Lake Gold website and read over the recent news we discussed.

I'm not often left speechless when I'm interviewing guests, but for a few moments here I struggled to digest what Rebekah Kik was telling me about Kalamazoo. If you're a planner, you must listen to this episode. This is a truly inspirational effort in a city that doesn't get the limelight. For a city of about 75,000 people in a quiet corner of Michigan, the staff and community have done amazing work.The story is mostly about a planning effort called Imagine Kalamazoo, which sounds like every garden-variety planning effort everywhere. But, the way it came together and what it produced in short order is truly unique. Learn how a plan executed at a high level helped attract corporate funding on the back side that will help the day-to-day livability of the city.Along the way, we trace Rebekah's career from a small college in Michigan, Andrews University, to working as an architect and planner. She talks about how her drawing skills helped her survive the Great Recession, and how her tenacity is helping her home town get better.I've said before, and I'll stand by it, that the most innovative work in local governments happens in smaller cities and towns. Kalamazoo definitely rings the bell for that theory - accomplishing the kinds of successful efforts that we so rarely see in large cities. More to come on that at a future date.Find more content on The Messy City on Kevin's Substack page.Music notes: all songs by low standards, ca. 2010. Videos here. If you'd like a CD for low standards, message me and you can have one for only $5.Intro: “Why Be Friends”Outro: “Fairweather Friend”Episode Transcript:Kevin K (00:00.802) Welcome back to the Messy City Podcast. This is Kevin Klinkenberg. Sometimes you, over the course of your career, you get to know people and see them and see, watch their careers evolve along with yours. And if you're fortunate, you can see people, meet people when they're young and see them grow into all sorts of new positions and do interesting work. And today I'm fortunate to have a guest that's a little bit like that. We have... The assistant city manager for Kalamazoo, Michigan, Rebecca Kick here. Rebecca, how you doing? Rebekah Kik (00:39.082) I'm really well Kevin, thank you. Kevin K (00:41.666) I was just thinking earlier, I think I met you originally when you were a student at Andrews, is that right? Rebekah Kik (00:47.594) That's correct. We got to intersect our paths when I was on charrette with Professor Philip Bess. Kevin K (00:58.594) Yeah, yeah. So, and Phil, we've had Phil here on the show before. He'll probably do so again, I'm sure, especially now that he's in retirement and his schedule is going to open up a little bit more. But yeah, those were some fun days that seemed like about a million years ago. Rebekah Kik (01:17.194) It really was. Mostly because I used to just chase Philip at his heels. I knew he was doing cool things. I did. I just knew he was doing cool things and I wanted to know desperately what he was doing and I begged him to take me. where he was going. I told him I would do anything. I would fetch coffee. I would make copies. You know, get lunches. I would do whatever he needed me to do. I would be that gopher, that little sponge, because I knew he was hanging around with cool people and I wanted to learn and know and do. And I believe that charrette Kevin K (01:48.61) You Rebekah Kik (02:14.633) was in Grand Rapids, Michigan. And it was in the Hartside neighborhood. And that was the first time I had ever heard, I believe at that time, we were calling them traditional neighborhood codes or they weren't called form -based codes yet. They were regulating plans or something like that. They were much more technical still at that point. But they were... Kevin K (02:16.609) Yep. Yeah, that was all like early days stuff for new urbanism and coding and all that. So let's just go back to that a little bit, Rebecca. I just, I think it's interesting. So you went to a really small college in Michigan, Andrews University. Did you, did you like grow up in Michigan or how did you find Andrews? Rebekah Kik (02:45.834) Yes. Rebekah Kik (02:56.394) Mm -hmm. Rebekah Kik (03:02.058) Yes, I did. So I grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan and I didn't know I wanted to be an architect. My mother was an administrative assistant in an architecture firm and I had my own desk at the firm. She would pick me up from school and I would sit at my desk and I was given different kinds of plans all the time that I would be finishing with different templates that I would draw and I would be picking out finishes and finish drawing, finish the plans. They would teach me how to add walls, tell me about wall thicknesses, things like that. They were building foam core models that, you know, maybe that model didn't meet the... client specs or whatever. So I would take the model home and I would finish it myself. I was doing architecture all the time and the architects at the time would just laugh at me because I'd be like, I can't be an architect. That's not a real job. And the whole time just loving everything that they were doing. And so finally, of course, here was graduating from high school and I told my mom's boss. Kevin K (04:13.826) Hehehehe Rebekah Kik (04:26.378) I was looking for an architecture school and that's when he said, where are you visiting? Where are you going? And I said, well, I just visited University of Michigan. Went to Lawrence Institute of Technology and he said, have you gone to Andrews University yet? And I said, no, you know, where's that at? And he goes, well, please do. You know, it's down in Bering Springs. And I... have to say I walked through the door I saw this nearly four foot tall and it was built completely out of wood and it was this craftsman, this quarter scale craftsman home. And the details were so beautiful and hanging behind it was this analytics. Rebekah Kik (05:29.418) It was hand drawn. It was ink rendered, you know, like the Chinese style ink, you know, Richard Akonomakis from the University of Notre Dame came and taught this third year course, this analytic course. And then in your fourth year, you built this model. I was captivated. That was it. It was this. moment and then I met with Lou Seibold and I walked around that it's a pole barn. Let's be honest, if you have not visited Andrews University, you look at the work on the walls and you can't peel your eyes away. But if you zoom out for a second, you will lose it because it is a pole barn and a series of trailers. But the work Kevin K (06:19.17) Hehehe Rebekah Kik (06:25.738) and the students and the heart and the community that is built at Andrews will suck you in and you will know. Kevin K (06:36.962) Yeah. Yeah. I had the pleasure to come speak at Andrew's one time and then do some critiques. And it's a really unique, it's a very small college. And it's a religious college or it's affiliated with the Seventh -day Adventist. And it's one of the few colleges in the country that for lots and lots of years has actually taught a more sort of traditional pre -war. Rebekah Kik (06:46.378) Mm -hmm. Kevin K (07:04.738) approach to architectural design and urban design. So, I mean, that all, when you're 18 years old, you don't really know or understand any of that stuff. But I mean, how do you think that shaped your educational experience? Rebekah Kik (07:18.922) my goodness. The first book that I was handed in my first year, first class, Timeless Way of Building. And that was it. It shaped everything. When you're handed a treatise like that, your whole life is set on this path. And you realize Kevin K (07:30.242) Hmm. Yeah. Rebekah Kik (07:48.33) that there's. There's a healing you can do in the work. that. Rebekah Kik (08:05.482) Yeah, there's a healing that you can do in your work and there's a harm that you can do in your work. And I chose the path of healing. And you realize that when you graduate, let me be clear, once you get out into that world and you, especially in your fifth year at Andrews, by your fifth year, you're doing sort of these professional practice classes. you are seeing, and finally with these eyes, you're at the, you know, the scales fall off and you're like, my God, you know, suburban sprawl. And you understand like what the built environment is. And you, you understand like what your responsibility to, you know, how you place your buildings and, that you have this moral responsibility, for what you're doing in. in the space and you now want to repair and you want to show others that you can repair. And I remember entering professional practice and driving every architecture firm that I then proceeded to work for insane. Kevin K (09:33.666) You Rebekah Kik (09:34.377) Because I catch, they'd be like, okay, in turn, you know, read the zoning rules, tell us where we can put the building. And I'd say, but these are wrong. We shouldn't put our building like this. And they go, Rebecca, come on, like, really, just tell us where does the building go? Like, tell us the building envelope, like, just do the sketch. And I'm like, but we can't do it like this. it shouldn't be this way. Like, look at the, look at across the street. Like, this isn't responsible. You have to go somewhere else. Kevin K (10:10.178) Yeah. Yeah, it does kind of ruin you for working in like a lot of typical architecture firms, especially like big shops. Rebekah Kik (10:21.386) It does. It does. And so you have to be, and this is what I tell architects who are graduating, like you, I'm so sorry, like you're ruined now. Like you have to be really, really careful about who you're going to work with and for, and where you're going to go because you are going to be frustrated and you're going to frustrate others. Kevin K (10:37.762) Yeah. Kevin K (10:44.098) Yeah. Well, I will tell you one thing I do remember from my visits to Andrew's is I was so jealous of the drawing ability of what I saw the students creating. And long after I had gone off and graduated from college and I would see the work that you all were producing and the work that students at Notre Dame was producing, I would just think, my God, these students are all going to get great jobs because look at this They can all draw and it's beautifully done. And it really, you know, it left me feeling like, okay, I better go find something else to do. Rebekah Kik (11:21.578) You know, I do say that kept me employed during the downturn. And it kept me flexibly employed. So I got laid off three times. And that was hard. And it allowed me to seriously surf those crazy waves. because I could draw. So I got employed by, this is how I learned planning by experience. Because I was never interested in planning school. I could never have just planned school. I just, I don't have the patience for it. But I was able to walk alongside of planners. Kevin K (12:07.778) Mm -hmm. Rebekah Kik (12:18.858) and transportation planners especially, and engineers. And I could help them express their vision. So when they were doing road diets, you know, I worked for Gladding Jackson in Orlando. And that was so much fun. My time with them, I spent six years with them after UDA. Because, and that's what I did. I was there, one of their lead illustrators on their transportation planning team. And that's how I got hired was because I could draw. And I did everything vertical because they could, they had great planners and they could do everything flat. And they needed someone to vision everything vertical and do all the infill when they were doing the sprawl repair, when they were doing highway teardowns. then I could come in, do the SketchUp model, and then vision everything vertical for them. Yeah. Kevin K (13:23.234) Interesting. So one thing I will say real quick is, I think I may have pushed you to move the mic a little too close. I'm getting a touch of static off of it. So there you go. That's fine. Test that there. Okay. Let's try that. don't worry, I can edit and cut things. That's not a big deal. So, well, I think about that and I think it's a great testimony to having an actual skill. Rebekah Kik (13:36.906) Okay. Rebekah Kik (13:43.274) Okay. Kevin K (13:53.058) You know, and you, you know, you and some of the others that came out of those schools had to have a real marketable skill, which was really learning how to draw beautifully by hand, which, you know, I think a lot of people think that that's just something you can either do or you can't do, but it actually is teachable. And, and so I've always been jealous of that. And I've observed something similar to what you talked about that the folks that I knew in the profession who had that ability to draw by hand. Rebekah Kik (13:53.738) Yes. Rebekah Kik (14:09.994) Yes. Kevin K (14:22.626) They have never lacked for work. They have always had people wanting to hire them. And of course, the better you are at it, the more work that you get. So it's even in our high tech age, that ability to just be able to sit down and draw beautifully by hand is incredibly valuable. Rebekah Kik (14:41.226) Yeah, it is. And I feel like even in my job now as city, when I, when I got hired by the city of Kalamazoo, even as city planner, just being able to sit down with whoever I'm talking to, when I can pull out a piece of paper and draw, it's like a universal communication. It just feels really good. I love it. Kevin K (15:12.546) Well, it's like a superpower. I mean, I've seen that, you know, so many, so many times even, you know, with fellow architects in other firms, like when I was a young person and I, there was a project manager I worked with when we did a lot of schools and he had a great ability to just like, we would meet with a client and all of a sudden he could just whip out a sheet of paper really quickly, three -dimensionally diagram what we were talking about and everybody got it. And it was just like, bam. Rebekah Kik (15:19.946) Yeah. Kevin K (15:41.538) I never really had that ability very well. So I probably appreciate that in other people. And then I've often like overpaid for it just because like, you know, I know how important those drawings are. So I always like to hire good, good renders and people who can really, really draw. So you talked about, you bounced around a little bit. You survived the meltdown, the economic meltdown in 2008, 2010. Rebekah Kik (16:04.298) Yeah. Kevin K (16:10.69) How did you end up back in Kalamazoo? Which I didn't know you grew up there. That's really cool. So you're working for a city government and a place you grew up. Rebekah Kik (16:16.618) Yeah. Yeah, so that's a little bit about how I ended up back here. So the last layoff in 2010, Gladding Jackson merged with AECOM. Kevin K (16:33.89) huh. Rebekah Kik (16:36.138) I was a tough one. I was a little too much for a lot of me and my Gliding Jackson colleagues kind of scattered after that one. And I ended up with a really great freelance contract after that one. I was doing a lot of fun on -call planning, transportation planning work in Southern Colorado. And lots of good things came out of that. But one good relationship that came out of it was a transportation planning relationship with Brad Strader out of LSL planning who was in Detroit at the time. And so I was coming back to Michigan. I had grandparent who passed away who was in Richland, Michigan, which is just outside of Kalamazoo and Me and my brother had actually inherited her home and My brother was gonna remain in Kentucky. He didn't want to move back home and I said well I had just had my son and just got married and we had our first child and I was like Those are the things that bring you home Kevin K (18:04.418) Sounds familiar. Rebekah Kik (18:05.61) Yep. So Xander was 10 months old and we moved back to Michigan and I started contracting with LSL planning and I started doing some charrette work with them in Kalamazoo and Lansing. And I was doing some traveling to Toledo and Detroit and doing some charrette work and things like that with them. It was fun. And so one of those projects was on Portage Street here in Kalamazoo. And we were doing some work and the city of Kalamazoo was like, what is this team? Like, what is this process that they're doing? We did all kinds of really cool exercises on this road diet that we were going to do on this four lane road. And they were like, whoa, this. She's a planner and architect and she talks like an engineer and we need a city planner. Let's take her out to lunch. She says she's from Kalamazoo. Does she know we need a city planner? So they did. They took me out to lunch and I told them, you know, gosh, I really love my work with LSL right now. you know, I kind of have a really cake job. They pay me really well and working on all these really fun projects. That's when the Q line was about to go into Detroit. I had already done some light rail in Vancouver and Minneapolis, and I really loved doing light rail projects. And... they started to tell me, we're about to start this new master plan for the city of Kalamazoo. Gosh, we haven't had a city planner in like a year. We really need somebody like you here. We really, you know, don't have a vision for transportation for the city. And I just thought, gosh, I was like, I'm not a planner, though, you guys. Like, I don't really, I don't really know if you would Rebekah Kik (20:30.346) like somebody like me here, they said, well, why don't you just interview? Would you just interview, just meet us? And so I said, OK, well, maybe I'll just interview. So I went back home and I talked to my husband about it. And I said, you know, maybe I'll just interview. Maybe. You know, I wouldn't be traveling so much and things like that. And Zana is still little, so maybe that's better, you know, that I'm just home more. So, you know, I interviewed, and then they asked me for a second interview. And they said, would you prepare a PowerPoint about how you would run a master plan process for us? Kevin K (21:24.898) You're like, well, yeah, I can do that. Rebekah Kik (21:26.73) And I thought, okay, sure, why not? I'll show you how I'd run your master plan process. So I put this Imagine Kalamazoo process together and I thought, okay, now we'll see if they really want to hire me. I'll blow them away, right? Like I'm just gonna do the kitchen sink it down. Let's see if they're up for this. And I did, I threw the kitchen sink at them. I was like, who is it? Kevin K (21:42.914) He he. Rebekah Kik (21:54.762) here's what you're gonna do. You're gonna have 70 person work group. You're gonna engage 5 ,000 people in your city and you are gonna, you're gonna go to where they are. You're not having these town hall meetings. You're gonna have youth development. You are going to, you know, because I did all this stuff in Colorado. I did these 26 like county meetings and I had them all build off of each other. I did like these really crazy engagement kind of things. And they lapped it up. Like they loved it so much. And they were like, yes, you know, you're hired. And that's like, my gosh, now I have to deliver. Kevin K (22:37.858) Hahaha Rebekah Kik (22:41.354) and I did, I delivered it. I became city planner. I ran the largest community engagement, the city has ever done. I engaged nearly 5 ,000 people through 75 ,000. Kevin K (23:01.086) my God. And how big is Kalamazoo? Jeez. So like, boy, about 15 % or so of the population. That's incredible. Rebekah Kik (23:08.554) Yes, and this is where the surreal meter just goes off the chart. It resulted in... several billionaires in our city creating a permanent $500 million endowment called the Foundation for Excellence for the City of Kalamazoo to permanently implement Imagine Kalamazoo forever. Kevin K (23:52.546) So, I mean, my jaw is dropping here. I'm sitting here trying to absorb this. So, all right. So first of all, I have to, so how does a town of 75 ,000 people have billionaires at all? Rebekah Kik (24:05.93) Striker, Pfizer, Zollettis. What else do we have? The Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company started here. Yeah, we have several medical manufacturing and pharmaceutical, like the... COVID vaccine ground zero is here. Yeah. So. That's how we have like the billionaires are here, but they saw that we were doing something drastically different with our community outreach. They saw that. Kevin K (25:03.042) So when, I mean, that's an enormous amount of money in any community to contribute to some sort of, what sorts of things did they think they wanted to immediately fund? Rebekah Kik (25:15.818) So they, the first thing they did was they made us economically competitive with all of the other municipalities around us and they lowered our tax villages to be even with everyone else around us. So that's one thing that they did was they stabilized all of our property taxes. So they actually Yes. Rebekah Kik (25:44.906) give the city seven million dollars a year so we had a level playing field for all of our. Secondly, the priorities within Imagine Kalamazoo are things like making sure that we have all of our sidewalk connections. We have all of our potholes filled. We have all of our core services are taken care of. All of our trees are trimmed. All of our lights are lit. All of our streets are swept. Like we have solid core services. Then all of our parks are moat. All of our football fields look amazing. All of our youth programs are taken care of. We have things like summer camps. It's called Super Rec. Recreation programs, our pools are open always. You know, those are like what? call like our community promise that all of those things are tip top shape, always quality and level of service are met. And then we have what are called like our aspirational things. So maybe we want to make sure that Every neighborhood that has a major park also has a splash pad. That would be aspirational. So we've been working on making sure that those parks have great splash pads. And we've installed about four of those now. The next aspirational thing that we have is making sure that Rebekah Kik (27:43.658) All of our bike lanes are connected throughout the city so that you can ride from your, you know, just about every school is connected or elementary school is connected within a quarter mile distance, you know, reasonably. So we're kind of mapping that out and making sure that we have like that good safe routes to school plan. So that's another aspiration that we have. Kevin K (28:09.186) Mm -hmm. Rebekah Kik (28:13.738) So things like that. Kevin K (28:13.986) So then like how much of those things that you described are like under the banner of like the city government, it's what it does year after year and how much of it is like through this additional corporate support. Rebekah Kik (28:26.666) Yeah, we would never be able to do this under what the city government has. We just don't have enough tax base and enough of our own funding to do that. And so we use this additional five to $8 million per year that we get from that $500 million endowment. That's what we get about like the interest. Kevin K (28:37.058) Mm -hmm. Kevin K (28:49.026) Okay. Rebekah Kik (28:53.034) from that $500 million is about $5 to $8 million additional aspirational funding is what we get to go with. Kevin K (29:02.082) So their idea is to try to keep that $500 million as capital long term. And then they're spending the interest or giving it back to the city. Just by comparison, what's your city budget overall? The total city budget. Do you have an idea? Rebekah Kik (29:06.026) Mm -hmm. Yep. Rebekah Kik (29:10.922) Yep. Yes. Rebekah Kik (29:17.61) Yeah, it's about 182 million. Yeah. We're like 25 square miles, just to give you an idea. We're pretty compact city. We're very, I mean, we've got some big streets. We're pretty walkable. Pretty compact. Kevin K (29:23.746) Okay. So cute. Kevin K (29:31.266) Okay, 180, yeah. Yeah. Kevin K (29:40.77) Yeah. Yeah. Well, it's an older city that was probably largely built out pre -World War II. Yeah. So, so that's interesting. So then maybe in any given year, it could be five to 10 % of the city budget more or less, depending on how it works out that that's getting kicked in extra. That's pretty cool. Rebekah Kik (29:44.554) Yes. Mm -hmm. Yes. Mm -hmm. Rebekah Kik (29:56.97) Yes. Yeah, and we do, we also have like a incremental development loan program for housing. We've got pre -permitted housing plans. We do small business development out of those funds. Yeah, we've got a lot of buckets. Kevin K (30:20.898) Well, so let's talk about some of those buckets. What do you mean by your incremental development fund? What's that all about? Rebekah Kik (30:24.842) Yeah. Rebekah Kik (30:29.258) Yeah, so back in that day also when I was the Young City Planner in 2015, Kevin K (30:39.266) And how many planners are on staff? Rebekah Kik (30:42.762) So at that time, there were five of us. Okay? And everybody had their own job. So, you know, I had a historic preservation coordinator. I had a zoning administrator. I had a site plan coordinator. I had no general planners. That was me. I was the generalist on staff as the quote unquote city planner. Kevin K (31:08.482) Mm -hmm. Rebekah Kik (31:14.026) And so I. I knew the zoning code was completely broken. And before I was going to start the master plan, I read all the past master plans back to 1977. So there were four master plans. And the 1998 plan was the most curious. And it had said, it's in this little sidebar, which send it to you. It says, you have a problem to solve. You have a contradiction to solve. You're a city that relies on a tax base. However, you want to reduce that by expanding your lot sizes. because it was saying, you know, you wanted to go to the suburban model. They wanted to create 60 foot wide lots and really suburbanize, creating this R1 district. However, you're a city that relies on taxes. And their standard lot size at that time was 32 feet. And so they're like, basically, you're crushing your tax base. Kevin K (32:43.618) Yeah, so kind of a classic Strong Town's math problem here with the development pattern. Rebekah Kik (32:45.418) And so. Yes. And so here it is in that 1998 sidebar, like some consultant just like shoved it in there and said like, warning, warning, Will Robinson, it's over here. And so I had read that and at that time, Jim Cooman was the executive director there and he was in town doing this. Kevin K (32:58.786) Hahaha Rebekah Kik (33:20.554) developer boot camp with us and I handed the zoning code to Jim and John Anderson and I said hey you guys I think I'm reading our master plan and what I would really love is if you guys just maybe just flip through this with your small developer brains and maybe mark it up a little bit and Tell me what I need to do through like maybe a first blush. Like what if I could do anything right now, change anything, what would I do? And I still have John Anderson's red lines of my zoning code. I refuse to get rid of that. I swear, I'm gonna give it to the museum. Yes, and. Kevin K (34:08.514) Hehehe Yeah, you should frame it and, you know, hang it up. Rebekah Kik (34:17.994) Because it is the first text amendment and this is when we decided we would not do a full overhaul of the zoning ordinance and we would do an incremental Zoning Changes because that's what we would do. We would just say okay. Well, we can just do this. We will just do these text amendments Kevin K (34:44.642) because you didn't want to hire a consultant for a million dollars and take five years to overhaul the zoning code and then have it fail. Rebekah Kik (34:48.778) No, because that's right. And that's not what we needed to do. Because we just needed to do some tweaks. Because it was just the setbacks. The setbacks were the issue. And unlocking those stupid square footage requirements. And we had this really, really great, we had like this. tea room requirement. Like you could do this tea room as long as your house. I still wish we could find like who the hell was this for? It was like a tea room and the house had to be like 50 years old and it could be open from like 9 a to 7 p I mean it was so utterly specific. Like it had to be for somebody but... I mean, I wish we could figure out whose address that was for. Kevin K (35:47.554) you Rebekah Kik (35:50.09) It was unreal. But so, yeah, so that incremental development fund was again born out of this two and a half day session. We knew the Foundation for Excellence was kind of rolling in. And so I posed to the room. I said, OK, you guys, if I had a million dollars, what would you do with it? And they're like, what? What are you talking about? I said, no, seriously, a million dollars cash. I got a million dollars cash, what do I do with it? And they said, well, okay, Rebecca, if somebody graduated from this class, it's an equity fund. And you put those dollars aside and if you have it as a gap loan and it's 1 .5 % interest and it's for four units. And it's, you know, 80 to 120 percent AMI. And it's, you know, 30 year amortized, you know, here's the performance, here's how it fits in. And I was like, great, that's what it is. Okay. Kevin K (37:02.273) Hmm. So basically a way for like a small developer who's getting started to be able to work through basically to get bank financing because there's this other gap financing that can help out along the way. Rebekah Kik (37:17.93) Yes, and we also, so we do that loan program and we do it for four units. We do it at one and a half percent. We'll do it out for as long as we need to. We can be as patient with the capital as necessary. And we also can push it out further. Kevin K (37:46.818) Mm -hmm. Rebekah Kik (37:47.914) So we can make it do, we can be two years out. We can do it after two years or five years if that helps so that you can get some rental income in for a couple years. For five years if that helps your bank as well. Kevin K (38:05.89) Interesting. Kevin K (38:10.946) So have you had some takers on this program? Rebekah Kik (38:13.674) Yeah, we've done, I think we've done at least four of those loans already. So, and we started that, unfortunately, so it started in 2019. We got that loan program and the policies up and going in 2019. So obviously COVID affected that. Kevin K (38:31.074) Mm -hmm. Kevin K (38:41.442) Mm -hmm. Rebekah Kik (38:42.602) quite a bit, so we really hope that we can get some more of that out starting soon. Kevin K (38:48.45) Yeah. That's cool. That's a really interesting idea. So along with that, then you said you mentioned you've got a pre -permitted plan program. And I've talked with some of the folks in that world, the Jennifers and the Mats who do this kind of work. What all have you adopted or what have you done in Kalamazoo? Rebekah Kik (38:53.93) Mm -hmm. Rebekah Kik (38:58.794) Yes. Rebekah Kik (39:10.25) Yeah, so we have duplexes. We have up and down duplexes and an ADU unit that we built. So it took us four years to get this launched as well. But that's because we started building with a nonprofit builder first. We built three duplexes and ADUs. and a cottage, a 900 square foot cottage as well. And we wanted to be sure that we had the Performa like as tuned as possible and that we got all of the kinks out in the plan also. And we have comps now because we built them. And we knew we needed that for the duplexes, not so much the cottage. I mean, we do have some smaller homes in the city. We also have some ADUs in the city. But we now have at least our pre -permitted ADU in the city. But the up and down duplex, we need banks. We're probably going to stop at that a little bit. We now have three of those built. Kevin K (40:23.81) That's cool. And do you think you'll expand that to other plans, other building types? Rebekah Kik (40:30.218) Absolutely, we have four plex, six plex, and 12 plexes coming. And we also have lined up our nonprofit builder to also be, and we're also funding our nonprofit builder with those Foundation for Excellence funds. Again, for us to take the risk in building those, putting the comps on the market. making sure we're getting the performer right. And it gives the developer a model, you know, to really see and touch and feel the quality of it, take a little bit of that risk out for them to see us build it and understand it as well. Kevin K (41:18.562) So along the way, you became the assistant city manager as well, moved up from planner to that. How and when did that happen? Rebekah Kik (41:31.498) So that happened in 2022. Yeah, and how that happened was a couple of things. So one was I had been in my direct, I moved from city planner to the director of community planning and economic development. in 2017. And so I was director for the longest time at the city. And as I was director, I absorbed economic developments. And I did that between 2018 and 2019. Our economic development director at the city retired. And he only had a staff of three. And I had been shadowing and working with Kevin K (42:02.466) Mm -hmm. Kevin K (42:15.65) Mm -hmm. Rebekah Kik (42:29.066) the Brownfield authority the full time. And I finally said to him, I was like, you just, you retire, let me take on your department, you know, planning and economic development just need to be won. He knew like the whole time I was just like, come on, you know, like development is just becoming my thing. Kevin K (42:42.434) Mm -hmm. Rebekah Kik (42:58.602) I never knew I was like this budding developer inside the whole time. I had no idea. They don't tell you that in architecture school that you are like the secret developer. Because they never teach you the finance side in architecture, which they should. Kevin K (43:17.154) Yeah. Rebekah Kik (43:27.05) They should definitely teach you that. So I had gotten my economic development, finance professional certification and I took my test and I did that all during COVID. And at the same time, or just as I was coming out of COVID, I also had been working with the IA Women's municipal leadership program through the state of Michigan, slowly thinking about city management and leadership. And so I had been thinking about it. I had been talking to my city manager and to my boss, William, about that and about what career path looked like for me, what roles they were looking for in city management. At that time, there was a city manager who was about to retire and what they were looking for in their team member. And so then that city manager had retired and they hadn't hired anyone. And then there was a person who joined the city manager's team and they called her like, she was like a project manager and they called her like, like the strategic innovation coordinator or something like that. It was kind of a weird goal. Kevin K (45:14.178) Hehehe. Hehehe. Rebekah Kik (45:14.538) like, that is so my role. I was like, wait a minute, but she's not a city manager. And then she got some opportunity and she left. And you may or may not know this about me, but I'm sometimes I can be a little bold. So I went to my boss. I said, Kevin K (45:21.442) Mm -hmm. Kevin K (45:26.594) Hehehe Kevin K (45:34.242) Yeah. Rebekah Kik (45:42.474) So you may or may not be hiring for that role, but I think that that's my job. I'm going to put a job description in front of you. And I think this is my job description. And I kind of went like that. Kevin K (45:57.89) I love it. That's great. Kevin K (46:08.354) I love it. So obviously he was like, well, clearly you're right. Rebekah Kik (46:11.946) Clearly you're right. Yes. Exactly. And so I said, look, the strategic vision, Magic Helmets, 2035 is coming up. 2025 is due. And by the way, at Magic Helmets, 2025 every year, Kevin K (46:14.85) There's no other conclusion I can draw at that point. Rebekah Kik (46:36.617) I give the City Commission an update. I call it the Imagine Kalamazoo Birthday Celebration. They're all online. And I show the Commission how Imagine Kalamazoo gets implemented every single year. And I tell them that, you know, by the way, in Kalamazoo, we implement our master plans. And here's how we do that. And here's how I've shown you how we implement our 138 goals. how we're on track, how much money we've spent, how we take our community's vision and how we've implemented it. And so now this year, I've been showing them how we are going to create the strategic vision for Imagine Calendly 2035. And as city manager, I'm showing them how their strategic vision for the entire organization. I have been... My role now is as an organization leader. I have. been engaging the organization because that's, I didn't do that last time. I only engaged the community. So since October of last year, I've done six internal staff retreats. I've done an entire organizational survey. I've just started doing my second round of small group meetings where I've been engaging in what's called a group governance. meetings and I'm responding to all of my internal staff their needs in terms of tools, resources, staff capacity, funding, technology, policies, leadership, support, everything they need in order to support the community's vision. Rebekah Kik (48:37.386) So that when I go out to the community to find out what the community wants us to do, my staff is prepared to do that work. Kevin K (48:48.258) I mean, I'm really just, I'm a little blown away by all this. I'm kind of having a hard time digesting and coming up with questions because it's so, I mean, obviously this is the work of an architect. I mean, right. I mean, clearly this is what you went to architecture school for, to help, you know, reorganize and prioritize city management and get everybody, you know, working together as a team. Why don't you tease out what may be, without naming names, like a couple of the challenges. Rebekah Kik (48:59.626) Right. Kevin K (49:16.322) along the way or maybe something you see as an opportunity by going through that kind of internal reassessment. Rebekah Kik (49:24.298) Yeah, I mean, number one, this group has no clue what I'm doing. Like, teamwork to a government, they're utterly confused. They do their work on their team, absolutely. Like, their work in their department in their division on their team. Completely on board with that. But understanding that they're part of a larger organization that may have to talk to each other. or know what someone else does at somebody else's job. It's been a real hurdle to get them to realize that it's not someone else's fault that they don't know what the reason someone else is doing something else. It's been tough. Survey after survey after survey or conversation after conversation people will constantly tell me What's the problem communication the problems communication? And then I will say well, how would you like to communicate it? Well And it's the same in the community as it is with my staff Well, I don't read email. Well, if you send me something more, I'm not gonna look at it. Okay. Well then Rebekah Kik (51:15.05) So tattoos, like what do you want me to do? I can't literally come and talk to you every single day. Carrier Vigin, like I can't help you not help yourself. So it's, I can only do what I can do. I think they've appreciated at least that I'm trying. Rebekah Kik (51:41.322) I have tried to create relationships with supervisors as far down into the organization as I possibly can. And I've tried to let them know that they must talk to their staff because I know they won't read the email and I know they won't read the posting that I put on the board. So I just really, really tried to compel them that they must talk to their staff. because that is really the only way that I know that they can get information that I really want them to have about something. And that's probably the best I can do. And I have worked really, really hard to help people in these cross -departmental teams. That's so far been my best. possible angle at getting people to understand each other as best I can. The first meetings are absolutely the best because when people look at each other across the table and they're like, why are we here together? This feels so weird. The first couple times and then they get it. And they're like, okay, okay, we're good now. But the first couple times, it's really awkward. Now we're okay. Kevin K (53:11.298) Yeah. I mean, it seems to be like a lot of what you describe is kind of the siloed nature of a lot of city government, which I've certainly experienced and continue to experience. And there's something interesting here though, that I think that may help you, you, you think about this differently than others. And I want to have you comment on this. And that is, you know, all those years that you spent doing design charrettes. you know, you and I both did a ton of those, we learned from all the other masters of the new urbanism. and they really, one of the things that that group did that people don't talk about as much that I think is incredible was this invention of the interdisciplinary design charrette. And, the whole notion being that we would get, everybody who needed to work together on a project in a room, for, you know, a week. and we'd spend a week together solving a problem together. And so you, we'd have, certainly we'd have architects and planners, but we also had engineers. you know, we had people who knew codes. we, we had everybody who might, we had developers and builders, anybody who might impact the built environment. And I think one of the things that I learned through that process, I'm curious if you did as well was just how, that inner, how well that interdisciplinary. process worked to solve problems and it was so much faster than a typical planning process. Rebekah Kik (54:48.298) Yeah, no question. The interdisciplinary process with all those perspectives is... probably the biggest lesson learned and probably the way that I think about things almost subconsciously. It's probably just built in to my thought process and I'm not even thinking about it, but yes, it's just there now. You're absolutely right, Kevin. It's probably just there now. Yeah, of course that's the way I'm. Kevin K (55:26.85) Yeah, it's like in the background, you think, obviously this is the way to do things. Yeah. Yeah. So you also mentioned that in your email to me that you've also had some success recently with some big grants to help with big projects. What are those all? Rebekah Kik (55:31.114) I'm going about things. Yeah. Rebekah Kik (55:44.938) Yes. So I was just reflecting on this because it has been such a labor of of love for a long time. And now I'm, it's one of those things where you just keep watering it and watering it and watering it. And now I am like seeing all of it come to fruition in such incredible ways. And the public works director and I were just like high -fiving like crazy yesterday. So 10 years ago when I started, Director Baker and I, when we started on Imagine Kalamazoo, we started writing our connected city chapter. We got bold and we decided we were gonna write a land use and transportation master plan. And because that's what I was writing when I was a consultant, right? And I said, look, this is the right thing to do. because I want to change the land use, you want to change the streets as well. And I said, we have to do this together. I can't change this built environment without you. And you don't want these streets to stay the same either. You know they're not safe. So we have to write this land use transportation plan together. We can't do that without two way traffic in our downtown. We can't do that without a network. And we got to really put pressure on Michigan Department of Transportation. So the first thing that we had to have happen was we had to put a lot of pressure on Michigan Department of Transportation. They, for lack of a better way to say it, they owned all of our trunk lines, which were our main streets, our main one -way pair, which kind of circled our downtown and our main east. Rebekah Kik (57:50.57) East West and our main North Souths. And we finally got, we had a couple of friendly people, one which was our region planner for MDOT in our area and the governor's liaison was a friend, Andrew Hahn and Jason Latham. And at that time, again, it's just city planner, but I knew the language. So we sat down with MDOT at that time. This was the first domino to fall. And I, again, city, sometimes I wonder, like the city was like, gosh, this girl's mouth. I just got in every meeting and I said, Kim, we studied the network. And they said, those aren't, those are your streets. These are our streets. And I said, yes, but can we study the network? No, we're going to study .streets and you're going to study your streets. And I said, but we're going to fail at your two -way network because we don't have the same values. Can we study the network? And then they said, well, maybe we should just give you the streets back. I said, OK, that sounds good. So we finally got them to give us the streets back. Kevin K (59:04.642) Hehehehe Hahaha. Rebekah Kik (59:16.298) And we got to study the network and we got to show everyone that the two way, the reversal, it works. We can restore two way traffic. And that's how we got the first raise planning grant. Thanks to Pete Buttigieg being, you know, in his seat as secretary of transportation. And because all of the the TIDER grants, the BUILD grants, everything before was never a planning grant. So a city the size of Kalamazoo, you don't have $6 million put up for engineering and planning of these streets, right? So we, this was monumental for a city of our size to get a planning grant. And that was it. That was the first. time we and with the MDOT transfer we got nearly 12 million dollars with that because it was like well MDOT said well we were going to spend 12 million dollars just milling and filling those roads so we'll give you the 12 million we got to put that money up with our act 51 dollars got the match we got the six million dollars to do the planning then we got the planning done now we could show we'll shovel ready And then Monday we just found out we got $25 million raised grant to do the construction for Kalamazoo Avenue or for Michigan Avenue because we already got $12 million reconnecting America grant for Kalamazoo Avenue. And yeah, by the way, we got $38 million protect grant because that's for the flooding that happens on Stadium Drive. So here we are, a hundred million dollars in little old Kalamazoo, Michigan, all because it's in, it's in Imagine Kalamazoo, it's in our master plan, it's in land use transportation, it's there, it says it, it transforms our community. Kevin K (01:01:39.714) That's really, that's an incredible story. That's really amazing. So clearly you have a staff of like about 200 people working with you, right? Rebekah Kik (01:01:47.242) You know, all five of us, we are like paralyzed. We're having a happy hour tomorrow. You're invited. Kevin K (01:01:55.138) Well, I, you know, I have, have long had this, suspicion that, or this belief that the most interesting work happening in our field is cities that were under like 50 ,000 people. And I see now, I think I just need to raise that threshold to like 75 ,000 to loop Kalamazoo in, but it is, it's amazing how often this happens that it's the smaller cities that are doing the most groundbreaking work and doing it. Rebekah Kik (01:02:14.797) Just a couple more. Kevin K (01:02:24.738) really well. That's pretty incredible. So now, you know, obviously Michigan is not exactly a booming state in terms of population. Have you seen an impact on the city's like economic fortunes with some of the planning work? Is the city growing at all or how's that work? Rebekah Kik (01:02:41.994) You know, we are and we aren't. I don't think at this point we're losing anyone, but we're certainly not booming in any capacity necessarily. No, we're not growing in any industry per se. pretty quiet there. I think we're just doing good, steady work and we're just trying to be great and steady and consistent and keep who we've got, you know? Kevin K (01:03:24.162) Well, it seems like in certainly in the Rust Belt, being able to keep who you've got, have happy citizens and have a high quality of life, you're like way ahead of the game. Rebekah Kik (01:03:35.85) Yeah, no question. No question. Kevin K (01:03:40.481) Yeah. Rebecca, this has been an incredible story. I'm sure there's a lot more to it. If people want to look up more about what you've done and what you're doing in Kalamazoo, what's the best way to do that? Rebekah Kik (01:03:55.978) Imagine Kalamazoo .com. It's, yeah, yeah, it's got the whole story. It's got a page with all our plans, our process, our public participation plan. We tried to codify it. It's got a toolkit. It's, you know, go to where people are and have fun. Yeah. Kevin K (01:03:58.242) Okay, that's straightforward. Rebekah Kik (01:04:24.202) It also if you go to Kalamazoo city org You can at the bottom of the page you can see the foundation for excellence story You can see our investments you can see the 50 million dollars that we've invested in our city in our neighborhoods you can Could check out that whole story. It's Really incredible and just know we're incredibly grateful for it. We understand what it means for us and Yeah, we don't take it for granted. Yeah, thanks, Kevin. Kevin K (01:04:58.666) that's fantastic. Rebecca, it's been great catching up. I really appreciate your time doing this and look forward to following more of what's going on in Kalamazoo. Rebekah Kik (01:05:08.874) Hey, I'm just grateful for that opportunity. Thanks for allowing me to catch up and share our unique story. Kevin K (01:05:15.618) my pleasure. Take care. Rebekah Kik (01:05:17.578) Yeah, take care, Kevin. Get full access to The Messy City at kevinklinkenberg.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Justin and Adam talk with Will Robinson, the Distiller at Tamworth Distilling and Mercantile. They discuss using wild fish and game ingredients in spirits such as Eau De Musc Castoreum Whiskey, Crab Trapper Whiskey, Deerslayer Venison Whiskey, and Saison de Frai Apple Brandy VSOP. Justin does a live tasting on the air as Will talks about each spirit in detail.  - Leave a Review of the Podcast - Buy our Small Batch Wild Fish and Game Seasonings - Join our Field to Fork Wild Pig Camp Guest:  Will Robinson is the Distiller at Tamworth Distilling and Mercantile in Tamworth, NH, where he focuses on product development and the production of gins, cordials, flavored spirits, and more. He is a founding member of the band Moonshine Still, with whom he played over 1500 shows and recorded four albums; he is a jack of all trades and has worked awesome jobs such as an antique dealer, pawn broker, canoe instructor, winery owner and distiller, student and stay at home Dad. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his children, sailing, cooking, paddling, producing music, and attempting to pursue a more sustainable lifestyle. Check out The Tamworth Distilling IG page Visit the Tamworth Distilling website to learn more or order Takeaways: Eau du musc includes an old-world flavoring technique that uses the oil extract from the castor gland of the North American beaver Crab Trapper is made with a bourbon base steeped in a mixture of crab, corn, and spices Deer Slayer is a venison-flavored whiskey with cranberries, porcini mushrooms, juniper berries, and green peppercorns Saison de Frai is a brandy infused with smoked trout The Deerslayer and Saison du Frai spirits have unique flavors that evoke memories and create new experiences. Will Robinson emphasizes the importance of creating connections and memories through spirits. Conscious consumption and trying new flavors can lead to pleasant surprises Show Notes: Introduction and Background From Music to Distilling Working with Wild Ingredients Using Wild Ingredients in Spirits The Use of Castoreum Tasting the Wild Spirits Tasting the Ode to Musk Impressions of the Ode to Musk Introduction to Vacuum Distillation Distilling Delicate Flavors The Success of the Crab Trapper Creating a Market for Invasive Species The East Coast American Seafood Spice Blend The Process of Creating the Crab Trapper Educating About Global Warming and Invasive Species Supporting Sustainable Seafood and Invasive Species The Deer Slayer: Fermented Meat Whiskey The Art of Smoking and Barbecuing The Process of Creating the Deer Slayer Introduction and Tasting Notes Discussion about Potential Snack Stick Product Exploring the Flavor of the Saison de Frai Creating a Snack Stick Experience Wrap-up and Audience Questions Introduction to the Saison de Frai Exploring the Aromas and Flavors of the Saison de Frai Sourcing Ingredients and Creating New Experiences Creating Memories and Connections through Spirits Other Spirits to Explore Foraging Pine Cones Fermenting Pine Cones Flavor of Pine Cone Syrup Sugar Plum Fairy Absinthe Upcoming Flavors and Spirits Siege of Wolves Rum Where to Order and Connect Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices