03/31/2008 Farm Bureau Market Report

Click here to view this report online.

Grain & Soybean Date: March 31, 2008 Soybeans Local Elevators: (Mar) EAST AR:  1117 to 1140 (NC) Summ. 970 to 1009 River Elevators: (Mar) MISS: 1100 to 1163 ; AR & White 1130 to - - - (NC) Summ. 988 to 1017 Ark. Processor Bids: (Mar) 1130 to 1134  (NC) 1007 to - - - Memphis:  (Mar) 1152 1/4 to 1157 1/4 (NC)  1019 1/2 to - - - Riceland Foods:  (Mar/Apr) Stuttgart 1134 ; Pendleton 1140 ; West Memphis 1163 Chicago Futures: May down 70 at  1197 1/4   Jul  down  70  at  1215   Aug down 70  at  1197   Nov down 70  at  1089 1/2   Nov '09 down 70  at  1039 1/2   Today's Arkansas LDP rate for soybeans is: 0¢ Soybean Comment Soybeans were hit with a double whammy today as both the stocks report and planting intentions at 7.4 million acres, up 18% from ’07 and well above pre report estimates. Big increases were noted in mid-South, the Dakotas and Nebraska. Arkansas plantings were projected to be 3.25 million acres, a 15% increase from last year. The quarterly stocks put soybeans at 1.43 billion bushels, over 70 million bushels more than anticipated. Soybeans were down the 70 cents limit with November gapping lower and closing less than 20 cents above the next support around $10.70. Corn plantings were set at 86 million acres, about 2 million below expectations. This puts corn in a precarious situation and allowed the market to close mostly higher. December briefly traded to $6.01 leaving that as potential resistance in the day’s ahead. Wheat Cash bid for new crop at Memphis  769 to 782; Bids to farmers at Local Elevators 737-762; River Elevators 734-770; Chicago Futures: May down  60  at  929    Jul down 59  at  937    Sep down  54  at  946    Dec down  60  at  960    Jul '09 down  48  at  927    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for wheat is: 0¢ Grain Sorghum Cash bid for March at Memphis  959 to 968; Bids to farmers at River Elevators 877-939; Today's Arkansas LDP rate for sorghum is: 0¢ Corn Cash bid for March at Memphis   558 1/4 to 559 1/4;   new crop at Memphis   539 1/2 to - - -; Bids to farmers at River Elevators  537 to 555 Chicago Futures: May up  8 1/2  at  569    Jul up  8 1/4  at  569    Sep up  8 1/4  at  584 1/2    Dec up  4 1/4  at  581    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for corn is: 0¢ Grain Comment Wheat futures gapped lower today. The report was slightly bearish, with total wheat seedings coming in at 63.8 million acres, a bit above the average trade guess. However, July has pushed below support at $10, further evidence that a top has been charted. The next downward objective is around $9.20. Cotton & Rice  Date: March 31, 2008 Cotton Spot Price, Grade 41 Staple 34: Memphis down 234 at  6234   Greenwood down  234 at 6234 New York Futures: May down  211  at  6957    Jul down  206  at  7305    Dec down  216  at  7951    Mar '09 down  247  at  8173    May '09 down  170  at  8325  This week's LDP rate for cotton is  0 cents   The estimate for next week is  0 cents Cotton Comment Cotton closed sharply lower today despite projected ’08 plantings of 9.39 million acres. This was in line with expectations, but some had hoped for a number under 9 million acres. Arkansas plantings were projected 24% lower at 650,000. Similar cuts were seen in registered potential gains from ’07. Declining export demand is leaving big stocks for the market to deal with. Upside potential is limited as some acreage in the Mississippi delta may move back to cotton as a result of recent flooding. All in all, the outlook for cotton is not real good. December is in position to test support at the recent low of 76.34 or the next level around 75 cents. There will be strong resistance between 80 and 85 cents. Rice Long Grain Cash Bid for  Mar 1575/cwt  to  - - -   Apr 1625/cwt  to  - - - Chicago Futures: May up  1 1/2  at  1969    Jul up  11  at  2011    Sep up  26  at  1795    Nov up  28  at  1795    - - -   - - -  at  - - -  Today's Arkansas LDP rate for long grain rice is  0¢ medium grain rice is  0¢ Rice Comment Rice moved higher again today as USDA planting intentions of 2.77 million acres were virtually unchanged from a year ago. In Arkansas, a 3% increase to 1.37 million acres was indicated. Cuts were noted for Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri. It should be noted that surveys for this report were done in early March. Flooding and higher price levels could pull in some additional acreage. Overall the rice market remains bullish with tightening world stocks setting a situation in motion that in many ways resembles the wheat market earlier this year. Rice futures took everything in stride and closed higher with November pushing $18 at one point. The market appears to have further upside potential but it may be difficult with beans, wheat and cotton on the defensive. Cattle & Hogs  Date: March 31, 2008 Cattle As reported by Federal-State Market News, receipts were 2,127 head at sales in Ash Flat & Springdale.  Compared with last week, feeder steers sold mostly firm to $3 higher, heifers steady to $2 higher . Steers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 109 to 126   500 to 550 lbs. 100 to 123   600 to 650 lbs. 108 to 111  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 100 to 117 Heifers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 90 to 108  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 85 to 104 Slaughter Cows, Boners 46   to   51 Light Weight 33 to 39 Bulls, Yield Grade   1   1000   to   2100 lbs.   58.50   to   64, high dressing 64-72.50 Midwest Steers   were $3 lower to steady   at   85   to   88 Panhandle Steers   were $1 lower to $2 higher   at   86   to   89 Oklahoma City Feeders Steers n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Heifers n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Chicago Futures: Live Cattle: Apr down 22 at 8742   Jun down 12 at 8775 Feeders: May down 105 at 10122   Aug down 92 at 10575 Cattle Comment Cattle futures were mostly lower on weakness in the hog pit and cash cattle market. Uncertainty about the strength of beef demand this spring is also a factor. Wholesale movement has been slow, apparently buyers are worried that economic woes will impact consumer choices. Hogs Peoria: were     steady   at   28.5   to   29 Chicago Futures: Apr down 105 at 5705   Jun down 242 at 6795 Sheep St. Paul sheep shorn slaughter lambs   at   n/a   to   - - - Hogs Comment Hog futures were sharply lower. June set a new low in today’s trade. USDA’s inventory report was clearly the driving factor, with the total inventory of market hogs pegged at 106.6% of last year’s total. The average trade guess was 105.3%. Poultry  Date: March 31, 2008 Eggs New York:  Ex. Lg. 153-157; Lg. 151-155; Med. 127-131; Chicago:  Ex. Lg. 148-156; Lg. 146-154; Med. 125-133; Eastern Region Turkeys Hens: 8-16 lbs. 82-84 Toms: 16-24 lbs. 82-84   Delmarva Broilers U.S. Grade A Trade sentiment was mostly about steady. Supplies of all sizes were more than sufficient to satisfy trade needs. In production areas, live supplies were moderate at mixed, but mostly desirable weights. ---------------------------------------- HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE You are receiving this newsletter because you requested that your e-mail address be added to the Arkansas Farm Bureau Market Report. To unsubscribe or change your subscription information, go to http://www.arfb.com/commodity_marketing/email/ ---------------------------------------- QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? If you have any comments or questions about this e-newsletter please e-mail us at mktrpt@arfb.com Arkansas Farm Bureau 10720 Kanis Road Little Rock, AR 72211 501-224-4400 Copyright 2008 Arkansas Farm Bureau, Inc. All rights reserved Terms of Use

FWD: Morning Manna (Mar. 31); BP: Acts 2:1-4; RBTTY: Lk. 6:1-26; Judg.

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

---

-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:41:21 -0500
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Mar. 31); BP: Acts 2:1-4; RBTTY: Lk. 6:1-26; Judg.
 

March 31                                                                                                                      “Do It Again, Lord”

 

“And when the Day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And, suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

                                                                                                                                                        Acts 2:1-4

     Be still and listen.  You’ll hear it.

     Close your eyes right now, Pilgrim, and listen with your heart.  What do you hear?  The inward groanings of your troubled soul?  The distractions of the world’s siren song?  The accusing voice of the evil one?

 

     Or, do you hear the Spirit’s rustling in the trees and under the eaves as He waits in the wings to come in power once again?

     Have you noticed there’s a strange parallel between our generation and the one that preceded the Flood (Mt. 24:36-39) and the barren, dry-as-a-bone, ritualistically religious folks who lived prior to Jesus’ first coming?

 

     Is that frightening?

     Or inviting?

     Could it be the Lord God—the “Lord of Hosts”—is wanting to move in power one more time before the “Midnight Hour”?  Could it be He’s wanting once again to pour out His Spirit upon this earth before it’s eternally too late?

 

     The “door of the Ark”—i.e., the “door of salvation”—will soon be closed.  But, right now, it’s “the accepted time. . .the Day of Salvation” (II Cor. 6:2). . .and for now “whosoever will may come” (Rom. 10:9-10, 13).

 

     Yes, dear Pilgrim, the Lord God is wanting to do again what He did that day at Pentecost.  The question is, “How badly do we want it?  How badly do we long to see Him swoop in upon us, setting our lips and lives on fire as He did that day so long ago?”

 

     As someone once said, “There can be no Pentecost without plenty cost.”

     How true, how true.  And, what might that “cost” be?

     Quite simply “the humbling of ourselves, praying, seeking His Face and turning from our wicked ways” (II Chron. 7:14).  The proud feel no need of bending the knee for they feel no need of Him.  Like those who are well and feel no need of a physician, so are those who are convinced they’re spiritually whole and can do it on their own.

 

     Do you hear it, Pilgrim?  Do you hear the Spirit’s moving?  Do you feel it, Pilgrim—the brush of angels’ wings as they hover nearby?  Does your heart ache to experience a fresh touch from Him and true revival?  If so, get down on your face and pray, “Oh, Lord, do it again.  Do it again.  One more time, dear Jesus.  Do it again.”

FWD: Morning Manna (Mar. 30); BP: Acts 1:12-14; RBTTY: Lk. 5:17-39;

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

---

-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:52:19 -0500
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Mar. 30); BP: Acts 1:12-14; RBTTY: Lk. 5:17-39;
 

March 30                                                                                                                            “In One Accord”

 

“And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter and James and John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon Zelotes and Judas, the brother of James.  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.”

                                                                                                                                                    Acts 1:13-14

     Until we’re “one in the bond of love,” we’ll continue in the bondage of sin, division and discord.

     Only Jesus could have taken a handful of men. . .of differing temperaments and personality types. . .and transformed them into a powerhouse group who’d later be accused of “turning the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).

 

     In reality, the world was already upside down and they were simply trying to turn it right-side up!  Sin has a way of defacing, disfiguring, deforming and destroying—but God specializes in “wrecks rebuilt” and bringing unity where dissension and discord once existed.

 

     Think of it:

     The night of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, all of the disciples “forsook Him and fled” (Mt. 26:56).  It was “every man for himself”. . .their version of “Survival of the Fleetest”  . . .which, basically, made them just as guilty of betrayal as Judas and Peter.

 

     Even so, the Lord Jesus still came back to them after the Resurrection and commissioned them to “go into all the world and make disciples” (Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).  But, this would not happen until “the Holy Spirit came upon them” (Acts 1:8a), which would not happen until the Heavenly Father was ready to send Him (Acts 1:4).

 

     So into the upper room they went to “wait, watch and pray.”  They had no way of knowing the “fire would fall and the glory would fill” (II Chron. 7:1) on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14).  They simply had to “continue in prayer and supplication.”

 

     Wouldn’t you have loved to have been in that prayer meeting, Pilgrim?  Wouldn’t you have loved to hear what they had to say and experience the fellowship they enjoyed?  Glory!

 

     No doubt during those times when they weren’t on their knees or faces before the Lord, they reminisced about what had transpired the past 40 days.  Perhaps Mary, Jesus’ mother, reflected fondly on having watched Jesus grow up. . .the day He was born in Bethlehem and how they fled to Egypt. . .how they left Him in the Temple and had to look for Him. . .her agony over seeing Him beaten, crucified and killed. . .her joy over seeing Him alive again. . .and heartache over seeing Him whisked away in the clouds.

 

     Yes, the fellowship and prayer times must have been sweet since they were “in one accord”—i.e., “on the same page.”  They didn’t know what was coming, but they knew it would be good.  And, 10 days later they’d not be disappointed.  Hallelujah!!

03/28/2008 Farm Bureau Market Report

Click here to view this report online.

Grain & Soybean Date: March 28, 2008 Soybeans Local Elevators: (Mar) EAST AR:  1187 to 1210 (NC) Summ. 1040 to 1079 River Elevators: (Mar) MISS: 1170 to 1233 ; AR & White 1198 to 1204 (NC) Summ. 1056 to 1085 Ark. Processor Bids: (Mar) 1200 to 1204  (NC) 1077 to - - - Memphis:  (Mar) 1232 1/4 to 1237 1/4 (NC)  1079 1/2 to 1089 1/2 Riceland Foods:  (Mar) Stuttgart 1204 ; Pendleton 1244 ; West Memphis 1233 Chicago Futures: May down 60 at  1267 1/4   Jul  down  57 1/2  at  1285   Aug down 61  at  1267   Nov down 49  at  1159 1/2   Nov '09 down 41 1/2  at  1109 1/2   Today's Arkansas LDP rate for soybeans is: 0¢ Soybean Comment Soybeans closed sharply lower as early trading took several contracts near the new expanded trading limit of 70 cents. Early consensus about Monday’s planting intentions report indicate 71.5 million acres or more for ’08. This combined with rumors the farmer strike in Argentina may near an end to pressure the market ahead of the report. November tested support at $11.50 and isn’t far away from last week’s low of $11.34. Corn rallied to close higher at the close. This reflects growing concern about planting expectations. December resistance is $5.90 to $6.00. Wheat Cash bid for new crop at Memphis  828 to 831; Bids to farmers at Local Elevators 796-821; River Elevators 793-829; Chicago Futures: May down  25  at  989    Jul down 21 1/2  at  996    Sep down  28  at  1000    Dec down  23  at  1020    Jul '09 down  20  at  970    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for wheat is: 0¢ Grain Sorghum Cash bid for March at Memphis  951 to 974; Bids to farmers at River Elevators 866-929; Today's Arkansas LDP rate for sorghum is: 0¢ Corn Cash bid for March at Memphis   553 1/2 to 555 1/2;   new crop at Memphis   526 1/4 to 531 1/4; Bids to farmers at River Elevators  531 to 549 Chicago Futures: May up  5 1/2  at  561    Jul up  6 1/4  at  573 1/2    Sep up  7  at  576    Dec up  7 1/2  at  576    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for corn is: 0¢ Grain Comment Wheat futures are now trending lower. It is still a strong possibility that this market has put in a major top. Recent weather woes in soft red winter wheat territory have not turned the market around. The trade is expecting to see total wheat seedings of 63.625 million acres in Monday’s report. Cotton & Rice  Date: March 28, 2008 Cotton Spot Price, Grade 41 Staple 34: Memphis down 122 at  6468   Greenwood down  122 at 6468 New York Futures: May down  113  at  7177    Jul down  92  at  7527    Dec down  116  at  8183    Mar '09 down  144  at  8406    May '09 down  160  at  8475  This week's LDP rate for cotton is  0 cents   The estimate for next week is  0 cents Cotton Comment Cotton futures were trimmed again as the market closed lower of the 3rd day in a row. However, gains on Monday and Tuesday left the market higher for the week. Support is last week’s low of 76.34 cents, resistance is 85.5 and then 87.4 cents. While the big move in cotton earlier this month was overdone, it appears there is solid support around the break out point. Look for this support to continue although it is obvious that export demand is declining. A smaller ’08 acreage will help bring the supply side of the market into better balance. Weather factors may alter planting intentions. Rice Long Grain Cash Bid for  Mar 1575/cwt  to  - - -   Apr/May 1600/cwt  to  - - - Chicago Futures: May down  37  at  1967 1/2    Jul down  45  at  2000    Sep down  29  at  1769    Nov down  23  at  1769    n/a down  - - -  at  - - -  Today's Arkansas LDP rate for long grain rice is  0¢ medium grain rice is  0¢ Rice Comment Rice futures gapped sharply higher at the open and held substantial gains at the close. Old crop continued to gain relative to new crop July moving above $20. Going into Monday’s planting intentions report it is clear the very tight world stocks situation is still driving this market. Sales in Vietnam, Thailand and India are at a virtual standstill as “nominal quotes” are approaching $800 per metric tonne. U.S. quotes remain in the $700-$725 range. Cattle & Hogs  Date: March 28, 2008 Cattle As reported by Federal-State Market News, receipts were 16,165 head at sales in Arkansas this week.  Compared with last week, feeder steers sold $2-4 lower, instances $7 lower. Feeder heifers sold unevenly, mostly $3-5 lower . Steers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 113 to 123   500 to 550 lbs. 106 to 116   600 to 700 lbs. 96 to 106  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 104 to 114 Heifers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 102 to 112  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 91 to 101 Slaughter Cows, Boners 46   to   52 Light Weight 35 to 40 Bulls, Yield Grade   1   1000   to   2100 lbs.   59   to   65, high dressing 66-70 Midwest Steers   were $1 higher to $.50 lower   at   88   to   - - - Panhandle Steers   remained   at   87   to   - - - Oklahoma City Feeders Steers n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Heifers n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Chicago Futures: Live Cattle: Apr down 97 at 8765   Jun down 72 at 8787 Feeders: May down 35 at 10227   Aug down 20 at 10667 Cattle Comment Cattle posted across-the-board losses again today. Fund selling was the driving factor, but uncertainty about the strength of beef demand this spring is also a factor. Wholesale movement has been slow, apparently buyers are worried that economic woes will impact consumer choices. Feeders were lower on strength in corn and carryover weakness from the live pit. Hogs Peoria: were $1     higher   at   28.5   to   29 Chicago Futures: Apr up 12 at 5810   Jun steady at 7037 Sheep St. Paul sheep shorn slaughter lambs   at   n/a   to   - - - Hogs Comment Hog futures were mostly lower. June set a new low before closing unchanged. Huge slaughter totals are being recorded, and frozen stocks are already burdensome. Poultry  Date: March 28, 2008 Eggs New York:  Ex. Lg. 153-157; Lg. 151-155; Med. 127-131; Chicago:  Ex. Lg. 154-162; Lg. 152-160; Med. 131-139; Eastern Region Turkeys Hens: 8-16 lbs. 82-84 Toms: 16-24 lbs. 82-84   Delmarva Broilers U.S. Grade A Trade sentiment was mostly about steady. Demand was mostly fair at best and trading usually limited to regular commitments; however, hopes for improvement are evident as first of the month approaches. Supplies of all sizes were more than sufficient to easily handle trade needs. In production areas, live supplies were moderate at mixed, but mostly desirable weights. ---------------------------------------- HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE You are receiving this newsletter because you requested that your e-mail address be added to the Arkansas Farm Bureau Market Report. To unsubscribe or change your subscription information, go to http://www.arfb.com/commodity_marketing/email/ ---------------------------------------- QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? If you have any comments or questions about this e-newsletter please e-mail us at mktrpt@arfb.com Arkansas Farm Bureau 10720 Kanis Road Little Rock, AR 72211 501-224-4400 Copyright 2008 Arkansas Farm Bureau, Inc. All rights reserved Terms of Use

03/27/2008 Farm Bureau Market Report

Click here to view this report online.

Grain & Soybean Date: March 27, 2008 Soybeans Local Elevators: (Mar) EAST AR:  1247 to 1270 (NC) Summ. 1089 to 1128 River Elevators: (Mar) MISS: 1230 to 1293 ; AR & White 1260 to 1267 (NC) Summ. 1105 to 1136 Ark. Processor Bids: (Mar) 1252 to 1264  (NC) 1121 to 1126 Memphis:  (Mar) 1292 1/4 to 1297 1/4 (NC)  1128 1/2 to 1133 1/2 Riceland Foods:  (Mar) Stuttgart 1264 ; Pendleton 1270 ; West Memphis 1293 Chicago Futures: May down 24 3/4 at  1327 1/4   Jul  down  23  at  1342 1/2   Aug down 28  at  1328   Nov down 36  at  1208 1/2   Nov '09 down 24  at  1151   Today's Arkansas LDP rate for soybeans is: 0¢ Soybean Comment Soybeans were pushed lower throughout today’s trading session. A big Brazilian crop and prospects of 71.5 million acres or more, being planted in ’08 in the U.S. contributed to the negative undertone. This could also be profit taking after big early week gains as the trade looks ahead to Monday’s planting intentions report. November resistance is $12.66 to $13, with support in the $11.90 to $11.50 range. Corn continued to show greater strength than beans or wheat with modest gains in old crop. December resistance is the $5.90 contract high. Wheat Cash bid for new crop at Memphis  849 1/2 to 852 1/2; Bids to farmers at Local Elevators 818-843; River Elevators 815-851; Chicago Futures: May down  19  at  1014    Jul down 16 1/2  at  1016    Sep down  23  at  1028    Dec down  11  at  1043    Jul '09 down  5  at  990    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for wheat is: 0¢ Grain Sorghum Cash bid for March at Memphis  942 to 965; Bids to farmers at River Elevators 855-918; Today's Arkansas LDP rate for sorghum is: 0¢ Corn Cash bid for March at Memphis   548 1/2 to 550 1/2;   new crop at Memphis   519 to 524; Bids to farmers at River Elevators  526 to 543 Chicago Futures: May up  3 1/4  at  555 1/2    Jul up  2 1/4  at  567 1/4    Sep up  1  at  569    Dec unchanged    at  568 1/2    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for corn is: 0¢ Grain Comment Wheat futures were lower again today. It is still a strong possibility that this market has put in a major top. So far, July is holding at support at $10. The recent ups and downs have been mostly fund driven, and not really the result of any fundamental factors. Cotton & Rice  Date: March 27, 2008 Cotton Spot Price, Grade 41 Staple 34: Memphis down 89 at  6590   Greenwood down  89 at 6590 New York Futures: May down  93  at  7286    Jul down  105  at  7615    Dec down  119  at  8294    Mar '09 down  112  at  8547    May '09 down  65  at  8734  This week's LDP rate for cotton is  0 cents   The estimate for next week is  0 cents Cotton Comment Cotton ran into resistance near 85 cents in early trading and ended the session lower. The next retracement objective and potential resistance is 87.4 cents. While the big move in cotton earlier this month was overdone, it appears there is solid support around the break out point. Look for this support to continue although it is obvious that export demand is declining. A smaller ’08 acreage will help bring the supply side of the market into better balance. Weather factors may alter planting intentions which are to be released a week from today. Rice Long Grain Cash Bid for  Mar 1264/cwt  to  - - -   Apr/May 1555/cwt  to  - - - Chicago Futures: May up  8 1/2  at  1930 1/2    Jul up  5  at  1955    Sep unchanged    at  1740    Nov down  4  at  1746    - - -   - - -  at  - - -  Today's Arkansas LDP rate for long grain rice is  0¢ medium grain rice is  0¢ Rice Comment Rice futures followed yesterday’s pattern and closed mixed with small gains in old crop contracts. May resistance at $19.55 is being tested daily. Overall fundamentals remain positive with tight U.S. and world supplies limiting availability. India is maintaining a minimum Export Price which moves higher as the market gets close. Vietnam sales are limited by available supply and Thailand is awaiting further market developments. Improvement of available supplies is expected to be limited and overall market outlook remain firm to higher. Cattle & Hogs  Date: March 27, 2008 Cattle As reported by Federal-State Market News, receipts were 2,910 head at sales in Charlotte, Ratcliff & Green Forest.  Compared with last week, feeder steers sold $2-5 instances $10 higher . Steers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 116 to 126   500 to 550 lbs. 106 to 116   600 to 700 lbs. 93 to 103  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 107 to 117 Heifers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 100 to 110  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 91 to 101 Slaughter Cows, Boners 44.50   to   50 Light Weight 34 to 40 Bulls, Yield Grade   1   1000   to   2100 lbs.   55   to   64.50, high dressing 65-68 Midwest Steers   were steady to $.50 higher   at   87   to   88.50 Panhandle Steers   were steady to $1 lower   at   87   to   - - - Oklahoma City Feeders Steers 500 to 550 lbs. 125 to 131.50   600 to 650 lbs. 108 to 119 Heifers n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Chicago Futures: Live Cattle: Apr down 152 at 8862   Jun down 145 at 8860 Feeders: May down 192 at 10262   Aug down 217 at 10687 Cattle Comment Cattle were lower across the board, with the nearby April and June live contracts leading the way. Fund selling was the driving factor, but uncertainty about the strength of beef demand this spring is also a factor. Wholesale movement has been slow, apparently buyers are worried that economic woes will impact consumer choices. Feeders were lower on strength in corn and carryover weakness from the live pit. Hogs Peoria: were     steady   at   27.5   to   28 Chicago Futures: Apr up 55 at 5797   Jun down 57 at 7037 Sheep St. Paul sheep shorn slaughter lambs   at   n/a   to   - - - Hogs Comment Hog futures were mostly lower. June could retest the contract low of $70.10. Huge slaughter totals are being recorded, and frozen stocks are already burdensome. Poultry  Date: March 27, 2008 Eggs New York:  Ex. Lg. 158-162; Lg. 156-160; Med. 132-136; Chicago:  Ex. Lg. 154-162; Lg. 152-160; Med. 131-139; Eastern Region Turkeys Hens: 8-16 lbs. 82-84 Toms: 16-24 lbs. 82-84   Delmarva Broilers U.S. Grade A Trade sentiment was about steady to weak. Supplies of all sizes were at least adequate to readily available for trade needs. In production areas, live supplies were moderate at desirable to heavy weights. ---------------------------------------- HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE You are receiving this newsletter because you requested that your e-mail address be added to the Arkansas Farm Bureau Market Report. To unsubscribe or change your subscription information, go to http://www.arfb.com/commodity_marketing/email/ ---------------------------------------- QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? If you have any comments or questions about this e-newsletter please e-mail us at mktrpt@arfb.com Arkansas Farm Bureau 10720 Kanis Road Little Rock, AR 72211 501-224-4400 Copyright 2008 Arkansas Farm Bureau, Inc. All rights reserved Terms of Use

Will the Farm Bill Get Passed?, Turning Up the Intensity on Climate Policy, Media Update and more

Forward   Support AFT   Subscribe   www.farmland.org
	March 27, 2008 Farm Bill Continues to Stall  President Bush signed another temporary farm bill extension—to April 18th—but warns if the new deadline can’t be met, the farm bill should wait another year. With only three weeks left to pass a bill and no signs of agreement over funding, policymakers have limited options: A $10 billion over baseline, 10-year bill agreed to among House and Senate leadership. Policy disagreements, funding issues and disputes between committees continue to stall progress, but new reports indicate (registration required) a breakthrough on this option is possible. A baseline bill, or a baseline plus $5 billion in additional funding from White House approved sources, could emerge as a fallback. Extension of current law until next year, leaving the farm bill to a new Congress and new Administration. Adding complexity to the debate, a brand new farm policy discussion could happen as early as two to three years from now as a result of rising budget pressures, increasing international trade disputes and World Trade Organization discussions. Help us mount a final push to get critical improvements passed in the farm bill. Emergency Push to Get the Farm Bill Signed President Bush has thrown down the gauntlet: deliver an acceptable bill by April 18th or no new bill this year. Waiting until next year is irresponsible—to farmers and consumers alike—and we must not let that happen. American Farmland Trust is mounting an emergency campaign to get the bill passed with critical improvements. Congress returns next week and we’ll have just three weeks to finish our work. We need you to make an emergency contribution to help us push until the final hour and be ready to react as new proposals come into play.   An Increasing Focus on Climate Change Policy There is significant, and growing, momentum in Congress to address the threat of climate change. Last December, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved a bill sponsored by Senators Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and John Warner (R-VA) that would cap emissions of greenhouse gases, allow regulated companies to  trade emission credits, and impose penalties on emitters who do not comply. This approach, called cap-and-trade, could open vast new opportunities for agriculture to participate in the reduction or sequestration of greenhouse gases and in the production of renewable energy that can replace the current suite of carbon-intensive sources on which we rely. EPA Planting Seeds to Reap Environmental and Economic Benefits with New Agriculture Committee "Agriculture has a big role to play as part of the solution to environmental challenges. We think by sitting down at the same table, as this committee will do, together we can do what's good for agriculture and good for our environment, " said the EPA's Jon Scholl about the newly formed Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee. Members of the EPA's first-ever agricultural advisory committee (PDF)—which includes AFT's president Ralph Grossi—represent large and small farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; rural suppliers, marketers, and processors; academics and researchers who study environmental issues impacting agriculture; and, environmental and conservation groups. Media Update You Say To-mah-toes, Where are the Tomatoes? One of the biggest and most successful tomato growers in the Northeast has decided not to plant tomatoes this year since he can't count on enough labor to help plant and harvest his crop. Brownfield Network interviews Pennsylvania farmer Keith Eckel on the implications of not addressing current immigration and guest worker legislation. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables from the Farmer in the Dell In Orange, Massachusetts, children are enjoying local apples in their school cafeteria thanks to the National Farm to School Program, which links growers with local institutions so kids can get produce, dairy and meats from area farms. "They are sweeter than the ones you get at the grocery store—and no bruises," says Kayla Lafrennie in this USA Today article. AFT supports Farm to School Programs, and other initiatives in the 2008 Farm Bill that will increase the availability of healthy, local foods.  Global Squeeze on Food Prices If you’ve noticed your grocery bills going up, you’re not alone. Food prices rose four percent in the U.S. last year, and are expected to climb as much again this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Rising petroleum costs have increased the cost of everything from fertilizers to transport to food processing. And increased worldwide demand for meat and dairy have caused the cost of grain used for cattle feed to go up.   Stand By Your Ham Great Britain's farmers have taken to song to encourage supermarket chains there to pay struggling producers more for their meat. The farmers are bringing attention to the rising cost of grain inputs with a 500-pound mascot sow; a ticker depicting their losses; and a re-make of the Tammy Wynette classic "Stand By Your Man" that extols the virtues of bacon and ham, reports the Wall St. Journal.
Forward   Support AFT   Subscribe   Unsubscribe   Manage Your Account
© Copyright 2006, American Farmland Trust. All rights reserved. 1200 18th Street, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 (202)-331-7300