Beginning today, the Chicago Futures will trade a contract for dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Since the majority of swine producers now include this ingredient in their grow-finish diets the addition of this contract is welcome. Read More...
In the past few weeks I’ve been involved in a series of discussions with producers and allied industry about production unit sizes. A common thread in the discussions was the idea of what size of production unit a producer should target. I think many of you have thought about this already as you have invested in production facilities, presented testimony at township and county zoning hearings, etc. Read More...
Probably the biggest reason I love being involved in agriculture is the optimism that both crop and livestock producers bring to their careers. You have to be optimistic to plant corn without knowing how much rain you’ll get or to breed sows to have pigs to sell 10 months in the future. Read More...
What a week to be involved in pork production! After 2 years of almost consistent negative news, last Friday’s Hogs and Pigs report, when combined with the grain stocks report and planting intentions report this week put a smile on everyone’s face. Closeouts are beginning to show profits after an extended period of red ink, and the next year looks to be very good based on the futures expectations. Read More...