Idaho Farm Bureau's Podcast

Monday Market Report: Spring has Sprung?

Good Monday morning—First signs of spring in Idaho, mild temperatures across the state, but still windy, some equipment moving in SW Idaho. It’s 32 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley, It's 28 in Poky, 26  in IF.  In Northern Idaho, it’s 30 and cloudy. On to the markets: CBOT Corns opens up at 5.71, with 11 1/2 to nearly 16 cent gains for front-month futures starting the week. Wheat futures are fractional to 2 cents higher so far. CBT prices are up a cent and a quarter. hard red ...

The Johnston Weekly Commodity Report

The cash grain market is sluggish

IFBF Podcast: Safety week counts

Thanks for joining us, This is Jake Putnam, pull up a chair, and welcome to this week's podcast, coming to you from my little office a block from the Statehouse. This week marks farm safety week across Idaho. The American Farm Bureau is reminding farmers and ranchers about the importance of safety and health. Micheal Clements has this story about how Farm Bureau is helping keep farmers and ranchers and their communities safe during planting season and throughout the year. I went and visite...

Monday Market report: Local wheat up 2-cents

Good Monday morning—It's still winter in Idaho and snowpacks are just about back to normal levels, and above normal in many areas. It’s 27 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley, It's 19 in Poky, 17  in IF.  In Northern Idaho, it’s 34 and cloudy. On this first day of March. On to the markets: March Corn futures open this morning at $5.55 cents in Chicago that's up 3 quarters of a cent higher than Friday. AND Being the first day of the month, let's look at futures ways out:  | Mar 21...

Clark Johnston Market Report: Wheat ends week strong

IFBF Podcast: Senate confirms new US Ag Secretary

Thanks for Joining us, I'm Jake Putnam Our first story has a hint of nostalgia…not sentimental nostalgia just the regular kind.  Today on Capitol Hill, the Senate confirmed Tom Vilsak as Ag Secretary. If that name sounds familiar, he was Ag Secretary once before,  Gary Crawford was there: Also today we learned that H2a wages are going up, in Idaho… it's a significant jump. I got to talking to Braden Jensen, I went to his office at Boise Farm Bureau Building…well actually I went upstairs a...

Monday Market Report: Cattle up, corn down

Good Monday morning—It's winter in Idaho, most of the state is snow-covered, and snowpacks normal and above normal in many places. It’s 30 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley, It's 30 in Poky, 25 in IF.  In Northern Idaho, it’s 34 and cloud this morning in CDA, snow expected there tomorrow. On to the market: March 21Corn futures open at $5.43, down 7 1/2 cents. Friday wheat trading left the board lower, that's where it opens this morning. SRW prices were down the most.  Mar 21 CB...

Clark Johnston weekly market report

Winter returns to Idaho

Thanks for joining us— Welcome to the Farm Bureau podcast, coming to you from my little office a block from the Statehouse…where there’s snow on the ground. I'm Jake Putnam… Winter has returned to Idaho—just two weeks ago most watersheds in Idaho had below normal Snowpack numbers, that said,  the NRCS said we had adequate snowpack on February 1st. Then it started snowing, Boise got a foot of snow, 16 miles up Bogus Basin Road in  Boise’s northland the ski area got 33 inches of snow. Poky a...

Market Report: Wheat opens up after long weekend

Good Tuesday morning—Markets were closed Monday for Presidents Day—let's take a look at  the markets  this morning…but first We’ve had a lot of snow and more expected. It’s a cool 25 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley, Its 21 in Poky, 20 in IF.  In Northern Idaho, it’s 23 and snow this morning in CDA. On to the markets: Corn futures surged into the three-day break with 2 1/4 to 3 1/4 cent losses.  This morning corn opens in Chicago at $5.38 down two cents. Domestic wheat futures...

Clark Johnston Market Report-

Dam breaching and trade

Thanks for joining us… I’m Jake Putnam, coming to you from my little Farm Bureau office a block from the Idaho Statehouse. We’re in the thick of winter, not much farming going on, but lots going on back in Washington. Our Congressman Rep. Mike Simpson, last week floated a $33 billion plan that he thinks could help endangered salmon populations. The highlight of Simpson’s proposal calls for the removal of the four lower Snake River dams.  This is the first time any member of the Pacific No...

Monday market report--Milk down, corn steady

Good Monday morning… It’s a cool 27 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley, Its 24 in Poky, 21 in IF.  In Northern Idaho, it’s 18 and clears this morning in CDA. On to the markets: Cornmarket prices flattened out over the weekend but still look strong this post-Super Bowl morning. Mar 21 Corn opens at $6.41, up 3 cents, but still up 10 and a half cents since last Monday, At the at the close Friday and the open this morning, wheat futures are holding onto gains and open strong.  | M...

Clark Johnston Market Report: Wheat futures down

Clark Johnston Market Report: Cattle down, wheat market thin

Feeder cattle market down 6-bucks! 

IFBF Podcast: The Little Farm Bureau that could

Welcome to the Idaho Farm Bureau podcast, we’re coming to you from our offices just a block away from the Idaho Statehouse. Pull up a chair, give us a listen, today's show is about a little Farm Bureau that could. Thanks for joining us I’m Jake Putnam. The Idaho Farm Bureau as far as State Farm Bureaus is not that big. States like California, Iowa, and Tennesse dwarf the Gem State. But the Idaho Farm Bureau casts a long shadow…at American back in Washington. Idaho Farm Bureau is gaining th...

IFBF Podcast: Special report: The new Presidents

Thanks for joining us—I'm Jake Putnam…The Idaho Farm Bureau is a training ground for leaders. On the State and County levels, leaders retire and new leaders step up to take their place. On today’s podcast, I'll introduce you to two new leaders. I went out to their ranches and talked, watched them work, and asked questions. Its the best part of my job…first stop…Bliss Idaho where a college student is the new leader of  the Gooding-Lincoln Farm Bureau: And the next stop is a drive down the ro...

Clark Johnston's weekly market report: Good opportunities for the new crop

Basis for SE Idaho lower this past week.  April live cattle 4.30 higher heading into the new week.

Weekend market report: Corn still up, wheat lagging

Good Friday morning… It’s a cool 27 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley, Its 25 in Poky, 22 in IF.  In Northern Idaho, it’s 19 and clear this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint. On to the markets: Corn futures still climbing upwards, Front-month corn futures prices are up 2 to 3 cents following three down days. Mar 21 Corn opens at $5.24, up 2 1/4 cents,   The wheat/corn spread is tightening as corn futures recover and wheat prices slide further.  Mar 21 CBOT Wheat is ...

Idaho Farm Bureau Podcast: Meat production down

The Department of Agriculture has updated the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program to provide relief to farmers and ranchers. Micheal Clements reports from Washington: Meat prices continue to rise, USDA is lowering its expectations for meat production in most categories. Stephanie Ho reports: An Idaho company made it to the final four of the American Farm Bureau’s Ag innovation competition. The Grangeville company is getting a lot of attention:

Weekend market report: double digit gains in Corn and Wheat

Good Friday morning… It’s 27 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley cloudy but unseasonably warm, Its 23 in Poky, 20 in IF.  In Northern Idaho, it’s 30 and cloudy this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint…. Scattered snow over the weekend there. On to the markets: Corn futures still climbing upwards, Corn opens at $5.34,The rally for corn continued through this morning with dime gains in May and July futures. New crop futures opens the session 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 cents higher.  F...

IFBF Podcast: Grain stocks down prices up

Tuesday's USDA report on grain stocks shows stock levels below a year ago. Gary Crawford reports: Idaho’s annual AG Economy report was presented this past week at the Idaho Statehouse. Its shows that 2020 was the second greatest year in Ag history: The American Farm Bureau Federation is helping the “Feeding America campaign” through sales of the #StillFarming to Feed America t-shirts. Micheal Clements has more:

Corn and wheat open with double digit gains--Again!

Good Monday morning… It’s a cool 39 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley, Its 28 in Poky, 22 in IF.  In Northern Idaho, it’s 39 and clear this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint. On to the markets: Front-month corn futures closed with double-digit gains on Friday, and open strong this morning, they set new contract highs for March and May. For the first month of 2021 March, corn futures gained 63 cents. Mar 21 Corn opens at $5.47, up 12 1/2 cents, At the close of Friday ...

Monday market report: Wheat down, corn continues to rise

It’s 30 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley we’ve had rain scattered snow over the weekend, It is 18 degrees  in Poky, 16 in IF.  Northern Idaho, it’s 30 and cloudy this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint…. Scattered snow over the weekend. On to the markets: Corn futures still climbing upwards, Corn opens at $4.96, up 2 cents from Friday. Monday wheat trading opens a bit weaker:  Mar 21 CBOT Wheat opens at $6.38, down 3 cents,  Mar 21 KCBT Wheat opens at $5.94, down 3 c...

Weekend market report: Corn and cattle and milk up, grains fading

Good Friday  morning… It’s 37 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley we’ve had rain scattered snow, Its 25  in Poky, 21 in IF.  Northern Idaho, it’s 30 and cloudy this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint…. Scattered snow over the weekend. On to the markets:,Corn futures still climbing upwards, Mar 21 Corn opens at $4.94, up 10 cents from Monday. Thursday wheat trading opens a bit weaker.  Mar 21 CBOT Wheat opens at $6.42 down 5 cents,  Mar 21 KCBT Wheat opens at $5.98 down ...

American Farm Bureau observes new Congress, convention

The American Farm Bureau Federation is looking ahead to the 117th Congress. Chad Smith has more on AFBF’s priorities in the new year. Despite COVID, the Idaho Hop Crop nearly doubled. This crop continues to fuel the craft beer market: The American Farm Bureau Federation will kick off its virtual annual convention this weekend. Micheal Clements shares what attendees can expect from the free event.

2021 Market report: grains, milk up

It’s 34 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley we’ve had rain, Its 30 in Poky, 26 in IF.  Northern Idaho, it’s 34 this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint…. Scattered snow later in the week. On to the markets: Corn futures posted the highest close of the year on the last trading day of 2020. And Nearby contracts are 8 to 9 ½ cents higher, Corn opens up 9 cents, at $4.84. The wheat complex was mixed at the close of the final trade session of 2020, with all front months but Mar...

Grain markets skyrocket

It’s 27 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley we’ve had fog, It is 12 in Poky,9 in IF.  Northern Idaho, it’s 27 this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint…. Scattered snow later in the week. On to the markets: At the CBOT, open corn futures are at $4.50, up 13 cents. Corn futures open higher to start the new week. President Trump signed the main government funding bill on Sunday, including the estimated $900 billion coronavirus stimulus package. As trading wrapped up for Chri...

Covid relief? and Butterflies are free--Special xmas podcast

Congress passed a Covid relief bill—but will the president sign it? That's the big question today…but the legislation would give desperately needed help: Again that's with the President’s signature: The Endangered species list is always a concern to farmers and ranchers, but butterflies are free, for now: As a tough 2020 draws to a close, Analysts say it's hard to predict right now what direction the beef cattle industry is going to take next year. But two reports next month will help ma...

Corn up, wheat mixed

It’s 34 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley we’ve had scattered rain, Its a mild 32 in Poky, 28 in IF.  Northern Idaho, it’s 36 this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint…. Scattered snow and rain afternoon temps will hit the 30s and 40’s. On to the markets: At the CBOT, open corn futures are at $4.37, up 5 cents. Monday wheat futures open mixed. SRW closed fractionally mixed on Friday, but down 6 cents from last week.  HRW futures open mostly lower with fractional losses. ...

Weekend market report: corn, wheat cattle up

Good Friday morning… It’s 34 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley we’ve had scattered snow.  And a cool 32 in Poky, 28 in IF,  Northern Idaho, it’s 36 this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint…. Scattered snow afternoon temps will hit the 30s and 40’s. On to the markets: At the CBOT open corn futures are at $4.32, up 10 cents since Monday. CBT wheat futures rallied back on Thursday with double-digit gains for March and May contracts and still up this morning. The other nea...

Beets make money in 2020

The numbers are in, 2020 was a bumper year for Sugar beets in Idaho. We talked to producers who say this was the biggest year in tonnage and yield per acre: Near-record production in three major wheat-growing nations is expected to boost already record global wheat supplies. Rod Bain reports: Thanks to COVID the Beef industry says they shift their marketing plans this coming year to reflect more at-home dining. The American Farm Bureau Federation welcomes the federal government monitoring...

Monday market report: 2nd day of double-digit gains

Good Monday morning… It’s 21 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley we’ve had scattered snow.  And a cool 18 in Poky, 16 in IF,  Northern Idaho, it’s 30 this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint…. Afternoon temps will hit the 30s and 40’s. On to the markets: At the CBOT open corn futures are at $4.24, up 3 cents. The big story this morning is the second day of double-digit gains in the wheat market. All this in response to the USDA report:  |  March CBOT Wheat is at $6.17, ...

Weekend market report: Wheat opens with double digit gains

Welcome to the weekend market report… It’s 23 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley.  And a cool 19 in Poky, 14 in IF,  Northern Idaho, it’s 27 this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint…. Afternoon temps will hit the 30s and 40’s. Snow expected on Sunday… On to the markets: At the CBOT open corn futures are at $4.20, down 2 1/2 cents, The big story this morning is double-digit gains in the wheat market. The initial response to the USDA report faded gains back to near breake...

AFBF calls foul: Dairy farmers targeted

The American Farm Bureau Federation says Dean Foods is targeting dairy farmers through the food and beverage company’s bankruptcy proceedings. We have this report from Washington: The new fiscal year is getting off to a flying start for U.S. agricultural export sales. Gary Crawford reports: Lawmakers in Washington, D.C.  are working towards an agreement on the 2021 spending package. Micheal Clements shares what the package may mean for farmers and ranchers.

Market report: Wheat, milk tumbles at Monday market opening

It’s 23 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley.  And a cool 16 in Poky, 14 in IF,  Northern Idaho, it's 32 this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint and clear across the state…. Afternoon temps will hit the 30s and 40’s. The cold temps will stick around till midweek. On to the markets: Corn opens the Monday session at $4.17, down 5 1/2 cents, Wheat futures open this week with losses across the board:  | Mar 21 CBOT Wheat opens at $5.75, down 9 cents,  | Mar 21 KCBT Wheat is ...

Weekend Market Report: Corn, wheat, cattle, down

Welcome to the Weekend market report… It’s 19 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley.  And a cool 14 in Poky, 12 in IF,  Northern Idaho, it's 23 this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint with snow across the state…. Afternoon temps will hit the 30s and 40’s. The cold temps will stick around till next week. On to the markets: Corn opens the Friday session with 2- 3 and a half-cent gains, Dec. 20 Chicago corn futures opens at $4.22. Front-month wheat futures turn south this mor...

Farm sector income higher in 2021

Despite the COVID pandemic, the Idaho Farm Bureau held its 81st House of Delegates, but it was drastically different this year, with social distancing and masks. 2020 farm sector income may be much higher than had been projected a few months ago. Gary Crawford has more: Lawmakers in Washington, D.C.  are working towards an agreement on the 2021 spending package. Micheal Clements shares what the package may mean for farmers and ranchers.

Johnston market report: Post thanksgiving wheat market volatile

Wheat market gains 18 cents, just to end-up down 4  cents!

Cost of Thanksgiving down in '20

The annual Thanksgiving price survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows lower prices for a traditional Thanksgiving meal this year. Micheal Clements shares the data behind the decline. USDA is just out with its new forecast for agricultural exports. Gary Crawford: And we have a new Farm Bureau President in Cassia County:

Corn moves 13-cents higher

Milk steady wheat, corn down slightly: Weekend market report

It’s 25 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley.  And a cool 16 in Poky, 14 in IF,  Northern Idaho, its 28 this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint with snow across the state…. Afternoon temps will hit the 40s and30’s. But a bit warmer on Sunday On to the markets: Corn opens the Friday session steady in the front months. Dec. 20 opens up this morning at $4.23, up 2 cents, Domestic wheat falls back into the red this morning  | Dec CBOT futures is at $5.95, down 3 cents,  | De...

Beef industry to post an increase in '21

Producers of every commodity in the meat sector will boost production in 2021. Gary Crawford reports from Washington: Despite the epidemic sweeping the nation, The U.S. beef industry is likely to post a modest increase in production next year. New data released by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows a recent final rule regarding H-2A wages gives farmers and farm laborers much-needed stability. Micheal Clements says improvements help farmers plan for the future. A recently released s...

Three major wheat markets down--Clark Johnston market report

All three major wheat markets traded lower this week. Chicago finished the week nine cents lower with the December contract 42 cents lower than it traded on the 23rd of October.

Weekend market report: Cattle mixed, wheat corn down

It’s 34 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley.  And a cool 27 in Poky, 24 in IF,  Northern Idaho, its 32 this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint with snow across the state…. Afternoon temps will hit the 30s and 40’s. But a bit warmer on Sunday On to the markets: Corn closed the Thursday session with losses of 7 to 9 cents in the front months. Dec. 20 opens up this morning at $4.08, down 9 cents, Domestic wheat market falls into the red this morning: Dec 20 CBOT Wheat clos...

USDA crop estimates low

This week's new USDA crop estimates turned out to be surprisingly low. Gary Crawford has more: We talked to Cindy Nickerson, USDA Deputy Chief Economist, she says that USDA has boosted its projections for U.S. corn exports and prices. Higher crop prices this fall have increased the payout of crop insurance coverage by the revenue protection policy. Micheal Clements reports: A new H2-A farm labor rule will help farmers figure out farm wages. Here's the latest on the rule change:

Grain markets volatile-Clark Johnston market report

This past week turned out to be very volatile in nations grain markets.

Weekend market report: Milk steady wheat up!

It’s 39 degrees this morning in the Treasure Valley.  And a cool 43 in Poky, 40 in IF,  Northern Idaho, it's 37 this morning in CDA and a bit colder in Sandpoint with rain…. Afternoon temps will hit the 50s and 60’s. But much colder on Sunday On the markets, Dec. 20 Corn futures opening at $4.09…  Up 4 cents Wheat opens up with modest gains across the board  Dec 20 CBOT Wheat closed at $6.09 1/4, up 3 1/4 cents,  Dec 20 KCBT Wheat closed at $5.63, up 3 1/4 cents,  Dec 20 MGEX Wheat closed...

Dynamic markets make commodity forecasts iffy--IFBF Podcast

Over the past month, the commodities market has been a rollercoaster ride. Forecasting the market situations for most crops is iffy because the markets are so dynamic at the moment. We have this report from Washington: The United States Trade Representative office reports that China is keeping up with its trade obligations, that's good for our farmers and commodity prices: Experts say USDA's next crop forecasts should bring us very close to what the final product will be. Gary Crawford  T...

December corn down 22 cents-Clark Johnston Market Report