Idaho Farm Bureau's Podcast

Johnston Market Report: Winter wheat rated 74-percent good to excellent!

Wheat and barley crops in Idaho doing very well. Winter wheat is currently rated at 74-percent good to excellent. Spring wheat and barley 78-percent good to excellent and 68-percent respectively. Dry farms have received good rainfall over the past couple of weeks and have helped those crops tremendously.

Weekend market report: Milk prices still gaining

t’s a warmer 55 degrees this morning in Boise and the Treasure Valley. It's 50 in Poky and IF. Northern Idaho, morning lows in the 50s…. it's going to be a good farming day with clear skies and warmer temps in the forecast over the weekend. Heavy rains this week rocked the Northwest and upper plains… Yet Corn trading a full cent higher this morning. Jul 20 Corn futures open at $3.30, up just a cent. For the second day in a row, the wheat markets open mixed, with losses in winter wheat and...

Congress passes Covid and PPP enhancements to help Ag

The American Farm Bureau Federation is calling on lawmakers to provide additional resources for farmers impacted by the COVID-19 food system shockwave. Micheal Clements has more. In April the Paycheck Protection program was rolled out by the Trump Administration and the funds dried up quickly, Congress just passed an enhancement to the PPP program: Another month-over-month production increase in both U.S. and global wheat continues to add to what is expected to be another record-setting cr...

The Monday Clark Johnston Market Report

Monday market report for June 15th, 2020.

Weekend market report--Commodity market steady

It’s a warm 55 degrees this morning in Boise and the Treasure Valley. Its 60 in Poky and IF. Northern Idaho, morning lows in the 50s….another perfect farming day, but storms in the forecast over the weekend, and that slowing hay operation. Rough day at the stock market on Thursday… Yet Corn trading a full cent higher this morning. Jul 20 Corn futures open at $3.29, up just a cent. Most of the wheat markets closed Thursday in the red. HRW futures were down the most after the Crop Productio...

Urban sprawl threatens Idaho farming

The future of farming in Idaho depends on how much land is available over the next hundred years. Gem State farmland is disappearing at an alarming pace… Congress recently passed a bill adding flexibility to the Paycheck Protection Program. Micheal Clements has more. USDA has announced changes in risk management, revenue-based coverage for dairy producers. Rod Bain reports: USDA's latest trade update shows U.S. agricultural exports for the first seven months of Fiscal Year 2020 running ju...

Clark Johnston Market Report

Markets advance, then pull back on Friday.

Weekend Market report: Milk, cattle, wheat up!

It’s a warm 60 degrees this morning in Boise and the Treasure Valley. It's 66 in Poky and IF. Northern Idaho, morning lows in the 60s….another perfect farming day, but storms in the forecast over the weekend. On the markets, Corn trading a full cent higher this morning, July 20 Corn futures open at $3.28, up almost 5 cents. Wheat markets are spiking higher continuing the Thursday gains. SRW futures are trading 14 to 16 cents higher at midday. HRW futures are up 4% with gains up to 18 cents...

Spuds and beef find new markets in time of COVID

Idaho Farmers continue to find ways to survive during COVID 19, SE Idaho potato farmers shipped more loads of spuds to the North. In its new trade outlook for this fiscal year, USDA has made only modest changes to its previous forecast for corn exports. Gary Crawford reports: Consumers and farmers have a new way to connect in getting meat on dinner tables. Micheal Clements has more. Experts say that bees and other pollinators are struggling, but there are ways that homeowners can help tho...

The Johnston market report: markets rally

Weekend market report

It’s a much warmer 69 degrees this morning in Boise and the Treasure Valley the warmest morning since last September. It's 60 in Poky and IF,  Northern Idaho, morning lows in the 60s….another perfect farming day. Look for hot afternoon temps in the 80’s and 90. With that heat comes the chance of thundershowers. On the markets, Corn trading a full cent higher this morning. Jul 20 corn futures trading right now at $3.29, that's up 7 cents from last week. Two of the wheat markets open the wee...

Weekend market report: Milk production up, prices drop

It’s A cloudy 40 degrees this morning in Boise and the Treasure Valley. It's also cold in Poky and IF lows in the mid-40s!  Northern Idaho, morning lows in the 40s….another farming day. Look for afternoon temps in the 50’s and 60s. Chance of more rain. This rain has helped the range but has slowed farming. On the markets, Corn trading a full cent higher this morning. Jul 20 corn futures trading right now at $3.17, down a cent. The winter wheat markets open higher this morning, with SRW up ...

Farm Bankruptcies projected to rise in '20

Following years of depressed prices and trade concerns, the number of farm bankruptcies is rising. Micheal Clements has more. 2020 The USDA’s Supply and demand projections are out for wheat. While demand has spiked during the pandemic, both supply and demand could drop in the weeks ahead. The Agriculture Secretary recently spoke on efforts to realign the nation's food supply chain and assure available food supplies to consumers. Rod Bain reports from Washington: At a special presentation ...

The Johnston Market report

The Idaho Farm Bureau's Clark Johnston takes a look at the market for the week of May 18th.

Weekend Market Report-Milk prices up 1.00 per hundred weight!

It’s A cloudy 46 degrees this morning in Boise and the Treasure Valley. It's much colder in Poky and IF lows the mid-30s!  Northern Idaho, morning lows in the 40s….another perfect farming day. Look for afternoon temps in the 50’s and 60s. 70’s in some places chance of rain. On the markets, Corn trading a full cent higher this morning. Jul 20 corn futures trading right now at $3.17, down a cent. May futures open at $5.10 for SRW, and $4.58 for HRW, and $5- flat for a bushel of HRed Spring. ...

USDA approves $1.2 Billion to Food Box Program

WASHINGTON--The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the approval of $1.2 billion in contracts for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Chad Smith has more. The USDA's just issued a report, with drastic reductions downward in both corn and soybean price estimates. As Rod Bain reports from Washington: Last week we reported about labor problems in the nations meat packing plants, now management is looking into robots: Supermarkets across the nation are limiting packages of beef sho...

Idaho Farm Bureau's market report

Market analyst Clark Johnston takes a look at this week's market. 

Weekend market report-Corn up, beef, milk down

Good morning! It's A cozy 51 degrees this morning in Caldwell and Boise. It's much colder in Poky and IF, lows the mid-30s!  Northern Idaho 46 in CDA and Sandpoint….another perfect farming day. Afternoon temps in the 50’s and 60s. 70’s in the Treasure Valley. On the markets, Corn trading a full cent higher this morning. May 20 corn futures trading at $3.16, up a nickel. wheat futures are higher this morning. Soft Red Winter wheat is up the most with gains up to 5 cents. HRW futures closed...

Cattle industry struggling to keep processing plants open

WASHINGTON--In the time of the great pandemic, Congress just authorized more federal economic aid for small businesses, including farmers and ranchers.  The U.S. meat industry is struggling to keep its processing plants open because workers are sick with COVID-19.  With excellent weather returning to Idaho and the west, Here’s the latest condition report for winter wheat, nationwide. Stephanie Ho reports: Idaho is starting to open back up after a month and a half of the isolation.

Weekend Market Report-Cattle bullish-milk prices fall

A nice 48 degrees this morning in Boise’s Treasure Valley. It's colder in Poky and IF, lows 40’s!  Northern Idaho 39 in CDA and Sandpoint…. Afternoon temps in the 60’s and 70s. On the markets, Corn trading a half-cent higher this morning. May 20 corn futures trading at $3.11 up nearly five cents after significant drops earlier this week. Wheat futures bullish along with other grain markets and rallied double digits on Thursday. KC wheat futures were the strongest after trading ceased, with...

USDA buying $3-billion in commodities from farmers

The USDA is  buying up $3-Billion dollars in food commodities as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance program. The American Farm Bureau asked the agency to help out the nation’s farmers. Congress just authorized more federal economic aid for small businesses, including farmers and ranchers. Micheal Clements has more. USDA is seeking proposals from individuals or institutions who have ideas on researching the impacts of COVID-19 on agriculture. Stephanie Ho reports: An expert says farme...

Weekend market report--Cattle down, wheat up

A warm 44 degrees this morning in Caldwell and Boise. It's a bit colder in Poky and IF, lows the mid 30s!  Northern Idaho 40 in CDA and Sandpoint….another perfect farming day. Afternoon temps in the 50’s and 60s. On the markets, Corn trading a cent higher this morning. May 20 corn futures trading at $3.19 up a penny. The U.S. wheat complex. Mixed this morning.  KC HRW futures open 4 1/2 cents lower. Spring wheat opens with gains of 2 to 3 1/2 cents. SRW wheat futures were higher in the nea...

$19-billion farm pandemic relief package on way

WASHINGTON--Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has released some details of the much anticipated Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Ag Secretary Perdue, says he realizes this assistance package will not cover all the losses in the agricultural sector, but it's a start. World meat trading is in decline…according to the USDA, but the supply is still up…and production at least on the cattle side is expected to be up 3 percent. In other news, back on the farm— New federal data shows agricu...

Weekend market report: Wheat down, cattle prices up

A cool 37 degrees this morning in Caldwell and Boise. It's colder in Poky and Idaho Falls, lows 26!  Northern Idaho 42 in CDA and Sandpoint….another good planting day. Afternoon temps in the 50’s and 60s. On the markets, Corn trading a half-cent higher this morning. May 20 corn futures trading at $3.19 up nearly a cent. U.S. wheat complex fell back by as much as 10 1/2 cents  Late Thursday. SRW wheat was the weakest with front month losses of 10 to 10 1/2 cents. Kansas City wheat futures ...

Farmers fight hunger, pandemic

American farmers and ranchers stand ready to assist the nation’s food banks as the demand at food banks climbs higher. The USDA just released its crop outlook reports, There were minor adjustments made to the U.S. outlook for wheat. Stephanie Ho has more: I talked to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, about the first look this season at sugarbeet planting, and while planting east is slow, it’s doing well in the west. (sugar beets) Farmers and ranchers can apply for federal funds to assist t...

Beef prices still falling, Weekend market report

It's a warm 46 degrees this morning in Caldwell and Boise. It's a bit colder in Poky and IF, with lows '40s! In Northern Idaho it's 42 in CDA and 40 in Sandpoint It's another perfect planting day. We will see afternoon temps in the ’50s and 60s across Idaho. On the markets, Corn trading 2 cents higher this morning. May 20 corn futures trading at $3.32 up 2 cents. Wheat futures are trading 2 to 3 cents higher this morning, Chicago wheat is up almost 3 cents/bu in May, and May Hard Red Sprin...

Government programs reach out to help farmers in the time of COVID-19

BOISE--In the thick of the great pandemic of 2020, there are programs out there geared specifically to help keep farmers and ranchers in business: This month's USDA agricultural supply and demand forecasts will be made using all available data, including the market effects of COVID-19.  U.S. agricultural exports are running ahead of last year. What part is China playing in the export situation?

Migrant H2A situation addressed

Thanks for joining us— The American Farm Bureau Federation says a commitment to processing H-2A applications ensures continued access to a stable food source. Micheal Clements has more. Crop producers saw month-by-month price increases in the latest USDA Ag Prices report, but the big question is what does that mean for the overall commodity index? Rod Bain reports: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act passing through Congress last week include relief for rural America. M...

US Ag Secretary observes National Ag Day

On National Ag Day US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue gave his National Agriculture Day message.  Secretary Perdue wants people not to forget about the workers who are still out there to make sure Americans have access to food. Despite the threats of a pandemic, farmworkers keep working through the shutdowns, I visited a farmer/trucker in Burley. USDA's mission to help ag producers continues -- even in these difficult times.

Farmers keeping food supply up and working

US Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue assured citizens the nation's food supply system remains strong thanks to the continuing efforts of farmers to stockers and all in between. Rod Bain reports: The Farm Bureau is worried about the growing coronavirus pandemic and how it might impact farm labor. With the coronavirus sweeping the nation, farmers need broadband access more than ever. More meat is expected to be produced than estimated last month. That could impact prices received by producers. Rod ...

Idaho farmers start spring planting

This is the voice of Idaho Agriculture Podcast, each week we bring you Ag news and perspective, from the State Capitol in Boise. The 2020 Idaho Ag season kicked off this past week with spring planting, thanks to warm, dry spring weather: There’s a new Federal Aviation Administration proposal that would limit drone use in rural America according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Micheal Clements has more. USDA is seeing continued progress on the implementation of China trade deal. 

Corona flu virus impacting wheat exports

The Corona Virus is affecting Idaho Trade. Last month wheat trade deals were signed at the Idaho Statehouse and in Washington. I talked to Blaine Jacobson of the Idaho Wheat Commission. US Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue is confident trade with China will go forward. Stephanie Ho reports: While purchases under the Chinese trade deal haven’t happened yet, there’s a lot of behind the scenes work is being done on the agreement. Gary Crawford has more: Moving on—The USDA recently released its proje...

Trump touts India-China trade

President Donald Trump continued trade talks with India at the conclusion of his two-day visit there, Rod Bain reports: Some Ag-related aspects of the first phase of a U.S.-China trade agreement have been implemented and more are scheduled in the coming weeks.  The USDA recently released its projections for agriculture in 2020 and AFBF Economist John Newton breaks down the numbers. Chad Smith has more. Milk prices are expected to keep changes as the nation’s dairy herds get smaller. 

Beef productions numbers different than projections

Price and beef production numbers for cattlemen are changing from what was expected just a month or two ago. Gary Crawford reports: There is constant talk on Capitol Hill about improving U.S. infrastructure and agriculture stands to benefit from infrastructure investments. Chad Smith has more. Hemp legislation is still making the rounds at the Idaho Statehouse and is one of the hottest issues on Capitol Hill. Stephanie Ho reports:

Crop protection program signup deadline looms

The Idaho Farm Bureau’s Legislative and Commodities conference is underway this week in Boise.  Members attending got to have dinner with lawmakers last night, and there was even a surprise visit by Idaho Governor Brad Little, more than 220 attended. The American Farm Bureau Federation is encouraging American farmers to get into their local USDA-Farm Service Agency offices and sign up for crop protection programs. Chad Smith has more. What do USDA's latest domestic and global ag reports re...

USDA writing Hemp rules in Washington

As another Hemp bill makes it through the Idaho Legislature.  The American Farm Bureau Federation submitted comments on the USDA’s proposed Interim Final Rule on U.S. hemp production which lists necessary improvements that will help farmers. Chad Smith has more. This year Idaho Farm Bureau Legislative Conference coming up next Tuesday will be held at the State Capitol: The nation's dairy herd continues to shrink, but milk output is doing the opposite. 

New Waters of US rules in effect

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency says the new Navigable Waters Protection Rule clarifies what is and is not waters of the U.S.; Rod Bain reports: And the WOTUS replacement rule gives farmers and ranchers the clarity they need to comply with federal regulations while protecting the nation’s waterways. Micheal Clements has that story. With trade agreements nearly wrapped up with China, Canada, Mexico, and Japan, U.S. agricultural and trade officials are now looking to the Euro...

AFBF Convention wraps, Idaho company named Ag entrepreneurs of the year

The US Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue participated in two days of activities at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Austin, Texas. Rod Bain reports: Idaho's Hydro-Side Systems of Coeur d'Alene won the American Farm Bureau’s Ag Innovation Challenge and were named 2020 National Entrepreneurs of the Year.  Idaho Farm Bureau member Dana Mohr is the CEO of the company and said he’s thrilled with national honor. He says HydroSide has reinventing traveling irrigation systems. They do it...

Intermountain snowpacks still below normal

USDA's new corn crop projections may surprise the markets and there’s at least one surprise in USDA's latest round of crop forecasts.  The nation's winter wheat crop is facing several different problems. The Western water season is at the halfway point, storms are rocking the west, but the big question is, can we match last year's late but phenomena season. The United States may have to compete with other nations to gain additional market share promised in an upcoming trade agreement with...

Idaho Ag: Second best year ever!

Idaho Agriculture had its second-best year—-ever. Despite a slow start, and a killer frost last October: 2019 is in the rearview mirror and the American Farm Bureau is hoping for progress on trade negotiations and regulatory changes which will help agriculture in 2020. Chad Smith has more. The aging farmer population is creating a need for more part-time help for farm work. Gary Crawford talks with a couple in the part-time help business.

Hemp and Wildfire protection talk on Capitol Hill

Wildland firefighting was discussed this past week in Washington. Those serving as emergency personnel and firefighters in rural settings find some situations and approaches unique compared to their urban counterparts. Rod Bain reports: Friday's USDA ag prices report shows that in November, producers saw price increases for most commodities. (Rod Bain) Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue urges hemp producers to fully educate themselves about the new industry before jumping into it. Heres more from W...

China Agreement opens US marketplace

A phase one agreement with China would reopen a marketplace for U.S. agriculture. Micheal Clements has more from Washington. New and official Ag production data from China played a big part in what is traditionally a quiet time for USDA's monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. Rod Bain reports. Lawmakers have been lending an ear to the views of the people who lend money to farmers across the country. Gary Crawford has this report. 

Ag Secretary welcomes USMCA trade deal

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue is welcoming a breakthrough on the US-MCA deal with two of the country's most important agricultural markets. Stephanie Ho reports from Washington: American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall urged members of Congress to swiftly approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.  President Duvall said that Agriculture is at a critical crossroads with the downturn in commodity prices, losses from natural disasters and the trade war.  He adds that this is an opportu...

Idaho Farm Bureau in CDA for 80th Annual Meeting

Thanks for joining us, I'm Jake Putnam reporting from the Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in Coeur d’Alene. Idaho Farmers from across the State are meeting here to set farm policy for 2020. The meeting is a grass-roots gathering of farmers as Steve Ritter reports: The number of H-2A farm labor positions reached record highs this year, and wages paid under the program will increase again in 2020. Micheal Clements has more.

Thanksgiving dinner below $50 this year

The cost of a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal for ten remains below $50 this year. Micheal Clements has more. USDA analysts forecast more export sales to China, even without a new trade deal. Gary Crawford reports: The 2019 Sugar beet crop is in we talked to the Nyssa-Nampa Beet Growers President who says the crop is average…but the average is excellent.

Farm economy slowing

The American Farm Bureau is pushing Congress for Tax Incentives, Chad Smith has more: The top Farm Credit Administration official says there are some worrisome similarities between the current farm economy and conditions in the early 1980s. Gary Crawford reports: More farmers who have been turned down for loans by the usual lenders are going to so-called "alternative" lenders.  The Twin Falls canal company got a matching grant from the Bureau of Rec, so they’re lining the High Line canal.

Congress still needs to fund Ag spending Bill

Congress will likely consider another continuing resolution this month to fund federal farm programs. Micheal Clements has more. With a much-delayed harvest for many crops and with uncooperative harvest weather, how certain can we be of USDA's latest crop production estimates? Gary Crawford has more: USDA is reporting some remarkable progress in harvesting sugarbeets. A visit to Mexico gave the US Agriculture Secretary a chance to talk about the guest worker program with Mexican officials...

USDA crop progress report just released

The latest USDA Crop Progress Report was just released in Washington and says a lot about winter wheat planting and the condition of the crop. Gary Crawford has more: With cattle prices improving only slightly over the past two months. One analyst says there are not enough strong clues to predict whether or not the beef industry is in a herd contraction phase. The American Farm Bureau Federation says recent legislation to address farm labor challenges could do more for farmers and ranchers...

Congress talks hemp rules

Today on Capitol Hill lawmakers were talking about Hemp production. Specifically talk was about guidance and the USDA’s interim final rules for hemp production. Those rules will bring clarity for hemp producers. The Farm Bureau’s Micheal Clements has more. Growing hemp is still illegal in Idaho, nonetheless on Capitol Hill Ag Secretary Perdue provided details of the proposed Domestic Hemp Production Program - the interim final rule now published and available for public comment. Idaho farm...

Lawmakers focus on Farm Bill and Farm Economy

A panel of economic experts offer their thoughts on the current farm economy, and some trends going forward, at a recent Farm Foundation Forum. Rod Bain reports: The Agriculture Department's number two official briefed lawmakers on various aspects of the 2018 Farm Bill implementation. Rod Bain reports. In the west, it's either wet or dry, depending on where you are in the region. Stephanie Ho has more: The American Farm Bureau turns 100 years and the Fremont County Farm Bureau is observin...