Input costs continue to be the story of interest for the year. Fertilizer in particular is grabbing headlines in both agricultural media and popular press. What do costs look like as we move through planting seasons and develop plans for the remainder of the summer? [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 5/23/2022 – Fertilization Break Even Calculation
High Plains Ag Week 5/16/2022 – WASDE Review
(Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
Last week’s WASDE report projected tightened ending stocks primarily due to weather conditions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The chances of increasing ending stocks to previous levels during this season are very low. Today will review the WASDE report and discuss those factors that have created this bullish market reaction. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 5/16/2022 – WASDE Review
High Plains Ag Week 3/7/2022 – Russian Invasion of Ukraine effects in our Operations
(Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
In addition to the other horrors generated by the war, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has destabilized commodity markets. Commodity prices incorporate a substantial risk premium due to the high chances of lower production, higher costs, and more supply chain disruptions. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 3/7/2022 – Russian Invasion of Ukraine effects in our Operations
High Plains Ag Week 2/28/2022 – Cotton Market Update
Today we spend a bit of time on the cotton market. USDA’s Outlook Forum last week presented a case for relatively high prices against the historic average, though slightly lower year over year.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 2/28/2022 – Cotton Market Update
High Plains Ag Week 1-31-2022 – Rules of Thumb for Input Cost Management
Input cost management is on everyone’s mind this year. But how do you even begin to approach cutting costs effectively? Each operation, and really, each field is different. We’ll address specific inputs throughout the spring, but for now, we present three rules of thumb to get you started on your input cost management decisions.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 1-31-2022 – Rules of Thumb for Input Cost Management
High Plains Ag Week 11/29/2021 – CRP and Crop Return Comparison
Its time for a review of CRP rental rates for 2021. Is it a good idea to enroll in CRP? How do you evaluate that choice for yourself? [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 11/29/2021 – CRP and Crop Return Comparison
High Plains Ag Week 10/25/2021 – Cotton Market Update
Today, we check in on the cotton market for the fall. What are the fundamentals underpinning to $1.08/lb. cotton? What is the profitability picture with $1+ cotton?
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 10/25/2021 – Cotton Market Update
High Plains Ag Week 3/8/2021 – The ARC/PLC Choice
2021 is the first year in which producers will be able to choose ARC or PLC on an annual basis. Today, a tool that will help producers with the fast-approaching decision. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 3/8/2021 – The ARC/PLC Choice
High Plains Ag Week 2/15/2021 – Cotton
Today I’m continuing my series on the state of commodity markets for several Texas High Plains commodities (as long as the power stays on). Today we wrap up the portion on crops with the state of the cotton market. The long and short is that cotton is doing as well as the rest of the crop complex, price-wise. You can see a similar post for the wheat, corn, and sorghum markets in my last two posts. Next week I’ll wrap up this series with a post on the state of the cattle market.
High Plains Ag Week 7/27/2020
The last leg of the growing season for summer crops is a critical time. In a low price environment many turn to cost-cutting as a way to seek profitability. Today we’ll discuss whether cutting out that last round of inputs is the most profitable decision. We’ll also highlight and demonstrate some tools that will help you in the decision-making process.