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 5/2/2022 – Wheat Irrigation Analysis
The July board price of winter wheat has taken a significant dip from its March highs, but remains 30-35% higher than its value pre-Russia/Ukraine. At the same time, and for some of the same reasons, the cost of irrigation fuel is up 60-65%. With both factors in mind, what are the expected outcomes for late-season wheat irrigation? [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 5/2/2022 – Wheat Irrigation Analysis
High Plains Ag Week 4/25/2022 – Program Cattle – Added Revenue vs Added Costs
(Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
There is a growth market for “program cattle” for weaned calves and feeder cattle produced and marketed under a specific production system. Today, we will discuss the potential benefits of implementing these programs in your operation, and the importance of using a partial budget to analyze how profitable can be on your ranch. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 4/25/2022 – Program Cattle – Added Revenue vs Added Costs
High Plains Ag Week 4/11/2022 – Sheep Market Update
As we approach Easter, we return to the still-hot lamb market. What are the trends in demand? What do supplies look like? What can we say about the outlook for sustained premiums in this growing market?
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 4/11/2022 – Sheep Market Update
High Plains Ag Week 4/4/2022 – Dusting off our Drought Management Plans
The risk of being in another drought is increasing day after day. It is not too soon to prepare ourselves and dust off those drought plans even if there are still chances for rain and better moisture conditions. Today we will focus on those proactive and reactive strategies that we can implement on our ranches. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 4/4/2022 – Dusting off our Drought Management Plans
High Plains Ag Week 3/21/2022 – Dryland Wheat Alternatives
(Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
Dryland wheat grain and forage conditions in our area are mostly poor and very poor. The Wheat and Small Grain Decision Aids will help you analyze which is the best alternative for your wheat fields according to your expected yields, production costs, equipment, and other variables. [Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 3/21/2022 – Dryland Wheat Alternatives
High Plains Ag Week 3/14/2022 – Cattle Market Update & Retained Ownership Decisions
Calf prices are up year over year. At the same time, forage availability is shrinking and grain prices are pressuring profits in the cattle feeding sector. What are the current forces to watch for in the beef cattle market and can retaining ownership increase profit potentials this year?
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 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