Latest News From Michelle Rook

AgDay TV Markets Now: Brad Kooima Discusses if the Cattle Market Can Make New Highs in 2024
AgDay TV Markets Now: Brad Kooima Discusses if the Cattle Market Can Make New Highs in 2024

AgDay TV Markets Now: Brad Kooima, Kooima Kooima Varilek, recaps a record year in the cattle market and discusses if new highs are possible in 2024.

Grain and Livestock Futures Mostly Lower for 2023.  So, What’s Ahead in 2024?
Grain and Livestock Futures Mostly Lower for 2023. So, What’s Ahead in 2024?

2023 was a lower year for all the grains as the market went through a commodity reset similar to 2013. What's ahead for 2024?

December WASDE Neutral as USDA Makes Only Slight Adjustments
December WASDE Neutral as USDA Makes Only Slight Adjustments

Generally, the December WASDE sees very few changes as USDA leaves major revisions until the final report in January.  However, USDA did lower ending stocks in corn and wheat, as well as cut Brazil soybean production. 

Fed Cattle Prices Set Record, Taking Out 2014 Levels and The Tightest Numbers Are Yet to Come
Fed Cattle Prices Set Record, Taking Out 2014 Levels and The Tightest Numbers Are Yet to Come

The cattle market has moved into uncharted territory. It came as a result of one of the worst droughts in history but how long will the bull market last?

State of the Cattle Industry: Supply Shock Results in 61 Year Low in Beef Cow Herd and Record Price Forecast
State of the Cattle Industry: Supply Shock Results in 61 Year Low in Beef Cow Herd and Record Price Forecast

With the massive liquidation of the nation's cattle herd due to the historic drought what is the state of the cattle industry?

Winter Storm and Arctic Blast Hit Wheat and Cattle Country: How Are Markets Responding?
Winter Storm and Arctic Blast Hit Wheat and Cattle Country: How Are Markets Responding?

Winter weather is packing a punch across much of farm country this week.  However, its being somewhat ignored by the trade. 

Cattle & Hogs Mostly Higher on Follow Through Buying, Lower Corn:  Grains Lower on Slow Exports, Sell off in Bean Oil
Cattle & Hogs Mostly Higher on Follow Through Buying, Lower Corn: Grains Lower on Slow Exports, Sell off in Bean Oil

Cattle mostly higher with steady cash, hogs mixed with disappointing exports. Grains start lower with slow exports and sharply lower BO.  Scott Varilek of Kooima Kooima Varilek has analysis. 

DOT Denies Hours of Service Exemption for Livestock:  Puts Burden on Cattle Producers
DOT Denies Hours of Service Exemption for Livestock: Puts Burden on Cattle Producers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has denied an exemption for Hours-of-Service rules for truckers transporting livestock, insects and aquatic animals.

Cattle Numbers Historically Tight:  When Does the Market Realize It?
Cattle Numbers Historically Tight: When Does the Market Realize It?

Cattle producers liquidated their herds with drought hitting cattle country. They also faced poor pasture and winter wheat conditions. So, what does that mean for the fall cattle run and the market outlook?  

USMEF Celebrates Export Relationship with Japan: Looks Ahead to Next 45 Years of Growth
USMEF Celebrates Export Relationship with Japan: Looks Ahead to Next 45 Years of Growth

"There are 20 or 25 countries that want shelf space in Japan, but what differentiates U.S. meat from meat around the world is that it's safe, reliable and tasty," says Dean Meyer, USMEF chair-elect and Iowa farmer.

Time Running Out for Legislative Fixes to Cattle Market:  Divide Remains on Special Investigator at USDA
Time Running Out for Legislative Fixes to Cattle Market: Divide Remains on Special Investigator at USDA

The House recently passed the Lower Food and Fuels Cost Act which includes a special USDA investigator. However, there’s divide on if this is the right approach to restoring competition in the cattle market.

Senate Panel to Vote on Cattle Market Bills
Senate Panel to Vote on Cattle Market Bills

The Senate Ag Committee is scheduled to vote on the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act this week. 

Cattle Losses Reported Due to Heat Stress
Cattle Losses Reported Due to Heat Stress

With the extreme heat in cattle feeding areas there have been reports of death losses.