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Missouri Governor Mike Parson issued Executive Order 22-04 calling upon the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to activate the Drought Assessment Committee and the associated drought impact teams.

Australian authorities said this week they have detected “viral fragments” of foot and mouth disease on a small number of products entering the country from Indonesia and China.

Markets understand the tight supply picture that is being set up and have responded accordingly. Feeder Cattle futures have moved into the mid-$180s, which creates pricing opportunities for summer stocker operations.

Worries about drought and how to make it through the winter with limited or no stored forage has monopolized our thoughts, energy, and time. There are critical steps that need to be made in order for us to make it.

These scorching summer temps are not only taking a toll on crops and livestock, but farm employees as well.

The drought in the West is producing many firsts, as farmers and ranchers grapple with dire decisions including pulling their cattle off federal lands early. Now many worry they won’t source enough feed for winter.

As drought plagued the West and Plains in 2021, grasshoppers took over many pastures and crops, which demolished grasses and hayfields. In the South and Midwest, fall armyworms were a costly battle for farmers.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey is concerned about the impact this week’s high heat could have on corn production as the majority of the crop was planted late. The August forecasts are also concerning for soybeans.