News August 2018 Commodity Corner

August 2018 Commodity Corner

August 2018 Commodity Corner
August 13, 2018 |

Beef

Summer board sales have proven that weaning and preconditioning calves add value for potential buyers. Producers (Autaugaville), S.A.F.E. (Dothan) and Piedmont (LaFayette) all had cattle that sold at or slightly below prices equal to their delivery month on the Chicago Board of Trade. If farmers figure in a conservative $7/cwt for freight, premiums could be $8-10/cwt higher than normal. On a 700-pound calf, that still makes weaning and preconditioning worthwhile. 

-Nate Jaeger, division director

Peanuts

Over 500 peanut farmers and industry representatives attended the 20th Southern Peanut Growers Conference July 19-21 in Miramar Beach, Florida. Attendees received information on peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotion.

-Caleb Bristow, division director

Forestry

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has created a new link updating its pine beetle detection map in real time. This map gives landowners a general idea of southern pine beetle activity in their area. Learn more at forestry.alabama.gov.

-William Green, division director

Bee & Honey

Varroa mites affected 53.4 percent of honeybee colonies from April to June 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Alabama has 7,500 bee colonies this year compared to 6,500 in 2017. There are 2.7 million colonies in the U.S., a minimal change from last year.

– Caleb Hicks, Alabama Fruit &  Vegetable Growers Association intern

Poultry

Restrictions on hauling poultry litter in south Alabama are in place due to increased presence of a respiratory disease, Mycoplasma Synoviae (MS). Two poultry complexes have infected breeder flocks. Industry leaders are hopeful restricted movement and increased biosecurity will keep flocks healthy. MS is not a food safety concern and does not affect humans.

-Guy Hall, division director

Soybean; Wheat & Feed Grain

I want to thank the Soybean and Wheat & Feed Grain Producers for sponsoring my internship. It has been an amazing summer! I gained valuable communication and writing skills while meeting farmers and exploring the world of agriculture for the first time. This has been a summer I will never forget.

-Ginny Bradley, divisions intern

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