18 January the Federal reserve released its January 2017 Beige Book which included commentary on current US agricultural industry conditions. Each Federal Reserve district included comments about their district’s ag industry. Some of those comments are below.
Conditions were reported as somewhat variable in the Richmond district depending on whether hurricane Matthew hit farming areas. Conditions across the southeastern US were difficult in many areas due to a growing season drought. Poor pasture conditions caused stress for livestock producers. Some were feeding corn that might otherwise be sold. Rains did occur that brought relief late last year for the southeastern US. The Chicago district reported very good yields and some modest decline in input costs. The livestock sector saw increased prices. Much the same was reported in the Kansas City district as well as Minneapolis. These districts reported “weaker loan repayment rates than in prior years”. Cash flow is reported to be tighter and income lower is compared to prior years. Winter wheat plantings were reported to be 95% complete but little snow was present as of 1 Jan 17 for insulation of the crop. Record yields were reported in the Dallas district. Cotton yields were very good which pushed prices below or near breakeven. But cotton economics are better than wheat economics. In the San Francisco district, dairy economics have improved but investment in dairy is weak due to CA milk prices versus the Midwest milk prices.
More comments can be read from the news report below.
https://farmpolicynews.illinois.edu/2017/01/federal-reserve-observations-ag-economy-january-17/
Red Willow Farm and Ranch Management 