January 7, 2008

Posted @ 6:13 pm by Evan

Happy New Year and looking back on 2007 it was an exceptional year for grain growers, especially with record high prices for wheat, corn and soybeans. Dry edible bean producers saw advancing prices as we closed out last year.
Oh yes, production costs continue to climb, especially fuel and fertilizer and the overriding question can we get enough nitrogen to grow this year’s crops.

And while the livestock sector didn’t fare as well as grain growers in that we tend to live of each other i.e. the higher, higher corn market has weighed on the cost of finishing cattle and hogs. With that said, I note steers and heifers coming out of the feedlots are starting the New Year 6 to 8 dollars above a year ago, and plus $10 cwt. in the beef here in CO, KS, NE, OK & TX.

Tomorrow, will be our first day “out and about” at the Rocky Mountain Agribusiness Association’s 56th Annual Convention & Trade Show.
Later this week we will be reporting on the Superior Livestock Video Auction, and the Rocky Mountain Bean Dealers Association Annual Meeting.
Saturday, the curtain goes up on the National Western Stock Show which runs through January 27. 16 days packed with 23 performances of the PRCA Rodeo. A tremendous Horse Show. Junior Livestock Show & Sale. And open class competition featuring 19 Beef Breeds, with most conducting an Auction. And down in the Yards carloads and pens of 3 show, which is what makes the Denver show special.

This will be my 49th year covering the World’s Largest Livestock Show which has gone from 9 to 16 days several years ago, I’ve missed only 2-days down thru the years.

And we plan to round out this month in Greeley covering the Colorado Farm Show.

We appreciate the opportunity of talking about the people on the land, who help make for the good life for all the rest of us.

Wishing you all the best in 2008.

Evan

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