In the News

The next issue of Agri Marketing magazine will include focus reports on marketing to beef producers and direct/relationship marketing. To make agri-marketers aware of your services, contact Audrey Evans at 636/728-1428 x2003...AudreyE@AgriMarketing.com

presents WEEKLY COMMODITY HIGHLIGHTS

Nearby Futures	Weekly Change	Friday's Close	Year Ago
Corn	-1/2	7.38 ¾	6.56
Soybeans	-.75	14.52	11.75 ¾
Wheat	+.22	8.86 ½	6.43
Cattle	+.32	125.75	122.60
Hogs	+3.00	80.75	85.15
Cotton	-.77	69.58	97.18
Milk	-.42	20.78	18.83
Crude Oil	+1.21	86.07	95.74

Comments: The soybean market was in the spotlight last week as futures plunged on Friday in reaction to USDA's larger-than-expected estimate of U.S. production and higher world ending stocks forecast. USDA raised U.S. production by 4% and world ending stocks by 4.2%, easing supply concerns. The bearish data pushed futures into technical sell stops triggering a flood of commodity fund liquidation. Wheat futures were also hit with fund liquidation after USDA raised its U.S. wheat carryout forecast by 50 million bushels due to a cut in projected U.S. exports. Corn futures were supported during the week by tight supplies and talk of improving export demand, but finished Friday near the bottom of their weekly trading range for the third week in a row. Livestock futures had a mixed week with nearby lean hog futures finding strong support from their discount to cash prices and expectations for tighter hog supplies. Nearby live cattle futures were also supported by their discount to cash but demand concerns continued to weigh on the cattle market amid poor packer operating margins. Cotton futures continued to feel pressure from a strengthening dollar and large world cotton stocks. Click on the Brock logo or call 1-800-558-3431 for more info on our services.