In the News

The next issue of Agri Marketing will feature focus reports on marketing to Rural Lifestyle consumers plus fruit & vegetable growers. Readex will be conducting a study on the issue's ads. To schedule your organization's ad, contact Audrey Evans: 636/728-1428 ext 2003; AudreyE@AgriMarketing.com.

presents WEEKLY COMMODITY HIGHLIGHTS

Nearby Futures	Weekly Change	Friday's Close	Year Ago
Corn	-.10 ¼	4.65 ¾	8.18 ¼
Soybeans	-.09 ¾	13.40 ¾	16.94 ½
Wheat	-.27	6.33 ½	9.13
Cattle	+2.03	122.68	121.43
Hogs	+1.38	100.63	91.88
Cotton	+3.73	89.05	75.59
Milk	+.20	18.09	17.63
Crude Oil	-0.97	105.97	93.36

Comments: Grain and soybean futures remained under pressure from expectation for bumper U.S. corn and soybean production last week as weather stayed mild across the U.S. Midwest. Improved crop ratings and bearish private corn crop estimates contributed to the weak market tone. Losses were limited by oversold market conditions and position evening ahead of USDA's widely-anticipated August Crop Report, the first survey estimate of 2013 production, due out Aug. 12. Wheat futures turned lower again amid the arrival of badly needed rains in parts of Kansas ahead of winter wheat planting season. Talk of slowing export demand for U.S. wheat and prospects for a good U.S. spring wheat harvest also pressured prices. Livestock futures had a strong week with live cattle futures getting a major boost from Tyson Foods' surprise announcement that it will stop buying cattle raised with the growth promotant Zilmax. That news spurred speculation that U.S. beef production could be reduced. Lean hog futures continued to find support from strong cash hog/pork prices, although deferred contracts continued to struggle amid expectations for lower-priced corn to bring herd expansion. Cotton futures rallied strongly as concerns arose about crop prospects in both the U.S. and China. Click on the Brock logo or call 1-800-558-3431 for more info on our services.

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