Milk production in Iowa during October 2018 totaled 432 million pounds, down 1 percent from the previous October according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during October, at 220,000 head, was unchanged from last month but 1,000 more than last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,965 pounds, down 30 pounds from last October.
Rock Valley Hay Auction for Monday, Nov 19, 2018
Receipts: 24 loads Last Week: 20 loads Year Ago: 35 loads
Alfalfa: Good: Large Rounds, 2 load 130.00-135.00.Fair: Large Rounds, 3 loads 122.50-127.50. Utility: Large Rounds, 1 load 107.50.
Grass: Good: Large Rounds, 4 loads 145.00-150.00. Fair: Large Rounds, 4 loads, 117.50-130.50. Utility: Large Rounds, 2 loads, 107.50-115.00
Alfalfa/Grass Mix: Scarce.
Straw: Scarce.
Corn Stalks: Large Rounds, 7 loads 50.00-55.00.
At the Siouxland Agricultural Lenders Seminar on November 1, we surveyed the participants on what they were seeing in their ag loan portfolios in light of the current ag economy. The 58 attendees were from five states represented 20 lending institutions and 13 other ag industries. More importantly they represented service to over 500 dairies, 317,725 milking cows and 108,400 acres producing feed for those cows.
Continue reading “Area Ag Lenders Tightening Up on Loans According To Survey”
Rock Valley Hay Auction for Thursday, Nov 15, 2018
Receipts: 50 loads Last Week: 45 loads Last Year: 71 loads
A wider variety of forages was available at the sales around Iowa during the past week. But, like last week, very little of it was scored as Supreme. As expected, very little top quality hay was baled in Iowa, leaving buyers short handed. Many buyers are buying on an as needed basis.
Alfalfa: Premium to Supreme: Large Rounds, 1 load 185.00. Good: Large Rounds, 6 loads 140.00-155.00. Fair: Large Rounds, 2 loads 122.50-127.50.
Grass: Premium: Small Squares, 1 load 170.00; Large Rounds, 8 loads 140.00-157.50. Good: Large Rounds, 9 loads 127.50-137.50. Fair: Large Rounds, 15 loads, 105.00-125.00. Utility: Large Rounds, 1 load 90.00.
Alfalfa/Grass Mixed: Good: Large Squares, 1 load 127.50; Large Rounds, load 137.50.
Oat Hay: Large Rounds, 1 load 80.00.
Straw: Large Squares, 1 load 102.00.
Bean Stubble: Large Rounds, 1 load 55.00.
Cornstalks: Large Rounds, 2 loads 65.00.
As dairy operations increase animal numbers, they have also increased dependence on a larger labor pool. That labor pool has become less dominated by family members, and more dependent on foreign born labor (FBL) There undoubtedly would be benefits, however, there is significant risk for the dairy industry in any immigration legislation.
The Dairy Directions Seminars are scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 11 in Sac County and Wednesday, Dec. 12 in Pocahontas County. Both programs will be held at the local Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county office.
Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. and the program begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. A free lunch is included, and the program will adjourn at 1:45 p.m.
Continue reading “Dairy Programs set for Sac and Pocahontas Counties in December”
Rock Valley Hay Auction for Monday, Nov 12, 2018
Receipts: 20 loads Last Week: 11 loads Year Ago: 30 loads
Alfalfa: Good: Large Rounds, 1 load 135.00.: Large Rounds, 3 loads 125.00-127.50.
Grass: Good: Large Rounds, 2 loads 145.00-152.50. Fair: Large Rounds, 5 loads, 117.50-127.50.
Alfalfa/Grass Mix: Scarce.
Straw: Scarce.
Corn Stalks: Large Rounds, 7 loads 32.50-80.00.
The Dairy Discussions: Risk Management and Labor Issues program is set for Tuesday, Dec. 4 at the Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach – Sioux County office in Orange City.
Continue reading “WASDE Report Lowers Production and Price Forecast”