March 29, 2013

Corn and soybean markets responded quickly to Thursday's USDA report on grain stocks and prospective plantings. On this week's Market Journal John Meuret of J.E. Meuret Grain Company analyzes the market response and price trends likely for this season. USDA estimates U.S. farmers intend to plant 97.3 million acres of corn and 77.1 million acres of soybeans this spring. In terms of soybean acres, Nebraska saw the biggest drop of any state at 7%.

Also on this week's broadcast:

• Irrigation Efficiency – Gary Zoubek, UNL Extension educator, explains why farmers should evaluate their irrigation efficiency before planting.
• LB 204 – Legislative Bill 204 would require anyone in Nebraska who witnesses animal abuse to report the behavior to law enforcement officials within 24 hours. UNL Extension ag law specialist Dave Aiken explains the bill and its background.
• Forage in Irrigated Ground – Planting forage on irrigated land has become a popular topic with the continuing drought. Jerry Volesky, UNL Extension range and forage specialist, talks about the options for using grasses in this situation. 
• Weather Forecast – Al Dutcher, UNL Extension state climatologist, gives his forecast for the coming week.
• Estrus Synchronization – Rick Rasby, UNL Extension beef specialist, says producers can plan now for estrus synchronization during the upcoming breeding season.

Next Week

As winter wheat across Nebraska starts to emerge from dormancy, Market Journal will get an update from Cropping Systems Specialist Greg Kruger on its condition. Derrel Martin will discuss the use of pre-season irrigation, and Mike Briggs will discuss cattle markets.

Broadcast Times

Market Journal — television for agricultural business decisions — is funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board.

View this week's program, as well as previous programs, online at marketjournal.unl.edu and watch for future broadcasts on these networks.

• NET1 – Saturday, 7 a.m. CT
• NET2 – Sunday, 9 a.m. CT
• Podcast on iTunes

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