THE 4TH OF JULY BY THE NUMBERS.

Americans love food, and eating is their favorite way to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, according to an annual survey conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF). The most popular way to celebrate the Fourth of July is to cook out, barbecue, or host a picnic. The NRF says 65.5% of Americans will do just that in 2017 and will spend $7.1 billion on food items for the holiday.

Americans will eat 150 million hot dogs on July 4th alone, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC). Interestingly enough, 61% of Americans prefer beef hot dogs, 12% like pork hot dogs, and 7% prefer turkey, the NHDSC says.

According to an informal poll that we conducted on Twitter, 52% of our followers will be grilling beef over the holiday, 10% will be grilling up pork, 5% will grill chicken, and 33% will throw a combination of the three on the grill to celebrate.

To give you an idea of just how much meat is grilled between Memorial Day and Labor Day, in 2016 Americans grilled $6,816 billion worth of beef, $4,284 billion worth of pork, and $3,882 billion worth of chicken during that period.

Traveling Americans

This year, a whopping 44.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more to celebrate Independence Day. According to AAA, that’s 1.25 million more people than last year and the most people ever to travel over the holiday.

Most, 37.5 million to be exact, of the traveling Americans will drive to their destinations, and farmers can only hope they’ll be filling up their tanks with ethanol-enhanced fuel.

Fun Facts for the BBQ

In 2016, the amount of American flags imported to the U.S. were valued at $5.4 million and most came from China, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The U.S. also exported enough American flags in 2016 to add up to a value of $27.8 million. Most of the flags, $26.1 million worth, were exported to Mexico.

Last year, the U.S. imported $296.2 million worth of fireworks from China.
Back in 2012, the 172 U.S. wholesalers sold $482.6 million worth of fireworks and firecrackers.
A particularly happy Independence Day to those celebrating in patriotic towns and counties like Liberty County, Texas; Patriot Town, Indiana; and Union County, Ohio! BY ANNA MCCONNELL.

WILL JULY CROP WEATHER CONTINUE TO BE A HEAD- SCRATCHER.

As weather goes, so likely will prices.

This year’s weather has either been close to ideal or it has made for a stressful spring and start to summer. A very challenging spring (due to copious rains in parts of the Midwest) forced many farmers to replant corn and in some instances abandon acreage or switch to other crops. “Rain makes grain” is the old saying, and as July 4 approaches, it’s hard to complain if you’re lucky enough to have had a few rain events. For many, however, rain this year is something they could do without, at least for a while. If you planted early and your crop looks good, rain is welcome, in particular the western corn-producing states. For about a third of all corn producers, too much rain this year has created many challenges. Late planting and poor field conditions for spraying crops are two concerns, as more rains this past week suggest nitrogen leaching and shallow roots, both which could suggest lower yield.

The most recent crop ratings figures released by the USDA this past Monday indicated this year’s corn crop is rated as 67% good to excellent, down from last year’s 75%. With lower acreage (4 million less than last year) as indicated on the March 31 Acreage report and a higher amount of corn rated in the poor to very poor category compared with a year ago, it’s been a head-scratcher why corn prices lately have been on the defensive, losing more than 25¢. The “rain makes grain” mentality, along with increased farmer selling of old crop, are the likely two variables pressuring prices. As the end of the month approaches and cash contracts come due, farmers are determining whether to move inventory or roll contracts to another month. A limited amount of time to empty bins between now and harvest has created an environment where producers are likely deciding to get rid of old crop.

Despite recent downward price pressure, it’s too early in the growing season to be overly pessimistic on price. The chances that corn prices will move substantially lower, with what could be a less-than-ideal crop, are probably not good. End users will likely view the recent pulldown in corn prices as an opportunity to lock in longer-term needs. As weather goes, so likely will prices, and lately weather has not been ideal. The chances of price recovery are good. The critical months for crop growth and maturity are July and August. Attitude, as well as perceptions in the marketplace, could change in a hurry over the next 60 days.

If you have questions or comments, contact Top Farmer at 1-800-TOPFARM, ext. 129.
Futures trading is not for everyone. The risk of loss in trading is substantial. Therefore, carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. BY BRYAN DOHERTY.

DESPITE HAIL, PESTS, AND WEEDS, IOWA'S CORN AND SOYABEANS, LOOK REALLY GOOD.

There aren’t many farmers who claim to “love all things related to weeds.” Luckily for farmers in Iowa, there’s a weed-loving Extension agent at the ready to help identify and tackle tough weeds. Meaghan Anderson has served as a field agronomist in east-central Iowa for the past two years. Last year, her enthusiasm and dedication helped farmers and landowners detect and manage Palmer amaranth infestations in pollinator plots and CRP plantings.

This year, Anderson is back in the fields, keeping an eye out for Palmer amaranth and other pests as well as evaluating hail damage. Here’s what she’s seeing in the corn and soybean fields of eastern Iowa.

Palmar amaranth was spotted in fields in Linn County as well as Muscatine County. “We’re just approaching the best time to identify Palmer amaranth, so I’ve only seen a few locations with it so far this year,” says Anderson. “I suspect the hot, drier weather we’ve had has been good for its development, so more identifications will happen this summer.”

Marestail also looks like it could be an issue this season, comments Anderson. “Farmers have reported having trouble managing marestail, so I’ll be monitoring populations,” she says. “I think some farmers may need to consider a fall herbicide application if the populations in their fields germinate in the fall.” In addition to weeds, hail has been another issue for growers in Anderson’s region. “Hail damage was spread over several counties, but the most significantly damaged area was mostly small and spotty in Linn County,” she says.

Overall, Anderson says the corn crop is off to a good start for 2017. “I thought corn seemed more uneven early and also had some armyworm issues, but most looks really nice now,” she says. “I don’t think anyone would object to some more rain as long as it doesn’t bring hail with it.” The counties she covers are 1¼ inches below the climatology rain average for June.

In Washington County, Anderson is also noticing a fair amount of urea burn from sidedress applications. 

For soybeans, Anderson says some suffered from stand loss and damage from HG 14 herbicides used preemergence, pest feeding (armyworms and slugs), and crusting. “Most problems have been resolved at this point,” she says. “Corn and soybeans look really good after what seemed like a long planting season.”

According to the latest data from the USDA, 79% of Iowa’s corn crop is in good to excellent condition, on track with last year’s condition and up from the five-year average of 72%. Soybeans are trailing last year slightly with 74% in good to excellent condition compared with 77%, but still pacing ahead of the five-year average of 69%. BY JESSIE SCOTT.

U.S JUNE HOG HERD HIGHEST IN MORE THAN 50YEARS.

CHICAGO, June 29 (Reuters) - The number of hogs on U.S. farms during the March-May quarter climbed 3.0 percent from a year ago, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture report on Thursday, implying abundant supplies through the coming year.

Thursday's outcome was the largest on record for the period since 1964, maintaining a string of quarterly record highs dating back to March 2016.

Still, analysts viewed the data as neutral for Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures on Friday because the results were close to expectations.

Analysts attributed the herd expansion to improved producer profits, affordable feed and the need for more supplies to accommodate at least two new packing plants scheduled to come on line later this year.

A record number of baby piglets that survived during the quarter helped farmers to be more efficient and boosted herd sizes.

USDA's report showed the U.S. hog herd as of June 1 at 103.0 percent of the year-ago level or 71.650 million head.

The result topped analysts' average forecasts and was the most for the quarter since USDA began compiling data for the period in 1964.

Analysts, on average, had expected 71.597 million head, or 103.3 percent of the year-earlier herd.
The U.S. breeding herd was 102.0 percent of the year-ago level, at 6.069 million head, up from 5.979 million last year.

The average trade forecast was 6.069 million, or 101.5 percent of the previous year.
The June 1 supply of market-ready hogs for sale to packers was 104.0 percent of a year earlier, at 65.581 million head, up from 63.302 million last year. Analysts, on average, had estimated a 3.5 percent rise, or 65.490 million.

Allendale Inc chief strategist Rich Nelson called the record hog herd size "shocking," but said it would have no effect on the market. Industry observers for several months had expected record production and most of the results came in line with expectations, he added.

The industry will monitor whether two new hog plants will be operational by September to handle the massive supplies ahead, said Nelson.

"Any delays in the start of the two plants will be clearly taken as bad news by the industry," he added.
Bob Brown, an independent market analyst in Edmond, Oklahoma, agreed that the "numbers came in pretty much as expected - nothing outlandish."

Nearby CME hog futures will likely follow prices for market-ready, or cash, hogs and not focus on trading months further out associated with Thursday's report, said Brown. (Editing by Richard Chang). BY THEOPOLIS WATERS.

US inspectors will make sure Chinese chicken imports are safe, Agriculture secretary says

• Tight U.S. food inspections should give American consumers confidence in the safety of new Chinese chicken imports, Secretary Sonny Perdue says.

• The Agriculture secretary is set to travel to China on Wednesday to formally mark the return of U.S. beef there after a 13-year hiatus.

• Tight U.S. food inspections should give American consumers confidence in the safety of new Chinese chicken imports, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue told CNBC on Tuesday.
  In last month's trade agreement with China, the U.S. agreed to allow Chinese cooked poultry to enter U.S. markets in exchange for China bringing back U.S. beef imports.

• "We're talking about cooked chicken," said Perdue, indicating uncooked chicken generally poses a greater food safety risk. "The good thing about it is our food safety inspection agency, in the USDA, does a marvelous job."

• Perdue, a former governor of Georgia, also said Chinese chicken won't hurt American poultry producers. "I don't think there's really any fear of major chicken poultry protein coming the U.S."

The secretary, who is not related to the family that owns Perdue Farms, is set to travel to China on Wednesday to formally mark the return of U.S. beef to the Chinese market after a 13-year hiatus. China banned U.S. beef imports after the discovery of a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Washington state in late 2003.

• "Those concerns were not justified. I think it was a single animal that came from Canada that had the BSE, or the mad cow disease. And we felt like the suspension of imports from the U.S. was a difficult and wrong decision," Perdue said. "We've had no experience and no evidence of ... [ mad cow disease] in over 13 years." BY MATHE J BELVEDERE.

DEPLOY A DRONE TO SCOUT FIELDS AND MORE.

With so many farmers having to deal with such a wet spring, drones have been an efficient way to identify areas that needed to be replanted and even ones that can’t be replanted. A drone is also a great tool to help identify weather-related damage without adding compaction to fields.

“The advantage of using a drone is that each picture is georeferenced, which allows a farmer to get accurate measurements for his claims adjuster with scientific evidence to back up that claim,” says Landon Smith, PrecisionHawk.

As you scout your fields this season, Smith says utilizing a drone can help you stay on top of potential issues.

“I recommend flying each field at least once a month to collect data that can be used to compare/contrast with previous data,” he says. “Whether that information is from a drone or your prescriptions, you can evaluate your crop’s progress (or lack of) easily with a drone.”
It can also help you be proactive when it comes to managing weeds.

“PrecisionMapper released an algorithm that allows you to determine weed pressure in your field,” says Smith. “With this information, you can increase your efficiency in spot spraying and identifying problem areas while they are still manageable and in some cases invisible to the naked eye.”
You can also use it to home in on areas that could benefit from improvements.

“For example, collecting data with standing water in your field will allow you to identify problem areas and come up with a solution to address them in the future, such as tiling,” says Smith.
The usefulness of a drone isn’t limited to the fields.

“Grain bins are slowly being emptied in anticipation of this year’s crop,” he says. “Rather than climb a bin, flying a drone over it is a safe alternative to identify problems or evaluate necessary maintenance.”  BY LAURIE BEDORD.

10 AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF LETTUCE.

1. Low Calorie Content and Almost Zero Fat.

Lettuce has only 12 calories for one shredded cup.
This is why it is so good for weight loss.

2. Helps Weight Loss

Lettuce contains fiber and cellulose. Besides filling you up, fiber improves your digestion. Improving your digestion may not sound like a good thing for losing weight, but it is actually essential for long term weight control.

Fiber also helps remove bile salts from the body. When the body replaces these salts it breaks down cholesterol to do so. This is why lettuce is also good for your heart!
3. Heart Healthy

Lettuce’s vitamin C and beta-carotene work together to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. This prevents the build up of plaque.
4. Omega-3 Fatty acids.

Romaine lettuce has a two to one ratio of omega-3 to omega-6. That’s a great ratio.
The fat content in lettuce is not significant UNLESS you eat a lot–but we actually suggest you do!
5. Complete Protein

Romaine lettuce’s calories are 20 percent protein. Like all whole foods, much of this protein is complete, but the amount can be increased by combining with balancing proteins.

Question: What does a 400 pound gorilla eat at the salad bar?
Answer: Anything he wants to!
I don’t imagine gorillas gain all that muscle by just eating lettuce but here is a short video of one doing that very thing!

Gorilla Eating Lettuce

6. Helps with Insomnia
The white fluid that you see when you break or cut lettuce leaves is called lactucarium.
This has relaxing and sleep inducing properties similar to opium but without the strong side effects. Simply eat a few leaves or drink some lettuce juice.
7. Lettuce is Alkaline Forming

The minerals in lettuce help remove toxins and keep your acid/alkaline balance in order. Once you are balanced on this level there are a host of benefits including greater energy, clearer thinking, deep restful sleep, and youthful skin. To browse more benefits check out Benefits of An Alkaline Body.
8. Low Glycemic Index

Lettuce has an average glycemic index of 15, but because it has so few calories, its glycemic load is considered zero. Foods with low glycemic indexes are great for anyone watching their blood sugars for medical reasons, or for weight management.
Of course, lettuce has no refined or white sugars and the host of problems that come with them.
9. Whole Life Food

Lettuce is almost always eaten raw, providing us with many micronutrients not found in cooked or processed food. Eating raw food also adds vital energies not recognized by nutritional science.
Large food corporations have not found a way to package lettuce long term or stick it in cans or boxes. Let’s hope they never do!
In fact, lettuce is one of the few foods which can be found organic and prewashed already in bins for you to eat immediately.
10. Lettuce Tastes Great.

Even though lettuce is very low in calories, many varieties still have a sweet taste. To maximize benefits from your food you should really WANT to eat it with your whole body–not just your mind saying it is good for you. If you like the bitter taste you can find more bitter lettuce options, too! BY DIANA HERRINGTON.

WHEAT FUTURES DECLINE OVERNIGHT; TRUMP VISITS IOWA TO TALK TRADE, ETHANOL

1. Wheat Lower Overnight as Investors Who Were Long Book Profits
Wheat futures were lower in overnight trading as those who were long the market, or bet on higher prices, sold contracts and booked profits after prices hit two-year highs. Corn and soybeans were little changed.

The price had been rising for the past several days as dry weather threatens U.S. spring wheat. The crop was rated 41% good or excellent as of Sunday, down from 45% a week earlier and 76% a year ago.

Adverse weather also is expected to curb overseas production of the grain, leaving many to wonder how much of the grain will actually be produced this year.

Still, global inventories at the end of the 2017-2018 marketing year are expected to be at record highs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That will, at the very least, temper enthusiasm from bulls until more is known about global production.  

Wheat futures for July delivery fell 5¼¢ to $4.67¼ a bushel overnight on the Chicago Board of Trade. Kansas City wheat lost 4¾¢ to $4.69½ a bushel.
Corn futures added ¾¢ to $3.70¾ a bushel in Chicago.

Soybean futures for July delivery rose ¼¢ to $9.28 a bushel. Soy meal was unchanged at $300.90 a short ton, and soy oil fell 0.01¢ to 32.01¢ a pound.

2. President Trump Expected to Visit Cedar Rapids Wednesday to Talk Trade, Ethanol
President Donald Trump is expected to visit Iowa today along with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

With those two in tow, it’s likely the topic will be on trade, and judging by the venue, Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, it’s likely it will have something to do, in part at least, with agriculture.

There’s a lot to talk about. Trade is always a hot topic, as is ethanol. Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa said on a conference call that he doesn’t believe Trump will announce ethanol-blend obligations during his visit today, but he said it’s possible they’ll be announced sometime this week.
The plan is to talk to those in the agricultural program at KCC then hold an evening rally at the convention center in Cedar Rapids.

Trump has long expressed his support for the ethanol industry. In February, he sent a letter to attendees of the National Ethanol Conference saying he valued “the importance of renewable fuels to America’s economy and our energy independence.”

He said at the time he’d work with the Renewable Fuels Association to boost the industry and reduce regulations that have harmed ethanol producers.

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3. Tropical Storm Cindy to Hit Gulf, Extremely Hot Weather Expected in Nebraska
The weather maps are all shades of color along the Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Cindy makes its way to land.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for much of east Texas, Louisiana, and parts of Alabama and Mississippi, according to the National Weather Service. Further inland, flash flood warnings and tornado watches have been issued.

In the Midwest, hot weather is again creeping into parts of Nebraska. While the heat won’t be as intense as the 120˚F. temperatures in the southwestern U.S., parts of Nebraska may see heat indexes in the triple digits this afternoon, the NWS said, which could stress newly planted corn and soybeans.
The good news is, scattered thunderstorms are expected in parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, and northern Illinois starting today and stretching into tomorrow evening, the agency said. BY TONY DREIBUS.

4 STEPS TO MINIMIZE DRIFT POTENTIAL WHILE SPRAYING.

Herbicide-resistant weeds in corn and soybeans threaten your bottom line. Fortunately, help is on the way. Soybeans that tolerate new formulations of dicamba are on the market, and soybeans that tolerate 2,4-D and HPPD inhibitors are in the works. However, these new products and increased use of older ones raise herbicide-contamination concerns. Off-target management by drift and volatilization is also a potential threat. If you grow row crops in areas where specialty crops (such as grapes and tomatoes) are grown, you need to be even more vigilant.

Here are four steps you can take to minimize drift potential and to avoid product contamination.

1. Monitor Wind Speed

“Keep in mind, when you’re making those applications, wind speed has a huge role in off-target movement,” says Greg Kruger, cropping system specialist at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As wind speed doubles, off-target movement at 90 feet downwind increases 700%, says Kruger.
“There is no substitute for common sense. If the wind is blowing, droplets will move,” says Kruger.

2. Manage Boom Height

Doubling the boom height from 18 inches to 36 inches can boost off-target movement 90 feet downwind by 350%, says Kruger. “The higher the boom, the longer it takes for the droplets to reach the ground,” he says.

Kruger says you should monitor speed. As it increases, so does the boom height, generally. “As you go faster, boom height goes up, but so does drift potential,” he says.

3. Maintain Distance From Susceptible Vegetation

If downwind distance is doubled from 100 to 200 feet, just 20% as much drift exists at 200 feet as at 100 feet, Kruger says.

4. Control Droplet Size

You can’t control wind direction, neighbors, or wind speed, but you can control droplet size. “One of the easiest things you can do is to control the pressure,” Kruger says. By dropping the pressure to create larger droplets, you will significantly reduce drift potential.

It’s a Balancing Act

New nozzle designs are specifically built and engineered to reduce drift, says Bob Wolf, co-owner of Wolf Consulting and Research in Mahomet, Illinois. Reducing drift is a necessary part of an effective application, but there are trade-offs.

“When selecting a nozzle, consider both drift potential and the ability of the nozzle to provide proper coverage to control weeds or targeted pests,” says Wolf.

Selecting the right nozzle to provide proper coverage for optimal pest control while simultaneously minimizing spray drift with larger drops is a balancing act.
That’s your challenge: to find the proper droplet size.

“Nozzle selection has the greatest influence on particle size. The nozzle type you select is going to be the biggest way you can change the droplet size and drift potential,” says Kruger.

Nozzles that worked well with older chemistries won’t necessarily provide the same coverage with new chemistries.

“Most labels are going to have some sort of indication in terms of spray nozzles,” Kruger says. BY KACEY BIRCHMIER.

ANTICIPATING THE JUNE 1ST CORN STOCKS ESTIMATE.

The USDA’s release of the Quarterly Grain Stocks report on June 30 will provide an estimate of corn stocks in storage as of June 1, 2017. Since many of the consumption categories for corn can be derived from data provided during the marketing year, this estimate provides the ability to calculate the magnitude of feed and residual use of corn during the third quarter. The calculation offers the basis for evaluating the probable feed and residual use during the entire marketing year and imparts information on the potential size of ending stocks. While the information imparted by the June Acreage report released on the same day will likely eclipse the Quarterly Grain Stocks report, the estimated corn stocks have important implications for the current marketing year.

The supply of corn available during the first half of the 2016-17 marketing year is the base for estimating June 1 stocks. Corn stocks at the beginning of the quarter were estimated at 8,616 million bushels in the March Grain Stocks report. Currently, the Census Bureau estimates for corn imports are only available through April. In the first half of the marketing year, corn imports totaled 26 million bushels. Imports for the third quarter might have been around 12 million bushels. By combining imports with the beginning stocks, total available supply for the second quarter comes in at 8,628 million bushels.

An estimate of corn exports for the third quarter is based on the cumulative weekly export inspections estimate available for the entire quarter. Cumulative marketing year export inspections through May totaled approximately 1,738 million bushels. During the first eight months of the marketing year, total Census Bureau corn exports were greater than cumulative export inspections by 45 million bushels. Assuming the margin is maintained through May, corn exports through three quarters of the year equaled 1,783 million bushels. Since exports in the first half of the marketing year totaled 1,095 million bushels, the estimate for third-quarter corn exports equals 688 million bushels.

The Grain Crushing and Co-Products Production report released on June 1 estimated corn used for ethanol and co-product production during March and April of 2017 at 893 million bushels. Weekly estimates of ethanol production provided by the Energy Information Administration indicates ethanol production increased by 5.5% in May 2017 from the preceding year. By calculating the amount of corn used to produce ethanol from these May numbers, corn used for ethanol production in May was approximately 449 million bushels. Total use for the quarter is estimated at 1,342 million bushels.
Corn used to produce other food and industrial products during the 2016-17 marketing year is projected at 1,470 million bushels by the USDA. Using historical corn use data, typically around 75% of the final marketing year food and industrial products use occurs in the first three quarters of the marketing year. If this historical pattern holds and the USDA projection is correct, corn use for the first three quarters of the marketing year totaled 1,102 million bushels. Corn use during the first half equaled 689 million bushels, which set the third-=quarter use estimate at 413 million bushels.

The current USDA projection for feed and residual use sits at 5,500 million bushels. The historical pattern of feed and residual use in corn may provide some indication of the third-quarter use. For the five previous marketing years, use during the first three quarters of the marketing year ranged from 90.5% to 94.2% of the marketing year total with an average of 91.6%. Third-quarter feed and residual use ranged from 15% to 21% of the total use over this time span. For this analysis, the 91.6% average during the first three quarters of the previous five marketing years is used to calculate expected feed and residual use during the third quarter. If the USDA projection is correct, feed and residual use during the first three quarters of the 2016-17 marketing year totaled 5,038 million bushels. Feed and residual use equaled 3,797 million bushels in the first half. Therefore, the third-quarter estimate totals 1,241 million bushels.

By adding the estimates for exports and domestic uses, the total use of corn during the third quarter is estimated at 3,684 million bushels. The total use estimate for the third quarter places June 1 corn stocks at 4,944 million bushels. At this level, June 1 stocks come in 222 million bushels larger than the estimated 2016 June 1 corn stocks.

A June 1 corn stocks estimate that supports the USDA projection of 5,500 million bushels of feed and residual use during the 2016-17 marketing year is considered neutral for corn prices. An estimate of corn stocks that deviates more than 100 to 150 million bushels from market expectations would provide an indication of changes in domestic feed and residual and alter expectations for ending stocks. This analysis indicates an estimate near 4,944 million bushels should not change expectations that feed and residual use is on track to meet the marketing year projection. BY TODD HUBBS