Here is the Tennessee crop and livestock report as of August 21, 2018:

FIELD CONDITIONS

Rain fell over most of the state last week providing needed moisture and improving crop conditions. Corn producers were preparing for harvest, while cotton and soybean farmers were busy with last minute spraying. These rains also improved pasture conditions. There were 4.9 days suitable for field work. Topsoil moisture rated 6 percent very short, 18 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture rated 7 percent very short, 25 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

CROP CONDITIONS

Corn – Dough Stage – 98 percent this week, up from 94 percent last week

Corn – Dented – 71 percent this week, up from 56 percent last week

Corn – Mature – 6 percent this week

Cotton – Setting Bolls – 98 percent this week, up from 93 percent last week

Cotton – Bolls Opening – 14 percent this week, up from 8 percent last week

Soybeans – Setting Pods – 88 percent this week, up from 78 percent last week

Tobacco – Topped – 89 percent this week, up from 78 percent last week

CROP STATUS:

Corn – 3 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 49 percent good and 19 percent excellent

Tobacco – 1 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 58 percent good and 14 percent excellent

Cotton – 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 50 percent good and 24 percent excellent

Pasture – 1 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 45 percent good and 10 percent excellent

Soybeans – 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 47 percent good and 22 percent excellent

Corn, soybeans, and wheat were up; cotton was down for the week. The size of the U.S. corn and soybean crop, large domestic stocks carried over from 2017, continued trade disruptions, and faster crop maturity than normal will diminish (eliminate) early harvest price premiums and depress harvest basis below typical levels.

Will producers in Tennessee have lower gross revenue this year, compared to 2017?

From August 1 to October 31, 2017, the average cash prices for corn and soybeans across the state were $3.35/bu and $9.43/bu. So far, in August 2018, cash prices have averaged $3.63/bu and $8.59/bu. Cash wheat prices from June 1 to July 31, were $4.83 (2017) and $5.08 (2018). Cash cotton prices, from October 1 to November 30, 2017 averaged 69.39 cents/lb, currently, cotton prices are 81.51 cents/lb. So far, year-over-year average corn, cotton, and wheat prices are up, soybean prices are down.

Tennessee yield estimates for corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat for 2018 (2017) are: 174 bu/acre (171 bu/acre), 49 bu/acre (50 bu/acre), 1,050 lb/acre (1,033 lb/acre), and 63 bu/acre (70 bu/acre). Projected year-over-year yields in Tennessee are up for corn and cotton, down for soybeans and wheat.

Using the average prices and average yields above, gross revenue for 2018 (2017) for corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat are estimated to be: $632/acre ($573/acre), $421/acre ($472/acre), $856/acre ($717/acre), and $320/acre ($338/acre). On average, corn and cotton revenue are projected up, soybean and wheat revenue are projected down, for 2018 compared to 2017.

In Tennessee, in 2017 and 2018, 24% of total row crop harvested acres were corn, 56% soybeans, 11% cotton, and 10% wheat. Using a weighted average, based on harvested acres Tennessee producers’ average per acre income for the four crops is projected down $1.64/acre at $509.62/acre. Increased year-over-year corn and cotton returns are offset by the reduction in soybean net returns due to the large percent of acres (56%) in soybeans relative to other crops. On average row crop producers in Tennessee are projected to have similar total gross revenue per acre in 2018 as 2017; however regional price and yield differences and crop mix will dictate individual circumstances.

CORN

Across Tennessee, average corn basis (cash price-nearby futures price) strengthened or remained unchanged at Memphis, Northwest Barge Points, Upper-middle, and Northwest Tennessee and weakened at Lower-middle Tennessee. Overall, basis for the week ranged from 20 under to 30 over the September futures contract with an average of 4 under at the end of the week. September 2018 corn futures closed at $3.64, up 7 cents since last Friday. For the week, September 2018 corn futures traded between $3.52 and $3.67. Corn net sales reported by exporters from August 3-9 were within expectations with net sales of 13.3 million bushels for the 2017/18 marketing year and 41.1 million bushels for the 2018/19 marketing year. Exports for the same time period were down 15% compared to last week at 48.0 million bushels. Corn export sales and commitments were 99% of the USDA estimated total annual exports for the 2017/18 marketing year (September 1 to August 31) compared to a 5-year average of 104%. Ethanol production for the week ending August 10 was 1.072 million barrels per day, down 28,000 from the previous week. Ethanol stocks were 23.017 million barrels, up 94,000 barrels. Sep/Dec and Sep/Mar future spreads were 14 and 26 cents, respectively.

The Crop Progress report estimated corn condition at 70% good-to-excellent and 10% poor-to-very poor; corn dough at 73% compared to 57% last week, 58% last year, and a 5-year average of 56%; and corn dented at 26% compared to 12% last week, 15% last year, and a 5-year average of 13%. In Tennessee, corn condition was estimated at 68% good-to-excellent and 8% poor-to-very poor; corn dough at 94% compared to 88% last week, 89% last year, and a 5-year average of 88%; and corn dented at 56% compared to 24% last week, 49% last year, and a 5-year average of 46%. In Tennessee, September 2018 corn cash forward contracts averaged $3.52 with a range of $3.37 to $3.85. December 2018 corn futures closed at $3.78, up 7 cents since last Friday. Downside price protection could be obtained by purchasing a $3.80 December 2018 Put Option costing 21 cents establishing a $3.59 futures floor. March 2019 corn futures closed at $3.90, up 7 cents since last Friday.

Soybeans

Average soybean basis weakened or remained unchanged at Northwest Tennessee and strengthened or remained unchanged at Memphis, Northwest Barge Points, Lower-middle, and Upper-middle Tennessee. Basis ranged from 60 under to 12 over the September futures contract at elevators and barge points. Average basis at the end of the week was 23 under the September futures contract. September 2018 soybean futures closed at $8.81, up 31 cents since last Friday. For the week, September 2018 soybean futures traded between $8.39 and $8.88. Net sales reported by exporters were within expectations with net sales of 4.9 million bushels for the 2017/18 marketing year and 21.0 million bushels for the 2018/19 marketing year. Exports for the same period were down 42% compared to last week at 21.6 million bushels. Soybean export sales and commitments were 102% of the USDA estimated total annual exports for the 2017/18 marketing year (September 1 to August 31), compared to a 5-year average of 104%. September soybean-to-corn price ratio was 2.42 at the end of the week.

Sep/Nov and Sep/Jan future spreads were 11 and 24 cents, respectively. The Crop Progress report estimated soybean condition at 66% good-to-excellent and 10% poor-to-very poor; soybeans blooming at 96% compared to 92% last week, 93% last year, and a 5-year average of 92%; and soybeans setting pods at 84% compared to 75% last week, 77% last year, and a 5-year average of 72%. In Tennessee, soybean condition was estimated at 69% good-to-excellent and 7% poor-to-very poor; soybeans blooming at 93% compared to 89% last week, 92% last year, and a 5-year average of 85%; and soybeans setting pods at 78% compared to 68% last week, 77% last year, and a 5-year average of 66%. In Tennessee, Oct/Nov 2018 soybean cash contracts average $8.36 with a range of $8.09 to $8.72. November 2018 soybean futures closed at $8.92, up 31 cents since last Friday. Downside price protection could be achieved by purchasing a $9.00 November 2018 Put Option which would cost 36 cents and set an $8.64 futures floor. Nov/Dec 2018 soybean-to-corn price ratio was 2.36 at the end of the week. January 2019 soybean futures closed at $9.05, up 32 cents since last Friday.

COTTON

Delta upland cotton spot price quotes for August 16 were 80.63 cents/lb (41-4-34) and 82.38 cents/lb (31-3-35). Adjusted World Price (AWP) decreased 4.22 cents to 75.45 cents. Net sales reported by exporters were down from last week at 77,700 bales for the 2018/19 marketing year and net sales cancellations of 11,700 for the 2019/20 marketing year. Exports for the same time period were 240,300 bales. Upland cotton export sales were 58% of the USDA estimated total annual exports for the 2017/18 marketing year (August 1 to July 31), compared to a 5-year average of 35%.

The Crop Progress report estimated cotton condition at 40% good-to-excellent and 34% poor-to-very poor; cotton squaring at 96% compared to 92% last week, 97% last year, and a 5-year average of 98%; cotton setting bolls at 77% compared to 60% last week, 77% last year, and a 5-year average of 78%; and cotton opening bolls at 13% compared to 9% last week, 10% last year, and a 5-year average of 9%. In Tennessee, cotton condition was estimated at 74% good-to-excellent and 9% poor-to-very poor; cotton setting bolls at 93% compared to 85% last week, 91% last year, and a 5-year average of 82%; and cotton bolls opening at 8% compared to 3% last year and a 5-year average of 3%. December 2018 cotton futures closed at 81.39, down 3.84 cents since last Friday. For the week, December 2018 cotton futures traded between 80.6 and 85.31 cents. Dec/Mar and Dec/Dec cotton futures spreads were 0.71 cents and -4.01 cents, respectively. Downside price protection could be obtained by purchasing an 82 cent December 2018 Put Option costing 3.71 cents establishing a 78.29 cent futures floor. March 2019 cotton futures closed at 82.1, down 3.61 cents since last Friday. December 2019 cotton futures closed at 77.38, down 2.62 cents since last Friday.

WHEAT

In Tennessee, August 2018 cash wheat ranged from $5.42 to $6.03 for the week. Wheat net sales reported by exporters were above expectations with net sales of 29.5 million bushels for the 2018/19 marketing year. Exports for the week were up 34% compared to last week at 17.0 million bushels. Wheat export sales were 30% of the USDA estimated total annual exports for the 2018/19 marketing year (June 1 to May 31), compared to a 5-year average of 46%. The Crop Progress report estimated winter wheat harvested at 94% compared to 90% last week, 97% last year, and a 5-year average of 96%; spring wheat condition at 75% good-to-excellent and 5% poor-to-very poor; and spring wheat harvested at 35% compared to 13% last week, 38% last year, and a 5-year average of 27%.

September 2018 wheat futures closed at $5.60, up 14 cents since last Friday. September 2018 wheat futures traded between $5.28 and $5.63 this week. September wheat-to-corn price ratio was 1.54. Sep/Dec and Sep/Jul future spreads were 19 cents and 36 cents, respectively. December 2018 wheat futures closed at $5.79, up 10 cents since last Friday. In Tennessee, June/July 2019 wheat cash contracts ranged from $5.83 to $5.99 for the week. July 2019 wheat futures closed at $5.96, up 6 cents since last Friday. Downside price protection could be obtained by purchasing a $6.00 July 2019 Put Option costing 50 cents establishing a $5.50 futures floor.

CROSSVILLE STOCKYARD WEIGHTED AVERAGE REPORT:

Cattle Receipts: 517 Last week: 768 Last year: 724

Compared to last week, Feeder Steers steady to 3.00 lower; Feeder Bulls Steady to 3.00 higher; Feeder Heifers under 550 lbs. Steady to 5.00 lower, Over 550 lbs. Steady to 4.00 higher; Slaughter Cows mostly steady; Slaughter Bulls mostly steady.

Feeder: 429 Slaughter: 54 Replacement: 34

Slaughter cows made up 12 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 1 percent, and feeders 87 percent. The feeder supply included 31 percent steers, 42 percent heifers, and 27 percent bulls. Near 21 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Please note the below USDA LPGMN price report is reflective of the majority of classes and grades of livestock offered for sale. There may be instances where some sales do not fit within reporting guidelines and therefore will not be included in the report. Prices are reported on a per cwt basis, unless otherwise noted.

Feeder Steers Medium and Large 1 – 2

 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price

    4    280-290    287    165.00-187.50     176.92

    3    320-320    320    177.50-185.00     182.50

   11    353-395    380    171.00-185.00     179.44

    6    415-445    434    152.00-162.50     157.09

   17    450-491    477    155.00-170.00     165.63

   13    505-547    537    151.00-161.00     155.29

    8    550-595    574    144.00-151.00     147.48

    4    554-554    554       160.00         160.00   Value Added

    8    613-645    629    138.00-146.50     144.56

    4    653-668    661    137.00-138.00     137.51

    1    820-820    820       131.00         131.00

                             Medium and Large 2 – 3

    3    300-303    302    159.00-162.50     160.16

    2    375-390    383    156.00-160.00     157.96

    1    425-425    425       145.00         145.00

    2    450-470    460    150.00-154.00     152.04

    1    510-510    510       143.00         143.00

    3    553-565    557    130.00-139.00     135.96

Feeder Heifers                Medium and Large 1 – 2

 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price

    1    280-280    280       160.00         160.00

    5    310-320    316    150.00-160.00     155.47

   10    355-395    380    160.00-167.00     162.66

   10    405-445    425    154.00-162.00     159.03

   17    460-495    479    136.00-152.00     145.04

    7    455-489    477    153.00-157.50     154.93   Value Added

    8    505-515    508    138.50-149.00     141.12

   19    550-595    575    130.00-138.00     133.56

   15    600-643    625    124.50-131.50     128.80

    3    633-633    633       134.00         134.00   Value Added

    3    655-665    662    122.00-128.00     125.35

    1    740-740    740       115.00         115.00

                             Small 1 – 2

    1    345-345    345       127.00         127.00

    1    370-370    370       122.50         122.50

                             Medium and Large 2 – 3

    3    310-335    325    130.00-142.50     135.14

    2    385-395    390    142.00-149.00     145.54

    5    400-430    417    127.50-136.00     130.88

    3    465-480    470    125.00-133.00     129.00

    6    503-540    521    126.00-132.00     128.84

    1    595-595    595       126.00         126.00

                             Small and Medium 2 – 3

    2    418-418    418       134.00         134.00

Feeder Bulls                Medium and Large 1 – 2

 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price

    9    400-448    432    158.00-170.00     165.42

    6    450-455    453    149.00-155.00     151.98

   17    510-544    530    144.00-153.00     146.88

   12    555-590    581    132.00-142.00     138.39

    5    615-645    636    134.00-141.00     139.21

    5    650-680    668    129.00-134.00     130.57

    7    707-745    719    116.00-128.00     123.38

    1    770-770    770       108.00         108.00

    1    835-835    835       110.00         110.00

                             Medium and Large 2 – 3

    2    410-430    420    142.50-146.00     144.21

    1    475-475    475       125.00         125.00

    4    525-535    531    124.00-132.00     129.00

    2    555-570    563    120.00-128.00     123.95

    5    600-630    621    121.00-125.00     123.43

    1    675-675    675       116.00         116.00

    2    710-720    715    110.00-114.00     112.01

Slaughter Cows                Breaker 70-80% Lean

 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price

    2   1310-1365  1338     48.50-50.50       49.48

    2   1430-1730  1580     50.50-51.50       50.95

                               Boner 80-85% Lean

   10    960-1395  1208     48.00-58.00       54.20

    1   1290-1290  1290        63.50          63.50   High Dressing

    3   1495-1620  1537     50.00-51.50       50.66

    1   1575-1575  1575        62.50          62.50   High Dressing

                                Lean 85-90% Lean

    1    795-795    795        35.00          35.00   Low Dressing

   13    875-1380  1133     45.50-54.00       49.70

    7    820-1055   953     30.50-42.00       37.12   Low Dressing

Slaughter Bulls                Yield Grade 1

 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price

    5   1605-1935  1762     71.00-80.50       74.24