The National Weather Service issues its updated long-term weather forecasts once each month. Obviously, the May and June updates are important because they provide at least a glimpse of what weather conditions might be during the gut slot of the North American growing season. The maps below, released 17 May, show the precipitation and temperature forecasts for the June/July/August time frame. It’s notable that there isn’t a change from last month’s outlook. For the most part, they indicate that weather models suggest normal temperatures/precipitation for the center of the country, essentially the Corn Belt, and above-normal precipitation for the eastern third of the U.S.
Below are the drought monitor maps of 15 May 201...
What You Need to Know Today: U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said the U.S. and Iran could “today or tomorrow” reach a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the Secretary’s claims, an attack on a vessel off the Omani coast suggests plenty of risk remains in forming a lo...
Beef packer margins slipped modestly for the first time in four weeks, declining $15/head to -$78 as fed cattle prices firmed while boxed beef values continued to weaken. The Choice cutout eased another $2.63/cwt to $364.69, while dressed cattle prices fell only $2.76/cwt to $362.25/cwt, limiti...
Key Takeaways: Offal represents an important segment of global meat trade by adding value to underutilized portions of livestock carcasses and improving overall resource efficiency. Strong export demand for products such as pork variety meats and chicken feet allows processors to maximize carc...