May News - You don't want to miss this.

U.S. beef, pork exports break records in March

U.S. red meat exports ended the first quarter on a very high note, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), with March beef and pork exports each posting the highest monthly value on record. Pork exports and shipments of beef muscle cuts also set new volume records in March.

Perfect Storm: Corn and cattle futures see inverted trade

The story of current corn and cattle prices started in 2019 with a slow corn planting season that extended into late June. According to Bryan Irey, senior merchandiser for Greeley-based Crossroads Coop, that left the USDA struggling to estimate corn and soybean production. Based on models that rely on crops planted in a timely way, the estimates drastically overestimated yields.

Operation Hay Lift

Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization that provides planting, haying, harvesting, and livestock feeding assistance free of charge to farm and ranch families who have experienced a major illness, injury, or natural disaster, is ramping up hay relief efforts in response to recent wildfires and ongoing drought conditions in the western Dakotas and eastern Montana.

Meet Our Team: Kevin Stith

1. Role at FFB: Credit Analyst

2. Family: Daughter Mary Brooke (15) and Son Andrew (12)

3. Education: Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Western Kentucky University and Master of Science in Ruminant Nutrition from Southern Illinois University

4. Hobbies: Raising cattle, showing livestock with my kids, and hunting.

5. What is your favorite thing about working at FFB? When I do farm visits. The one-on-one interaction really helps me understand the operation we are financing.

6. Do you have an unknown talent? Nope.

7. Favorite place you have visited? Denver, Colorado. The National Western Stock Show

8. What is one thing you would like to learn more about? Aquaculture

9. Words you live by or funny story about you: When we are working with the kids’ livestock projects, I always tell the kids, “others may be able to outspend you, but only you control whether they outwork you”. I hope they apply that same work ethic in everything they choose to do in life.

Come see us!

We plan on attending the following shows and hope to see you there!

Farm & Ranch Show Schedule:

August 3 - 5: Minnesota Farm Show in Wazasso, MN
August 10 - 12: Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Tradeshow in Nashville, TN
August 17 - 19: Dakotafest in Mitchell, SD
September 21 - 23: Farm Science Review in London, OH
November 16 - 18: Western Alfalfa & Forage Growers Show in Reno, NV
November 17 - 18: Gateway Farm Show in Kearney, NE
November 30 - December 2: Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show in Amarillo, TX
December 6 - 9: National Grazing Lands Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC
December 9 - 11: Tulsa Farm Show in Tulsa, OK

Avocado Salad

Avocado Salad with Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto – healthy recipe packed with nutrients and lots of fresh ingredients! Perfect Spring and Summer salad!

Recipe

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