USDA Feed Outllok

Jul 14, 2015

U.S. corn planted acres for 2015/16 are forecast at 88.9 million acres, a 2-percent decrease from the 2014/15 estimate of 90.6 million and 0.3 million lower than March producer intentions. Corn area harvested for grain is down 0.6 million acres this month, and production is cut 100 million bushels. Beginning stocks are forecast 97 million bushels lower at 1.88 billion, with increased 2014/15 feed and residual, ethanol use, and exports.

Feed and residual and exports in the new marketing year are each lowered 25 million bushels, while corn for ethanol is projected 25 million higher. Lowered supplies and recently rising prices provide support for a 25-cent increase in the midpoint corn price, which, in turn, lifts all feed grain prices.

Foreign coarse grain supplies projected for 2015/16 are reduced and use is increased, mirroring U.S. changes and contributing to a 5.3-million-ton drop in projected global ending stocks to 222.1 million.

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Source: USDA

Video: How We Pick Sheep For Use As Breeding Stock

In this episode of our sheep farming vlog at Ewetopia Farms, we’re diving deeper into one of the most important parts of raising purebred sheep — selecting our breeding stock. ?? This episode is a direct follow-up to our popular video “You Be The Judge,” where we invited viewers to help evaluate our rams. We read through your comments, shared your insights, and now we’re responding! Arnie and I go over what we agreed with, where our opinions differed, and what we look for when choosing both rams and ewes to carry on our genetics. Breeding decisions at Ewetopia Farms aren’t just about looks — they’re about structure, performance, temperament, and the future of the flock. Whether you’re building your own breeding program or just curious how we make these decisions, today’s discussion offers a rare look inside the thought process behind improving a flock year after year.