Monthly Archives:: March 2018

Grain Markets Update

By Rich Cole, Grain Manager

 

Corn quality and railroad performance have been the two main features in the grain world lately. Robust corn exports off the PNW has created a much needed and welcome demand boost, along with some basis opportunity; but all the demand leaves us prone to railroad performance. The snow and cold temperatures that occurred along the PNW corridor in February hampered BNSF movement, slowed them down considerably, and spiked car values. This created a logistics knot that has taken quite a few weeks to untie and pushed back loadings at our elevators as we waited for cars. Recently, the BNSF has finally started catching up and has been pushing in train after train close together, making it quite a challenging situation at our locations.

Quality is the next big issue this year that we are struggling with. Early this winter it seemed the cold temperatures were causing the corn to crack and break but as the weather has warmed up we are still dealing with high amounts of FM. Perhaps this is related to growing degree days, the maturity of the corn, or maybe the speed of drying. Regardless of the reasons for it, we are continuing to struggle with quality and have a big book of trains yet to load in the coming months. We have taken discounts on everything from grades to screenings generated to demurrage on trains as loading has taken considerable effort. We appreciate your understanding and effort also as we’ve gone from sitting full waiting on trains to taking deliveries on extended hours to get these trains loaded.

From a market point of view, next up is the March 29th acreage report. Trade guesses are for the U.S. to plant more soybeans than corn for the first time in over 30 years. Time will tell what the actual numbers will be but it is certain to cause some volatility in our already volatile markets. Planting season is right around the corner and we want to wish everyone a safe and productive spring!

 

This material has been prepared by a sales or trading employee or agent of CHS Hedging, LLC. and should be considered a solicitation.  This communication may contain privileged and/or confidential information and is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed.  If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any unauthorized dissemination, distribution, and/or use of this communication is strictly prohibited.  CHS Hedging, LLC. makes no representation or warranty regarding the correctness of any information contained herein, or the appropriateness of any transaction for any person.  There is a risk of loss when trading commodity futures and options. 

 

Unlock More Potential with CHS Unlocked™

By Byron Fischer, CHS Key Agronomy Specialist

There are many growth regulators on the market.  Why choose CHS Unlocked?  CHS Unlocked contains naturally derived Cytokinin, Auxins, and Gibberellins in the right balance to improve growth and development of many crops.  Having the right balance is actually of more importance than having greater amounts when it comes to plant growth regulators (PGRs).  PGRs are important because they induce cell division, stimulate cell enlargement, delay senescence (loss of cell division and growth), overcome stress and improve nutrient mobilization.

One feature that causes CHS Unlocked to stand out when compared to other products on the market is that it is naturally derived.  This enables CHS Unlocked to be in a formulation that “fits” into the plant receptors, due to its natural derivation.  This enables quicker uptake and thus increased activity.  Bottom line is increased ROI.

Below is a photo of CHS Unlocked compared to a competitive product, which was taken during the 2017 growing season at a trial in Staples, MN.  You can easily see the difference CHS Unlocked makes in the plant!

Interested in learning more about CHS Unlocked?  Contact a member of our agronomy staff for more information about this product and what else CHS can do to support your farm in 2018!

Demonstrating safety in the communities where we work

ResponsibleAg

CHS now has more than 100 ResponsibleAg certified facilities from its CHS Country Operations and CHS Agronomy divisions. Out of all U.S. fertilizer facilities receiving this certification, CHS represents 12 percent of the total.

ResponsibleAg was started in 2014 to assist agribusinesses as they sought to comply with federal environmental, health, safety and security rules regarding the safe handling and storage of fertilizer products. The rigorous application process includes a checklist of more than 320 questions about federal regulatory requirements. To be certified as a ResponsibleAg facility, locations must be 100 percent compliant with the entire checklist. (more…)

Students storm the Hill with fresh perspectives and CHS support

When people ask CHS Government Affairs staff what it’s like to work as a lobbyist in Washington, D.C., they’re always curious about how the political landscape has changed in recent years. Sarah Gallo, director, CHS Government Affairs, is happy to share anecdotes, but she’d rather discuss how the conversation about agriculture has evolved. Students, farmers and the ag industry will carry that message to Capitol Hill on National Ag Day, to be celebrated March 20 in Washington, D.C., and across the country. (more…)

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