1. Cattle prices and LRP: The conversation around what's going on in cattle markets continues and our analysts and journalists continue to follow the trail this week, with reports from cattle meetings and conversations with producers, traders and the insurance industry.
2. Big stories in 2023: We'll kick off our annual review of the 10 most influential ag stories in 2023 this week. We'll look at weather events, financial surprises and at the things that didn't happen, but should have. Look for our Top 10 story lines through the end of the year, leading up to the story we think was the most critical.
3. More from yield contests: The big news last week was Virginia farmer David Hula's record-breaking corn yield of 623.8439 bushels per acre. We'll have more tales from this year's yield contests both on the DTN platforms, and in the February issue of Progressive Farmer. I
4. Eyes remain on South America: While corn farmers got an early Christmas present with the guidance decision affecting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credits, which could be a pivotal moment for the ethanol industry, the markets are still watching crop growth in South America. Weather models continue to show favorable conditions through January for much of Brazil and Argentina.
5. Economic reports to watch: On Monday, USDA's weekly grain export inspections report hits at 10 a.m., just after the latest government home builder confidence index at 8 a.m. Then Tuesday kicks off with the 7:30 a.m. release of housing starts and building permits. Wednesday, the latest EIA petroleum report hits 10 a.m., which includes ethanol production and inventory. The Energy Department's weekly inventory report is at 9:30 a.m. Existing home sales is scheduled to be released at 9 a.m. On Thursday, we see the USDA weekly export sales report at 7:30 a.m., the same time as weekly initial U.S. jobless claims. The third-quarter GDP report is released at 7:30 a.m., with latest leading economic indicators at 9 a.m. Finally, Friday is a busy report day, with durables-goods orders for November followed by personal income and spending data for November, all released at 7:30 a.m. New home sales will be released at 9 a.m. The latest Cattle-on-Feed and a Hogs and Pigs report are released after market close.