1. Cattle convenings: This week marks the 2024 cattle industry CattleCon in Orlando. Watch for event news from DTN Senior Livestock Editor Jennifer Carrico. If you're in town and see her, buy her a cup of coffee for us. She's earning it.
2. From freeze to flood: Weather is expected to continue to warm up across the country this week. That sets up flooding conditions in areas where heavy snow melt occurs where creeks and rivers are still ice covered. There are already weekend flood warnings in areas of Illinois, others may be added into the week.
3. Immigration breakdown: Attend any ag-related meeting and the subject of farm labor shortages and immigration issues are likely on the agenda. With late-week rumblings of presidential politics throwing roadblocks in pending immigration legislation, we'll watch through the week to see if any significant policies bust through.
4. Market happenings: In the grains, attention will be on rains in Argentina and parts of Brazil, as solid yield potential in the Southern Hemisphere pulls down on soybean futures charts.
5. Economic reports to watch: First ag-related report of the week is Monday's 10 a.m. release of U.S. Grain Inspections. Tuesday starts with the 8 a.m. filing of the Case and Shiller Home Price Index. At 9 a.m. the lates Job Openings and Consumer Confidence Index numbers hit. Wednesday, ADP releases its latest employment figures at 7:15 a.m.; at 1 p.m. we'll get the Federal Reserve Interest rate decision. At 2 p.m. there are several releases, including the Broiler Hatchery report and the Bi-Annual Cattle Report, which will show inventory and value of cattle and calves. Also included are statistics on cattle on feed and grazing on small grain pasture, as well as calf crop data. Thursday starts with a 7:30 a.m. release of Initial Jobless Claims and the U.S. Grain Weekly Export Sales report. At 8:45 a.m. the U.S. Manufacturing PMI will be released. The week closes with Friday's 7:30 a.m. release of U.S. Nonfarm payroll data, U.S. Unemployment Rate and U.S. Hourly Wages. At 9 a.m. Factory Orders reports will be released.