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Action Deadlines

Agriculture News

Cattle futures surge to contract highs

Beef Magazine

Cattle futures hit contract highs while cash trade slowed and packers cut kills as beef demand weakens under inflation pressure. Friday's USDA Cattle on Feed report may move prices again. Watch your marketing window if you're holding cattle—this volatility could shift your sale timing.

Auctions

Four major livestock auctions hit the same day—April 17th across Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Sheep and goat sales in Jackson, MO may offer different pricing than cattle-heavy markets elsewhere that date. Check which sale's timing and stock mix fits your hauling range before committing.

Market Prices

Livestock as of 04/16/2026 (USDA daily)

Grants & Funding

Value-Added Producer Grants close Apr 22, 2026 and may help farmers add processing or marketing steps to boost what you get per bushel or head. If you're thinking about value-added work—bottling, branding, direct sales—check RBCS eligibility now; the competition typically stiffens as deadlines approach.

Recent USDA Awards

Lincoln County just pulled $191M for watershed work—largest single award running now. Wildfire defense grants ($8.7M) and boll weevil eradication ($8M) are actively paying. If you're near erosion problems or pest pressure, check your county's applications before deadlines close.

Subsidy Payments

$16.2 billion flowed to farms last year, but 80% landed in just 15 counties. Corn and soy dominated, though your county may have gotten less than neighbors 50 miles away depending on crop mix and program rules. Worth checking your local USDA office to see if you're claiming what's available.

Drought Status

Forty-two percent of the lower 48 is abnormally dry or worse—highest coverage since 2022. That threshold matters because it may trigger expanded eligibility for USDA drought assistance programs and could affect your crop insurance indemnity calculations. Check your county's drought classification now; it determines which relief programs you qualify for before the window closes.

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