EP. 21 Cattle Markets Ahead of Grilling Season: Demand Signals, Sale Barn Reality & LRP

EP. 24 June WASDE Report 2026: Grain Prices, Crop Conditions & Summer Volatility

The June WASDE Report offered few major surprises, but it provided important context for grain producers navigating lower prices, strong crop conditions, steady demand, and a weather-driven summer market. In Episode 24 of the Bushels and Beef Podcast, grain market advisor Preston McCoy breaks down the latest June WASDE Report, including the USDA’s outlook for corn, soybeans, wheat, domestic supplies, export demand, and new-crop ending stocks. The discussion also explores why grain prices have remained under pressure despite firm corn exports and steady ethanol demand. Preston examines the influence of favorable planting conditions, early crop ratings, South American supplies, managed-money positioning, and limited weather premium across the Corn Belt. The focus of this episode is not predicting the next market move. It is understanding the current supply-and-demand environment and considering how weather, basis, crop insurance, and individual risk tolerance can influence a producer’s decision-making framework.

EP. 23 Crop Insurance Replant Deadlines, Claims Steps & Acreage Reporting (2026) | Jordan Hinkeldey

Replant season is here—and crop insurance details matter when weather, stand issues, and deadlines collide. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, crop insurance agent Jordan Hinkeldey breaks down what he’s seeing across the Midwest, how producers are handling replant decisions, and the key crop insurance deadlines and paperwork that can impact claims and coverage. Jordan walks through the first steps after hail or weather damage, including timely notice, working with adjusters, and how replant payments are generally determined. They also cover acreage reporting, why it’s a major mid-summer to-do item, and what producers can do to stay organized while finishing planting and spraying. The episode also touches on broader trends in crop insurance adoption and how some producers think about tools like ECO and revenue protection as part of a wider risk-management plan—discussed at a high level and for educational purposes. This episode is provided for general education and informational purposes only and is not individualized trading, hedging, insurance, legal, or financial advice. Coverage rules, deadlines, premiums, and outcomes vary by crop, county, and policy. Consult a licensed crop insurance agent regarding your specific operation. Futures and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

EP. 22 Cattle Markets & Beef Demand: Drought Impacts, Placements, Retail Signals | Dan Gerhold

Cattle markets have been volatile heading into summer, with feeder cattle reacting sharply even when headline reports look “neutral.” In this episode of Bushels and Beef, Dan Gerhold breaks down what may be driving the recent cattle market whiplash—how drought conditions can impact pasture decisions and sale barn flow, why placement data can be misleading when you only compare to one year, and what the market might be signaling with spread structure and discounts in deferred months. You’ll also hear a practical demand discussion focused on what matters after Memorial Day: how retailers feature beef vs competing proteins, why consumer behavior can vary by region and income levels, and how USDA retail feature data can provide additional context for beef demand into the “dog days” of summer. Topics covered: Cattle markets volatility and feeder futures selling pressure Drought impacts on grass, early movement, and sale barn runs Placement dynamics and why year-over-year comparisons can miss the bigger picture Summer beef demand signals: retailers, featured cuts, and consumer trade-down risk Using scenario planning instead of trying to predict one outcome

EP. 21 Cattle Markets Ahead of Grilling Season: Demand Signals, Sale Barn Reality & LRP

Cattle markets heading into Memorial Day weekend can feel volatile and uncertain—right when grilling season puts beef demand in the spotlight. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, Fenton Nelson breaks down the current cattle market backdrop, how producers are thinking about demand from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and why some ranchers are skeptical that major “top-line” estimates always capture what’s happening at the sale barn level. You’ll hear discussion on consumer behavior (high-end cuts vs ground beef), the impact of fuel costs on household budgets, and how dryness in key cattle regions can add uncertainty into summer decisions. Fenton also shares a high-level framework producers often use when evaluating risk tools like LRP (Livestock Risk Protection) and other downside-risk concepts—focused on planning and understanding trade-offs, not predicting prices. In this episode: * Cattle market volatility and why it can feel “directionless” * Memorial Day beef demand and what to watch after the holiday * Sale barn observations vs large headline estimates (a “ground-truth” approach) * Cow-calf vs backgrounding vs feedyard pressures (margins, input costs) * LRP (Livestock Risk Protection) planning concepts (high-level)

EP. 20 May WASDE 2026: Wheat Surprise, Corn/Beans Trading Range & Volatility Planning | Allison Ryan

The May WASDE is the first official USDA look at new-crop supply and demand—and in 2026 it came with more volatility than many producers expected, especially on the wheat side. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, grain market advisor Allison Ryan breaks down the May WASDE report and what it may mean for corn, soybeans, and wheat as planting wraps up across the Midwest. You’ll hear discussion on how late planting season can create “blinders” while markets keep moving, why the May report can still produce surprises, and how producers often think about staying disciplined through headline-driven weeks (China discussions, geopolitical uncertainty, energy prices) and the shift into a weather market. The focus is on education and planning frameworks—how to evaluate your position, set targets in advance, and reduce emotional decision-making when volatility spikes. Disclaimer: This video is provided for general education and market commentary only and does not constitute individualized trading, hedging, investment, marketing, or financial advice, and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any futures, options, or other commodity interests. Futures and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Consult qualified advisors regarding your specific situation.