Temperatures Cool, Heat Effects Linger on Crops, Congress and Markets

Here are the Top 5 things the DTN Newsroom is tracking for the week of July 30. Watch for coverage of these and other topics through the week on our subscription platforms as well as on DTNPF.com.

1. Heat brings feedlot deaths: The weekend saw scattered reports of cattle deaths from feedlots in Nebraska and other sweltering states. Numbers, while devastating locally, seemed to not be at the level to move market prices. We'll monitor those areas. For tips on getting animals through stifling conditions, see our story here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

2. Welcome cooling: Scattered rains late last week and into this week bring a slight cooling to major cropping areas. Monday's USDA weekly Crop Progress Report will give a look at crop condition going into those rains, we'll watch through the week for signs of improvement. For our latest thoughts on weather and markets, see the In The News video here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

3. Ukraine watch: Markets so far have calmed following the crumbling of the Ukraine grain deal and subsequent shelling of the Odesa grain port. But at some point, the bushels missing in the global grain bin could regain traders' attention, noted DTN Lead Analyst Todd Hultman. For a current look at grain shipping issues in the Black Sea region, see DTN Ag Policy Editor Chris Clayton's piece here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

For on-the-ground reporting from Ukraine farm country, see freelance journalist Iurii Mykhailov's recent dispatches here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

4. Recess lights dumpster fire on House playground: With Congress taking summer recess without passing an appropriations bill, the scene is set for another government shutdown threat come September. It bears watching whether the time back home soothes divisions or whether hanging with the base simply throws gas on this smoldering dumpster fire. For background and potential repercussions, see Clayton's Ag Policy blog here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….