'Tis The Season
/
Coast Guards Cadets
Partners & Friends,
Only one week until we celebrate the birth of our Savior! After some snowfall—which, fortunately, we only had to push once—the weather is warming, and it appears there will be no white Christmas. Historically, central Illinois only has about a 25% chance of that anyway.
We are hauling corn as fast as the elevators will allow. Yesterday we managed only three loads to TriOak. The shuttle is closed today and tomorrow because they are full and having difficulty scheduling trains. The next two weeks will bring reduced days and hours at all facilities.
Meanwhile, the office crew is putting in long hours handling year-end accounting, finalizing 2025 crop production reports and analysis, and laying the groundwork for next season. We are forecasting margins similar to what we experienced this past year (slim) and “normal” weather—though long-range forecasts are a WAG anyhow. 🤷♂️ The goat barn is prepping for a goat sale, and the peer group met this week.
We are eagerly anticipating a Santa Claus rally in the commodity markets. China appears to be slowly buying our soybeans. The amount of farmland up for auction this winter seems staggering. The Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting was history-making—the first time I can recall a president serving only one term. 🫤 And our national economy must be doing well, with air travel setting records.
We anticipate a quiet Christmas here on the farm, with some family gatherings after New Year’s. Phyllis is dealing with some knee discomfort. Girls’ basketball season is in full swing. And we pray for peaceful, silent nights. 🙏
Fall 2026 Prices:
Corn: $4.29
Soybeans: $10.36
Enjoy the season and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!
Steve
