Closing Market Report

Todd E. Gleason

Established 1985

The Closing Market Report airs weekdays at 2:06pm central on WILL AM580, Urbana. University of Illinois Extension Farm Broadcaster Todd Gleason hosts the program. Each day he asks commodity analysts about the trade in Chicago, delves deep into the global growing regions weather, and talks with ag economists, entomologists, agronomists, and others involved in agriculture at the farm and industry level.

website: willag.org
twitter: @commodityweek

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#10450
Friday · 18 min
Oct 02 | Closing Market Report
cmr261002 The October 2, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, provides updates on agricultural commodity markets, pricing trends, and weather forecasts. Market analyst Mike Zuzolo discusses the impact of macroeconomic factors—such as diesel export policies and rising bond yields—on corn and soybean prices following the recent grain stocks report. Additionally, University of Illinois agricultural economist Joe Janzen explains the typical drop in corn basis during the peak fall harvest window, noting regional differences across the Corn Belt. Finally, meteorologist Eric Snodgrass offers a weather outlook, detailing how recent heavy rains have stalled harvest progress and discussing the potential long-term disruptions caused by a historically strong El Niño pattern. 01:28 Ag Markets with Mike Zuzolo, Global Commodity Analytics and Consulting 06:50 Managing the Fall Harvest Basis Dip 09:42 Ag Weather with Eric Snodgrass, Nutrien Ag Solutions ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10449
Thursday · 23 min
Oct 01 | Closing Market Report
This edition of the Closing Market Report reviews daily agricultural market settlements before examining commodity trends, input costs, nutrient management, and regional weather patterns. Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net discusses harvest progress, noting that recent rains slowed soybean cutting in parts of the Corn Belt while outlining how Chinese export demand, tariff developments, and basis volatility are shaping the corn and soybean outlook. The broadcast highlights the impact of record-high diesel prices exceeding $6 per gallon on field operations and transportation costs during harvest. University of Illinois agricultural economist Gary Schnitkey shares findings from Precision Conservation Management data across half a million acres, explaining that adhering to Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) guidelines—typically 150 to 200 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre—delivers significantly higher operator returns than prevailing over-application rates. Finally, atmospheric scientist Mike Tannura of Tstorm.net details how recent heavy rains across the central Plains and western Corn Belt will give way to a 10-to-15-day dry, mild window favorable for fieldwork, while analyzing how an emerging strong El Niño is driving wetter conditions across both the Plains and South American growing regions. 02:44 Ag Markets with Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net 08:16 The High Cost of Diesel and Fall Harvest 09:15 Implications for 2027 Nitrogen Decisions 17:04 Ag Weather with Mike Tannura, Tstorm.net ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10448
Wednesday · 23 min
Sep 30 | Closing Market Report
The September 30, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report hosted by Todd Gleason covers daily commodity futures and features detailed analysis of agricultural markets and global weather. Analyst Greg Johnson of Total Grain Marketing unpacks the USDA's quarterly grain stocks report, explaining that unexpectedly high corn ending stocks caused prices to drop, while soybean stocks aligned more closely with trade expectations. Johnson also shares early local harvest observations, noting that soybean yields are generally above average but corn yields are trending lower than the previous year. Following the market update, meteorologist Drew Lerner of World Weather Inc. provides a global weather forecast. Lerner highlights how heavy rainfall is delaying harvest progress in the western Corn Belt, particularly in Iowa, but notes favorable weather patterns for crop development and harvest across Argentina and China respectively. 02:51 Ag Markets with Greg Johnson, TGM 14:01 Ag Weather with Drew Lerner, World Weather Inc. ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10447
Tuesday · 23 min
Sep 29 | Closing Market Report
The September 29, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, provides a comprehensive update on commodity markets, agricultural policy, and weather. Market analyst Naomi Blohm discusses recent grain trading trends, upcoming USDA reports, and the market impact of lagging crop maturity and harvest delays. The program highlights several updates from Washington, D.C., including the rollout of a new digital acreage reporting system by the Farm Service Agency, the ongoing partisan stall of the new farm bill in the Senate, and legislative efforts to secure permanent year-round access to E15 fuel. Additionally, the broadcast features analysis on why increased foreign beef imports have failed to lower consumer prices amid a record-low domestic cattle herd. The episode concludes with meteorologist Don Day forecasting heavy, harvest-delaying rains across the western Corn Belt, followed by a transition to a cooler, drier weather pattern. 00:58 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing 07:05 WILLAg News Update 16:00 Lower-Cost Fuel at Stake in E15 Debate 19:01 Ag Weather with Don Day, Day Weather ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10446
Monday · 23 min
Sep 28 | Closing Market Report
The September 28, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, covers commodity futures and features analysis from three agricultural experts. University of Illinois agricultural economist Joe Janzen discusses the commodity market's negative reaction to the recent Trump-Xi summit, specifically noting the exclusion of soybeans from reciprocal tariff reductions. Janzen also analyzes a typical 15-cent drop in corn basis during the five-week peak harvest window due to supply pressure. University of Missouri agricultural economist Jason Franken reviews the USDA Hogs and Pigs and cold storage reports, concluding that lowered domestic pork consumption and reduced export projections will likely squeeze hog producers' profitability. Finally, Mark Russo of EverStream Analytics provides a weather update, contrasting harvest-delaying rains in the western Corn Belt with dry conditions in the eastern states, while also noting favorable planting moisture in center-west Brazil. 01:59 Ag Markets with Joe Janzen, University of Illinois 15:48 USDA Hogs and Pigs Report 17:49 Ag Weather with Mark Russo, EverStream Analytics ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10445
September 25 · 15 min
Sep 25 | Closing Market Report
The September 25, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, examines recent developments in commodity markets and global agricultural weather. Market analyst Mike Zuzolo discusses the potential for rain-damaged crops in the US corn and bean belt, the market anticipation surrounding agricultural export details from a recent Trump-Xi meeting, and strategies for producers to manage price risks amidst harvest delays and rising diesel costs. Meteorologist Eric Snodgrass details how heavy rains and gloomy conditions have stalled harvest efforts in the Midwest, noting that moisture from an East Pacific hurricane could cause further regional delays. Additionally, Snodgrass warns that a record-breaking El Nino may disrupt early soybean planting in South America due to inconsistent rainfall. 01:08 Ag Markets with Mike Zuzolo, Global Commodity Analytics and Consulting 08:56 Ag Weather with Eric Snodgrass, Nutrien Ag Solutions ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10444
September 24 · 23 min
Sep 24 | Closing Market Report
The September 24, 2026, edition of the *Closing Market Report*, hosted by Todd Gleason for Illinois Public Media, focuses on harvest progress, fertilizer management, and agricultural weather while soliciting donations for the station's fall fund drive. Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net opens the broadcast discussing highly variable corn harvest yields, tile drainage performance, and market expectations surrounding U.S.–China trade negotiations and Chinese commodity buying commitments. University of Illinois soil fertility specialist John Jones then reviews best practices for fall anhydrous ammonia applications, advising growers to delay applications until 4-inch soil temperatures drop below 50°F and are cooling, while explaining the utility of nitrification inhibitors, the nitrogen efficiency gains of spring applications, and proper use of the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) calculator. Finally, Mike Tannura of Tstorm Weather outlines near-term harvest delays across the western Corn Belt due to heavy rainfall in Iowa, favorable planting moisture conditions across Brazil and Argentina, and the positive historical correlation between an emerging strong El Niño pattern and U.S. hard red winter wheat yields. 00:48 Ag Markets with Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net 06:40 NH3 Applications this Fall and Next Spring 16:07 Donate Now 217-44-9455 or willgive.org 16:56 Ag Weather with Mike Tannura, Tstorm.net ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10443
September 23 · 28 min
Sep 23 | Closing Market Report
The September 23, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason on Illinois Public Media, covers regional harvest progress, national agricultural policy, and global weather patterns. Greg Johnson of TGM Total Grain Marketing opens the program with a market update, noting that farmers are waiting for corn to dry down naturally in the fields before harvest activity increases. He also discusses how grain markets are currently trading sideways as they await potential news from an upcoming meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi. The broadcast then features an excerpt from a National Association of Farm Broadcasting panel with Ethan Lane, Rob Brenneman, and Geoff Cooper. The panelists discuss their expectations for the Trump-Xi meeting, caution against the unintended consequences of potentially banning U.S. diesel exports, and advocate for free-market principles over government intervention in the agricultural supply chain. Finally, meteorologist Drew Lerner of World Weather Inc. provides an update on global crop weather, highlighting upcoming rainfall that should benefit U.S. winter wheat regions, favorable early planting conditions in Brazil, and an extended period of heat and dryness in Australia driven by El Niño. Throughout the program, Gleason also appeals for listener financial support during the station's fall fund drive; 217-244-9455 or willgive.org to donate. 01:17 Ag Markets with Greg Johnson, TGM Total Grain Marketing 09:34 Trump, Xi, Fuel, Free Trade, and Socialism 20:51 Ag Weather with Drew Lerner, World Weather Inc ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10442
September 22 · 25 min
Sep 22 | Closing Market Report
The September 22, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason during a fall fund drive for Illinois Public Media, covers commodity markets, global agribusiness supply chains, and regional weather forecasts. Make your gift today in Support of Agriculture @ willgive.org or 217-244-9455 Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing analyzes slight declines in corn and soybean futures, discusses producer storage costs, and assesses potential market impacts from an anticipated meeting between President Trump and President Xi. Gary Schnitkey from the University of Illinois shares insights from his global agribusiness management class, highlighting the differences between protein-driven agricultural demand in developing nations like China and the growing preference for specialized, verified non-commodity foods in developed countries. Finally, meteorologist Don Day provides a weather update for the US Corn Belt, forecasting dry conditions in the eastern states and heavy rainfall moving into the western plains. 00:54 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, TotalFarmMarketing.com 09:00 ACE 435 - Global Agribusiness Management 21:56 Ag Weather with Don Day, DayWeather.com ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10441
September 21 · 23 min
Sep 21 | Closing Market Report
The September 21, 2026, edition of the *Closing Market Report*, hosted by Todd Gleason, covers agricultural trade, station fundraising, and weather forecasts. Agricultural economist Ben Brown details the potential market implications of an upcoming meeting in Washington, D.C., between Presidents Trump and Xi, analyzing the fulfillment of past US-China trade commitments and the effects of high global energy and fertilizer prices on domestic and international grain production. Gleason follows with an appeal for listener donations during Illinois Public Media's fall fund drive to support the station's agricultural programming. Shifting to policy, Gleason highlights the row crop and livestock sectors' reliance on immigrant labor, shares a personal anecdote regarding citizenship documentation struggles for an international adoptee, and urges Congress to enact meaningful immigration reform. To conclude the program, Mark Russo of EverStream Analytics provides a weather update, noting that enhanced monsoonal moisture is benefiting winter wheat planting in the Plains, highlighting a notably quiet Atlantic hurricane season, and predicting persistent wet conditions that will delay the harvest across Iowa. 00:26 Ag Markets with Ben Brown, University of Missouri 11:50 Make a Pledge Today @ 217-244-9455 or willgive.org 13:01 Immigration 16:16 Ag Weather with Mark Russo, EverStream.ai ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10440
September 18 · 19 min
Sep 18 | Closing Market Report
The September 18, 2026, Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, details commodity market movements and agricultural weather forecasts. Mike Zuzolo of GlobalCommResearch.com analyzes the tightening of cash soybean supplies and the negative impact of diesel rail surcharges on local grain bids. He outlines concerns that the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate hike will weaken both domestic and export demand, advising producers to consider hedging strategies amid high market volatility. Meteorologist Eric Snodgrass of Nutrien Ag Solutions forecasts an extended period of heavy rainfall across the northern Corn Belt, potentially stalling early harvest operations. Snodgrass contrasts this with record-setting heat in the southern United States and delayed crop planting progress in South America. 01:05 Ag Markets with Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com 11:30 Ag Weather with Eric Snodgrass, NutrienAgSolutions.com ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10439
September 17 · 23 min
Sep 17 | Closing Market Report
The September 17, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report covers commodity trade updates, energy pressures, agricultural policy, farmland economics, and global weather patterns affecting harvest and planting. Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net assesses early East Central Illinois harvest yields, noting relatively solid soybean returns compared to mixed corn results, while advising producers on risk management amid tight global grain stocks, Black Sea logistical bottlenecks, and US-Canada trade tensions. GasBuddy's Patrick DeHaan examines surging diesel prices driven by drone strikes on Russian refining infrastructure, Middle East supply threats, and constrained domestic refining capacity, alongside news of proposed diesel export bans, steady ethanol production, the Senate Farm Bill advancing out of committee, and House passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Juo-Han Tsay of the University of Illinois evaluates projected 2027 Illinois cash rents, forecasting stable to slightly softening rates due to high input costs offsetting recent commodity price support. Finally, Mike Tannura of Tstorm Weather outlines near-term Corn Belt rainfall distributions, beneficial upcoming moisture across the Southern Plains winter wheat belt, and precipitation trends impacting South American wheat quality and Brazilian soybean planting conditions. 01:19 Ag Markets with Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net 08:32 Diesel Fuel Market with Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy.com 14:06 2027 Illinois Cash Rents with Juo-Han Tsay, University of Illinois 18:13 Ag Weather with Mike Tannura, Tstorm.net ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10438
September 16 · 23 min
Sep 16 | Closing Market Report
The September 16, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason from Illinois Public Media and University of Illinois Extension, covers current commodity markets, agricultural farm management, energy infrastructure, and global weather patterns. The broadcast begins with a commodity market recap featuring Greg Johnson of Total Grain Marketing, who discusses grain and livestock price action, market volatility tied to rumors concerning Chinese President Xi Jinping, CONAB’s Brazilian crop projections, and strong spec fund positions amid the early U.S. harvest. Gleason then previews a farmdoc report and upcoming webinar by Gary Schnitkey and Nick Paulson analyzing Illinois county cash rent trends for 2026 and projections into 2027. Transitioning to rural infrastructure, Stephanie Hoff reports on how electric cooperatives are managing the surge in electricity demand from large-scale data centers, featuring insights from NRECA CEO Jim Matheson on permitting hurdles and grid reliability. Finally, meteorologist Drew Lerner of World Weather, Inc. provides a global crop weather update, reviewing drought conditions in the Southern Plains, wet field conditions slowing harvest across portions of the Corn Belt, historically dry waterways impacting grain transport in France and Europe, and early-season planting rainfall across South America. 02:38 Ag Markets with Greg Johnson, TotalGrainMarketing.com 11:10 farmdoc Updates Illinois Cash Rents by County Map 12:52 Data Centers and Electirc Cooperatives 16:10 Ag Weather with Drew Lerner, WorldWeather.cc ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10437
September 15 · 23 min
Sep 15 | Closing Market Report
The September 15, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, outlines current commodity market movements, agricultural energy constraints, and harvest weather forecasts. Naomi Blohm highlights unexpected technical strength in soybean futures despite bearish USDA data, while analyzing Brazilian crop estimates and anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. Dave Chatterton details a severe degradation in global diesel inventories driven by concurrent international conflicts, pushing fuel prices to historic highs as the U.S. harvest begins. Finally, Don Day forecasts a persistent, week-long rain event across the northern Corn Belt that will stall early harvest operations before giving way to cooler, drier conditions in October. 01:41 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, TotalFarmMarketing.com 09:53 Ag Energies with Dave Chatterton, Strategic Farm Marketing 18:11 Ag Weather with Don Day, DayWeather.com 21:45 2027 Cash Rent Negotiations Webinar Thursday @ 11am Central ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10436
September 14 · 23 min
Sep 14 | Closing Market Report
The September 14, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason of the University of Illinois Extension, features three primary discussions centered on agricultural markets, agronomic practices, and weather forecasting. Agricultural economist Frayne Olson explores the commodity markets, explaining how surging energy prices and transportation fuel surcharges influence grain basis levels and delivery timing without significantly impacting overall demand. Olson also highlights that widespread drought in North Dakota is negatively affecting local corn and soybean yields. In the second segment, University of Illinois entomologist Nick Seiter discusses the return on investment for prophylactic insecticide applications in corn and soybeans. He notes that standard insecticide inclusions with fungicides or seed treatments rarely provide economic value, as insect populations in Illinois typically do not reach yield-limiting thresholds. Finally, meteorologist Mark Russo from EverStream Analytics delivers a regional weather outlook, predicting warm, dry conditions conducive to rapid harvesting in the southern Corn Belt. Russo also notes that a historically strong El Niño pattern is bringing necessary moisture for hard red winter wheat planting across the southwestern Plains. 01:31 Ag Markets with Frayne Olson, North Dakota State University 11:52 The ROI of "it's included" Insecticides 18:36 Ag Weather with Mark Russo, EverStream.ai ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10435
September 11 · 23 min
Sep 11 | Closing Market Report
The September 11, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason from University of Illinois Extension, covers agricultural commodity markets, agronomy updates, and seasonal weather patterns affecting harvest. The program begins with market analysis from Mike Zuzolo of GlobalCommResearch.com, who evaluates the latest USDA WASDE and crop production estimates alongside settling grain prices, the unwinding of soy-corn spreads, technical price thresholds, and the influence of rising crude oil prices driven by Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions. Abigail Peterson of the Illinois Soybean Association then recaps the ISA Field Day in Decatur, highlighting on-farm trial protocols, cover crop biomass studies for weed suppression, free soybean cyst nematode testing, and upcoming winter residue management workshops. Finally, atmospheric scientist Eric Snodgrass of Nutrien Ag Solutions breaks down regional and global weather trends, noting an unusually quiet Atlantic hurricane season 01:53 Ag Markets with Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com 08:41 Recapping the ISA Field Day in Decatur 15:11 Ag Weather with Eric Snodgrass, NutrienAgSolutions.com ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10434
September 10 · 23 min
Sep 10 | Closing Market Report
The September 10, 2026 edition of the Closing Market Report provides a comprehensive overview of commodity markets, fall fertilizer strategies, and agricultural weather. Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net attributes recent market gains to confirmed Chinese purchases and tight global soybean stocks, advising producers to manage risk through hedging rather than relying on continued rallies. John Jones, a University of Illinois soil scientist, outlines fall fertilizer recommendations, stressing the economic value of targeted grid or zone soil testing for phosphorus and potassium to avoid unnecessary applications. He also emphasizes utilizing the Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator to optimize anhydrous ammonia rates. Lastly, Mike Tannura of Tstorm Weather forecasts a shift toward cooler, wetter conditions in the central United States that should benefit wheat planting, while noting unusually heavy early-season rainfall in southern Brazil and the developing impacts of a historically strong El Niño pattern. 01:02 Ag Markets with Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net 07:55 UofIL Fall Fertilizer Application Recommendations 17:04 Ag Weather with Mike Tannura, Tstorm.net ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10433
September 9 · 23 min
Sep 09 | Closing Market Report
This episode of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, provides a comprehensive update on commodity markets, the beef industry, and global agricultural weather. The program begins with Greg John from Total Grain Marketing, who discusses pre-report estimates for upcoming USDA crop production figures, noting expected yield drops for corn and soybeans, alongside the potential market impacts of Chinese commodity purchasing. Next, University of Illinois extension beef specialist Travis Meteer analyzes the current cattle cycle, explaining how meatpacking plant closures and low herd inventories are shaping the industry while cattle are being fed to all-time heavy weights to compensate for lower head counts. Finally, Drew Lerner of World Weather Incorporated delivers a global weather outlook, highlighting the erratic early-season showers in Brazil, persistent heat in the southwestern United States, harvest-delaying rains across the Midwest, and a large storm system threatening crop quality in the Canadian Prairies. 01:43 Ag Markets with Greg Johnson, TotalGrainMarketing.com 11:10 Thoughts on the State of the Beef Industry 14:46 Ag Weather with Drew Lerner, WorldWeather.cc ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10432
September 8 · 23 min
Sep 08 | Closing Market Report
The September 8, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, provides a comprehensive overview of commodity trade, agricultural policy, and regional weather. Following the settlement numbers, Naomi Blohm of TotalFarmMarketing.com analyzes quiet post-holiday trade action in corn and soybeans, strong overnight gains in wheat driven by Black Sea developments, and market positioning ahead of the USDA's upcoming WASDE report. The program then examines federal agricultural policy, detailing producer dissatisfaction over the Trump administration's 90-day tariff suspension on South American beef imports, featuring commentary from Nebraska cattle rancher John O'Dea on producer margins, and reviewing executive orders targeting meatpacker concentration. University of Minnesota agricultural economist Ed Usset follows with historical context on August grain rallies, comparing current market movements to previous years—such as 2003, 2011, and 2022—while cautioning against expectations of runaway harvest rallies. Finally, meteorologist Don Day of DayWeather outlines the regional forecast, highlighting modest temperature relief and scattered shower activity extending into the Corn Belt and southern Plains fueled by subtropical moisture from the Pacific. 01:59 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, TotalFarmMarketing.com 08:25 Beef Imports, Meatpackers, Ranchers, and the Oval Office 11:13 Commodity Market Discussion with Ed Usset 20:36 Ag Weather with Don Day, DayWeather.com ★ Support this podcast ★
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#10431
September 7 · 3 min
Labor Day, a brief history
I’m Todd Gleason for University of Illinois Extension with a history of labor day in the United States. It’s adapted from a story found on the United States Embassy to Sweden’s website. Eleven-year-old Peter McGuire sold papers on the street in New York City. He shined shoes and cleaned stores and later ran errands. It was 1863 and his father, a poor Irish immigrant, had just enlisted to fight in the Civil War. Peter had to help support his mother and six brothers and sisters. Many immigrants settled in New York City in the nineteenth century. They found that living conditions were not as wonderful as they had dreamed. Often there were six families crowded into a house made for one family. Thousands of children had to go to work. Working conditions were even worse. Immigrant men, women and children worked in factories for ten to twelve hours a day, stopping only for a short time to eat. They came to work even if they were tired or sick because if they didn't, they might be fired. Thousands of people were waiting to take their places. When Peter was 17, he began an apprenticeship in a piano shop. This job was better than his others, for he was learning a trade, but he still worked long hours with low pay. At night he went to meetings and classes in economics and social issues of the day. One of the main issues of concern pertained to labor conditions. Workers were tired of long hours, low pay and uncertain jobs. They spoke of organizing themselves into a union of laborers to improve their working conditions. In the spring of 1872, Peter McGuire and 100,000 workers went on strike and marched through the streets, demanding a decrease in the long working day. This event convinced Peter that an organized labor movement was important for the future of workers' rights. He spent the next year speaking to crowds of workers and unemployed people, lobbying the city government for jobs and relief money. It was not an easy road for Peter McGuire. He became known as a "disturber of the public peace." The city government ignored his demands. Peter himself could not find a job in his trade. He began to travel up and down the east coast to speak to laborers about unionizing. In 1881, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and began to organize carpenters there. He organized a convention of carpenters in Chicago, and it was there that a national union of carpenters was founded. He became General Secretary of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. The idea of organizing workers according to their trades spread around the country. Factory workers, dock workers and toolmakers all began to demand and get their rights to an eight-hour workday, a secure job and a future in their trades. Peter McGuire and laborers in other cities planned a holiday for workers on the first Monday in September, halfway between Independence Day and Thanksgiving Day. On September 5, 1882 the first Labor Day parade was held in New York City. ★ Support this podcast ★
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