What’s Behind the Selloff in Corn
Corn prices have fallen sharply since the May 19 peak as traders unwind bullish expectations that failed to materialize. While demand fundamentals remain supportive, the absence of Chinese buying, non-threatening weather, and seasonal weakness has fueled liquidation. The market now faces a critical test of support levels as investors weigh strong export demand against a lack of fresh bullish catalysts. Until demand surprises or weather concerns emerge, rallies may continue to attract sellers.
Summer Basis Outlook & Impacts
ND corn, soybeans, and wheat basis are facing pressure from heavy supplies, seasonal export shifts, and rail fuel surcharges. Large on-farm inventories, softer wheat demand, and reduced PNW soybean movement are keeping local bids in check. Nearby crush and mill demand is helping in a few pockets, but upside remains limited. Even with some summer improvement, freight costs are a major headwind. Basis strength may appear, but it is likely to stay highly location-dependent.
When Replanting Matters – The Market’s Worries and Your Worries
Replanting can feel urgent on the farm, but the market often sees it differently. This post breaks down why replanted acres usually do not move prices much, even when they matter a great deal to your bottom line. With practical agronomy reminders and crop insurance cautions, it helps farmers make smarter decisions under pressure. The key is to protect yield potential, follow procedure, and avoid letting emotion steer the plan. When replanting matters, timing and discipline matter even more.
May WASDE: USDA Draws the Lines, Weather Takes Over
USDA’s May WASDE set the starting line for the 2026 crop year.
Corn looks comfortable on paper, soybeans remain the tightest balance sheet, and wheat continues to face heavy supplies.
From here, weather, planting progress, and trade flows take over.
3 Pricing Mistakes That Cost Farmers More Than a Drought
Most farmers fear drought—but poor pricing decisions can cost just as much, if not more. Losing $0.50–$1.00 per bushel adds up fast on large operations. The good news? Unlike the weather, marketing decisions are within your control. Here are three costly grain pricing mistakes—and how to avoid them. Build a smarter strategy and protect your profits.
SDRP Payment Factor Doubled: What Farmers Need to Know About the Additional 35% Payment
Farmers may soon receive an additional 35% SDRP payment as USDA increases the payment factor closer to full loss coverage. No action is required for current applicants, and new applicants now have until August 10 to apply. Here’s what this update means for your operation.
Corn vs. Spring Wheat: A Fringe Area Decision
Corn may be losing ground to spring wheat in northern fringe regions as market dynamics shift.
Wheat’s recent rally and lower operational risk are turning heads.
Delayed planting and weather concerns are adding pressure to corn decisions.
Improved wheat carry and storage advantages make it an attractive alternative.
This acreage shift may not shake corn—but it could reshape wheat markets.
PNW Corn Basis April Update: Market Shifts and Summer Outlook
PNW corn basis has shifted lower following geopolitical tensions and rising fuel costs, pressuring local bids despite steady export demand. With higher on-farm stocks and reduced ethanol demand, the market faces increased supply pressure. However, early summer buying signals potential short-term opportunities. Timing will be critical as producers navigate a tightening window before new crop arrivals.
Performance and Profit, Not Hours and Inputs
Work ethic built agriculture—but it won’t carry it forward alone.
Today’s farmers face a different reality where more hours and higher yields don’t guarantee success.
True progress comes from performance and value creation.
It’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter, with intention.
Because in modern farming, value—not effort—drives profit.
The Most Overlooked Risk in 2026: Marketing Decisions Made Without Knowing True Breakeven
Most producers focus on weather and markets—but the biggest risk in 2026 is internal.
Making marketing decisions without knowing your true breakeven turns volatility into danger.
Without that number, every rally feels uncertain and every drop feels threatening.
Breakeven isn’t just a metric—it’s your decision filter.
And without it, you’re not managing risk—you’re guessing.
Corn vs. Soybeans: What the March 31st Report Could Mean for Grain Prices
The March 31st Prospective Plantings Report is set to shape early grain market sentiment. With corn and soybean acreage both expected to decline, even small shifts between the two could trigger major price moves. Rising input costs, especially for corn, are adding uncertainty. Here’s what producers and traders should watch—and why it matters.
Prices and Coverages Are Set – Is Your APH Correct?
Your crop insurance is only as strong as your APH data.
Even small errors in your yield history can cost you thousands in lost coverage.
With the April 29 deadline approaching, now is the time to review your numbers.
Don’t wait until a claim exposes costly mistakes.
Fix them while you still can.
Grain Markets on a Knife’s Edge: Volatility, WASDE, and What Comes Next
Grain markets are walking a tightrope as energy volatility, geopolitical tension, and USDA projections collide.
WASDE offered few surprises, but plenty of unanswered questions.
Corn demand assumptions look stretched. Soybeans carry heavy optimism. Wheat’s rally may be more positioning than fundamentals.
With March 31 acreage data looming, traders face critical decisions.
The question isn’t just where prices go — it’s whether you’re positioned to survive the swings.
How the U.S.–Iran Conflict Is Driving Fuel and Fertilizer Volatility Ahead of Planting
Escalating U.S.–Iran tensions have already pushed crude oil sharply higher — and agriculture is feeling the ripple effects. With the Strait of Hormuz handling 20% of global oil and 35% of fertilizer trade, disruptions could tighten fuel and input supplies at a critical time. Fertilizer prices are climbing, fuel quotes are jumping, and logistics delays are mounting. As planting season approaches, the real question isn’t just price — it’s availability. Here’s what farmers should be watching next.
Understanding the Cost of Production: The Most Important Number on Your Farm
Markets change. Weather shifts. Input costs rise.
But one number matters more than any headline: your cost of production.
When you know your true breakeven, marketing becomes strategic—not emotional.
COP turns guesswork into confidence.
And confidence is where profitability begins.
New “Umbrella” for Revenue Protection Crop Insurance Plans
A new pilot program called CLIP is changing how producers approach Revenue Protection crop insurance.
Instead of paying triple the premium to reach 85% RP coverage, CLIP offers an umbrella-style alternative—often at one-third the cost.
With new subsidy changes impacting SCO and ECO plans, farm-level analysis matters more than ever.
Does your farm actually track with the county?
CLIP may be the smarter way to protect higher revenue without overspending on premium.
Crop Insurance: Why the Rules Changed and Why Your Strategy Should Too
Crop insurance rules changed in a big way this season—and so should your strategy. Higher subsidies, expanded county coverage, and new private offsets have reshaped the economics of risk management. What worked last year may no longer be optimal. Here’s why it pays to take another look.
PNW Grain Basis Update: Demand Shifts, Freight Relief, and Waning Support
PNW grain markets are transitioning as strong early demand gives way to softer bids and easing freight constraints. Corn basis strength has faded as exporters cover nearby needs, while soybean basis remains steady but lacks fresh demand. With freight rates falling and large on-farm stocks looming, basis support may remain limited heading into summer.
What Higher Interest Rates Mean for Grain Marketing in 2026
Interest rates are now a top-line factor in grain marketing decisions. From storage and hedging to cash flow and selling timing, producers must rethink strategies to protect margins. In 2026, holding grain too long or delaying decisions can quietly erode profits. Learn how to adjust your marketing approach for today’s high-rate reality.
ARC/PLC Payments Look Promising: What 2025 Updates Mean for 2026 Decisions
With new safety nets and boosted support, 2025 ARC/PLC payments are shaping up to be more producer-friendly than ever. Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, updated payment rules offer higher guarantees and greater flexibility. Here’s what to expect—and how to plan for 2026 decisions.