
USDA’s June WASDE Preview: Minimal Changes Expected, But Corn Carries Big Questions
The USDA’s June WASDE report may look tame on the surface, but corn carries hidden volatility. With Brazil’s harvest just underway and US exports surging, expect subtle but important shifts. Futures spreads, farmer sentiment, and China’s drought all hint at deeper market dynamics not yet priced in.

Early Corn Condition Ratings: A Season Off to a Shaky Start?
The 2025 corn crop is off to a fast start with strong emergence rates, but early health ratings tell a different story. USDA's first Good-to-Excellent rating is just 68%, the weakest in five years. Despite this, projections remain at a near-record 181 bpa. Historical data suggests that may be optimistic. Here’s why this growing season could be a tightrope walk for U.S. yield expectations.

Planting Outlook: Corn and Soybeans – Ahead in Some, Stalled in Others
Corn and soybean planting is surging ahead in many U.S. states, but persistent rain in the Eastern Corn Belt has thrown others far off pace. Ohio trails corn planting averages by 19%, and 13 million soybean acres are still waiting to be sown. Will more rain push farmers toward prevent plant decisions?

Weather Delays Hamper Eastern Corn Belt Planting Progress
Persistent storms in the Eastern Corn Belt are stalling planting efforts in key states like Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Some farms report over 5 inches of rain, risking yield loss from delays and soil saturation. The USDA's lofty yield projection may be in jeopardy. Late planting, ranked third in yield impact, adds further uncertainty. As global corn stocks reach decade lows, the market is on edge.

WASDE Delivers Corn Export Shock — But Price Yawns
The USDA’s May report caught traders off guard with sharply lower corn carryout projections and a surprising export increase. Despite bullish fundamentals, markets shrugged. Why the disconnect? Disbelief, weak cash markets, and bearish momentum may be holding prices back. But if trends repeat last year’s pattern, fireworks could come later this summer. Here's what to watch.

PNW Corn Market Outlook: Competitive Bids on the Horizon
Corn exports through the Pacific Northwest are gaining strength just as grain deliveries slow down nationwide. With ethanol plants stepping back, grain elevators could take the bidding lead. Seasonal shifts, global trade flows, and regional basis activity are aligning to create a dynamic marketing environment. Here’s what to watch in the weeks ahead.

Safrinha Corn Crop: Why U.S. Producers Should Monitor Brazil’s Second Corn Crop
U.S. farmers are making planting progress, but the real wildcard might be Brazil’s Safrinha corn crop. As a major competitor in the export market, Brazil’s weather-driven yields could tilt the global corn balance. Here’s why now is the time to keep a close eye on NDVI ratings and precipitation trends in South America.

Corn Exports 2024 – 25: More Than on Track?
U.S. corn exports are defying global uncertainty with explosive growth. Averaging nearly 48 million bushels in weekly sales, exports are well ahead of pace to meet USDA’s 2024–25 target. Factors like a weak dollar, a poor Brazilian crop, and renewed international demand are fueling what could be a historic year.

Building a Strong Marketing Plan: Understanding Your Triggers, Methods, and Volume
A strong farm marketing plan starts with knowing your triggers, methods, and volume. From understanding your decision-making style to using tools like the True Hedge Momentum Indicator, every sale should be part of a larger strategy. Learn how to build a plan that matches your goals, whether it’s maximizing revenue or staying profitable year-round.

World Corn Values: Why U.S. Corn Remains Competitive Despite Tariffs
Tariffs and freight changes are shaking up the global corn market—but U.S. corn is still a top contender. With higher domestic supplies and global weather challenges, U.S. corn remains cost-effective. Even rising vessel charges haven't tipped the scales. Here's why the U.S. may continue to dominate corn exports in 2025.

Spring Wheat Seasonality: A Tougher Market to Grasp
Wheat seasonality is more complex than corn and soybeans due to varying harvest times and higher price skewness. A 20-year comparison shows the best selling time is immediately after harvest, with October consistently emerging as a strategic pricing window. Understanding these trends can help growers make informed marketing decisions.

ECAP Enrollment Update: Payments Are Already Rolling Out
Farmers are already receiving ECAP payments just days after enrollment opened! If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s the time to act. The process is simple, using prefilled 2024 crop data from your 578 form. Keep in mind key factors like shareholder reductions, prevent plant eligibility, and prorated payments. The deadline to report acres is August 15th, so don’t wait—contact your local FSA office today.

Managed Money Cuts Net Long by Over 1 Billion Bushels
Managed Money’s position in the grain markets has shifted dramatically, cutting over 1 billion bushels from its net long in just weeks. With tariff concerns rattling the market, corn and soybean prices have reacted, yet exports remain steady—for now. As uncertainty looms, how will speculators and global supply trends shape the next move? Dive into the data and insights in this blog.

Tarrifs & Basis: North Dakota
Tariffs have sparked debate in grain markets, but basis plays a bigger role. Soybean bids vanished largely due to seasonal trends, while corn remained stable, driven by rail logistics and freight costs. North Dakota farmers benefit from new crush facilities handling half the state’s soybeans, creating more stable demand. With uncertainty ahead, proactive marketing is key.

Soybean Seasonality: Does a Pattern Exist?
Soybean seasonality lacks clear patterns like corn. Over 20 years, prices stay between 98%-102%, with a slight rise in May-July and a dip at harvest. No distinct trend emerges, but recent data suggests selling before March 1st may be beneficial. Market volatility, driven by trade wars and South American production, hints at a shifting seasonality. Adaptability remains key in soybean marketing.

Spring Crop Insurance Prices: Where Are We Headed?
Spring crop insurance prices are set, with corn at $4.72, soybeans at $10.57, and wheat at $6.60. Lower volatility may reduce premiums, but rising input costs still squeeze margins. With a 21% subsidy increase for the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) and the Farm Bill Election deadline extended to April 15, now is the time to reassess coverage before the March 15 policy change deadline.

Wheat Market Update: Breakout Confirmed, But What’s Next?
Wheat has broken out of its trend, driven by a stronger Ruble, increased volatility, and shifting global conditions. While winterkill concerns persist, global wheat supply remains stable. U.S. markets are still well-supplied, but export sales have improved. With headline risks and uncertain trader sentiment, the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the market’s next move.

US PNW Corn Exports: Market Trends & Outlook
With the January–March PNW export program winding down, corn markets face seasonal slowdowns in March and early spring. Freight prices remain elevated, while basis stays subdued due to strong commercial bookings. June–July typically bring high export demand, but reduced ethanol competition could keep basis in the -30s range. Swift action will be key as market opportunities arise.

Corn Seasonality: Consistent or Changing?
Corn futures follow a seasonal pattern, with historical trends showing price peaks in May-June and sharp declines mid-summer. A 20-year analysis confirms seasonality remains consistent, though recent years show stronger early-year prices and fewer post-June selling opportunities. As 2025 planning begins, leveraging these insights can enhance marketing decisions.

Is Wheat Ready to Have Its Day?
Wheat prices are showing signs of life after a quiet winter, with rising values in the Black Sea region and a strengthening euro. MATIF wheat and the wheat-corn price relationship suggest potential for a breakout, but with weak basis and futures spreads, the market remains in wait-and-see mode.