
Record Corn Yields? The Market's Betting on It—But Is That Realistic?
US corn crop ratings are strong, and traders are talking record yields near 188 bu/ac. Historical comparisons suggest it’s possible, but weather issues like drown-outs and tassel wrap might complicate things. Is the market too optimistic?

Understanding the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP)
The USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), launched July 10, 2025, offers targeted support for agricultural producers impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. If you received a pre-filled USDA application, you may qualify for financial assistance. Learn how Stage 1 payments work, who’s eligible, and how to prepare for Stage 2. Speed and insurance coverage matter — here’s what to do next.

U.S. Corn Exports Set to Break Records as Supply Tightens
U.S. corn exports are on pace to smash records as domestic use stays strong and supplies tighten. Export bids are rising sharply, basis is firming across the Midwest, and interior movement is unusually slow. With Brazil facing port delays, the U.S. remains the go-to origin—fueling a market that’s already heating up.

June 30 USDA Report: A Snoozer on Paper, Subtle Signals in the Numbers
June 30’s USDA report may not have moved markets much, but the underlying data reveals a lot. Corn and soybean acres came in under expectations, with tighter stocks hinting at potential future cuts. Soybeans face a shifting acreage landscape, and wheat stocks are keeping a ceiling on prices. Here’s a closer breakdown of what it all means and what might come next.

USDA's June Acreage Report: What to Watch
The USDA’s June Acreage Report—set for release on June 30th—could shake up the grain markets. Corn, soybeans, and wheat all have acreage expectations rooted in March estimates, but historical trends suggest adjustments are coming. With funds heavily short on corn and soybeans on the rise, a bullish surprise could spark market moves. Here's what traders should be watching.

2024 Final County Yields Released: What It Means for ECO/SCO Payments
The Risk Management Agency has published the final 2024 county yield data, triggering ECO/SCO crop insurance payments. Corn and soybean prices fell sharply, but payouts vary by location. Not every county qualifies—map visuals pinpoint where claims are likely. AI analysis confirms USDA estimates, streamlining the validation process. Plus, ARC/PLC payments may follow based on the final marketing year price.

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.