Initial Progress Reports Show Corn Plantings 2% Underway

Corn plantings for the week ending March 31 were 2% underway when averaging the 18 primary corn production states. This is slightly above the 5-year average by this time last year and is even with this week last year.

Texas is ahead of schedule, with 57% of its corn crop in the ground, compared to the 5-year average of 53%.

Plantings in Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee are each 2% underway. Meanwhile, 12 of the 18 primary production states have reported zero progress in plantings so far this year...

Scoular Expands Footprint in Kansas with Purchase of Three Grain Facilities

Scoular, an agribusiness that buys, sells, stores, handles and processes grain and ingredients, recently announced that it has acquired three grain handling facilities in central Kansas.

The facilities were purchased from Skyland Grain and will allow the company to more than double its storage capacity in the region. The acquisition will complement Scoular's shuttle-loading facility in Pratt, which the company has operated for more than a decade. 

Scoular will handle corn, wheat, soybeans, milo, and canola at the three newly acquired grain facilities. The grain...

Corn Harvest 88%, Soybeans 95% Complete in Latest Crop Progress Report

In the latest Crop Progress report, the USDA shows 88% of corn is now harvested, up from 81% the week prior and two percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. 

Nearby corn futures contracts are fractionally higher in early Tuesday trading following yesterday's rally. December corn was last trading nearly flat at $4.77 ½ per bushel. 

The soybean harvest is nearly complete at 95%, up from the previous week's figure of 91%. The five-year average rate is also 91%...

Corn Harvest Up to 81% Complete, Soybeans Near Completion

The corn harvest has reached 81% completion as of Sunday, November 5. This compares to the 5-year average of 77% at this time.

Most of the corn harvest typically wraps up in late November, though some states harvest well into December.

December corn is currently trading at $4.74 ¼ per bushel, down 3 cents. Traders and industry participants await Thursday’s USDA WASDE report, scheduled for release at 12:00 pm EST.

The soybean harvest is 5 points ahead of the 5-year average rate at 91% completion. Louisiana reports...

Latest Crop Progress Shows Corn Harvest 71%, Soybeans 85% Complete

In the latest Crop Progress report, the USDA shows 71% of corn is now harvested, up from 59% the week prior and surpassing the 5-year average figure by five percentage points. 

Nearby corn futures contracts are fractionally higher in early Tuesday trading.

85% of the soybean harvest is complete, up from the previous week's figure of 76%. This is two points behind year-ago progress but is seven points ahead of the 5-year average.

January soybeans were last trading 3 ½ cents higher at $13.11 a bushel...

Corn Harvest Up to 59% in Latest Crop Progress Report

The corn harvest as of Sunday, October 22^nd, was up to 59% completion, according to the latest USDA survey. This figure is on par with year-ago progress and is ahead of the 5-year average by five points. Corn in the mature stage has reached completion.

Nearby corn futures were last trading 3 cents lower per bushel.

76% of soybeans have been harvested so far this season, up from 62% the week prior. This figure exceeds the 5-year average by 9 points but is behind the year-ago figure...

Soybean Harvest Progressing at Rapid Pace in Latest Crop Progress Report

The corn harvest as of Sunday, October 15^th, was up to 45% completion, according to the latest USDA survey. This figure outpaces 2022 progress by two points and is three points ahead of the 5-year average.

Corn in the mature stage is nearing completion at 95%. The condition of the corn crop was nearly unchanged from the previous week, with 29% rated fair, 43% good, and 10% excellent.

Nearby corn futures are trading 1 to 1 ¾ cents lower so far this morning...

Corn and Soybean Harvests Both Up to 23% in Latest Crop Progress Report

Corn mature was up to 82% in the latest Crop Progress report, up from 70% the previous week and 7 points ahead of the 5-year average rate.

The corn harvest is up to 23% completion as of Sunday, October 1st. This is ahead of 2022 progress at this time as well as the 5-year average rate of 21%.

States leading the corn harvest include North Carolina with 86% of their harvest completed, Texas with 78%, and Tennessee with 58%...

The condition of the 2023 corn...

Russia and China Planning to Construct Bordering Grain Terminal 

Over the four-day Eastern Economic Forum held in Vladivostok, Russia from September 10-13, Chinese and Russian officials signed multiple deals to enhance trade flows between the two countries. 

This includes the construction of a new grain terminal, called the Grain Terminal Nizhneleninskoye-Tongjiang, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The terminal will help export food produced in the Ural Mountains, Siberia, and Russia’s Far East to China. 

The new logistics hub will be located between Vladivostok, a major port city in Russia, and China’s northeastern province of...

.

The 2023 Corn Harvest Is Officially Underway

The week ending September 10^th marked the first week of measurable corn harvest in the United States for 2023.

The USDA reports that 5 percent of this year’s corn crop has been harvested so far, which is on par with a year ago at this time and one point ahead of the 5-year average. Texas reports 62 percent of its corn crop has been harvested, while North Carolina has harvested 49 percent. Seven of the 18 primary corn-producing states have yet to begin their harvest activities...

Corn Growth Slightly Ahead Average Rate; Conditions Downgraded

In the latest Crop Progress report, corn in the dough stage was reported to have reached 88%, which is slightly ahead of past progress benchmarks. Corn dented was up to 51% stage completion, ahead of the 5-year average of 49%.

Corn mature was reported at 9%. This beats out the 5-year average of 8% and 2022 progress of 7%. 13 of the 18 primary corn-producing states reported some level of matured corn in the latest report.

Corn conditions were downgraded two points from the previous week, with 56% in...

Corn Conditions Slightly Downgraded; Soybeans Hold Steady 

In the latest Crop Progress report, corn in the dough stage was reported to have reached 78%, which is ahead of past progress benchmarks. Corn dented was up to 35% stage completion, also ahead of the 5-year average of 33%.

For the first time this season, we have figures for corn mature, at 4%. This is on par with the 5-year average and 2022 progress. 10 of the 18 primary corn-producing states reported some level of matured corn in the latest report.

Corn conditions were downgraded one point from the...

Wheat Futures Rise Following Alleged Drone Attack on Moscow

Wheat futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange advanced by nearly 2% early Friday, boosted by mounting concerns over global supplies following an alleged drone attack on a building in central Moscow earlier in the day, according to media reports. 

December wheat reversed Thursday’s losses and narrowly surpassed $6.28 per bushel. This, however, was down sharply from its week-ago settlement price of $6.53 ¾ per bushel. Wheat prices have generally been on a steep downtrend since surging to $7.96 per bushel in late July, a five-month high... 

Corn and Soybean Condition Ratings Improved in Latest Crop Progress Report

Corn conditions saw a modest improvement in the latest Crop Progress report. The USDA reported corn in good to excellent condition totaled 59%, up from 57% the previous week.

Corn in the silking stage was reported at 96%, on par with the 5-year average. Corn dough was up to 65%, two percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. Corn dented more than doubled progress from the previous week, at 18%. This matches the 5-year average and outpaces the year-ago progress of 15%.

Soybean conditions also saw improvements with 59% rated...

Crop Development Progressing Ahead of Past Benchmarks

Corn conditions were unchanged in the latest Crop Progress report, with 57% in good to excellent ratings. 30% remained in fair condition.

Corn in the silking stage advanced to 68%, a 21 percent jump from the previous week and three points ahead of the 5-year average. Corn in the dough stage was at 16%, more than doubling week-ago progress and two points ahead of the 5-year average.

Grain futures including corn were sharply higher Monday, boosted by concerns over global grain supplies following Russian attacks on Ukraine's ports on the...

Grain Futures Fall Following Latest WASDE Report

In the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, the USDA outlook for 2023/24 U.S. corn calls for fractionally larger supplies and ending stocks.

Production for 2023/24 is forecast 55 million bushels higher as greater planted and harvested area from last month's annual Acreage report is partially offset by a 4.0 bushel reduction in yield to 177.5 bushels per acre.

Foreign corn production is projected fractionally higher with increases for Canada and Ukraine, which are partly offset by a reduction for the EU...

Corn Silking Stage at 22%; Conditions Raised in Latest Crop Progress Report

Corn silking is up to 22% complete in the latest Crop Progress report, nearly tripling its progress from the previous week. This figure is one percentage point above the 5-year average benchmark.

The condition of this year's corn crop showed improvements over the previous week following additional widespread rainfall and cooler temperatures. A combined 55% is now rated in good to excellent condition, up from 51% the week prior. 31% is rated fair, while a combined 14% is in the poor to very poor category...

Corn Conditions Only Modestly Improved; Soybeans Downgraded Slightly 

In the latest Crop Progress report, the USDA showed that corn in the silking stage doubled from the previous week, currently at 8%. The 5-year average rate is 9% and year ago progress stood at 7% in the current week. 13 of the 18 primary corn-producing states reported some degree of silking progress, as Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin have yet to report silking figures.

Following rainfall over the weekend, corn conditions were only modestly adjusted in the latest week, with 34% rated fair and 43% good, up from 42% the week prior. 8% was rated excellent...

Corn Crop Progressing to Growth Stages; Conditions Fall Again

In the latest Crop Progress report, corn throughout the 18 primary production states has completed the emergence phase and is now into the silking stage of growth. Corn silking is at 4% for the week ending June 25, on par with the 5-year average.

The condition of the 2023 corn crop declined for a third straight week with a combined 50% in good to excellent condition, down 5 points from the week prior. 35% is in fair condition. A combined 15% is considered poor to very poor, versus 12% the...

Corn Emergence Nearly Complete; Conditions Further Deteriorate

Corn emergence was up to 96% complete in the latest Crop Progress report, slightly above the 5-year average rate.

The condition ratings on the 2023 corn crop were downgraded again in the latest week, with a combined 55% now considered to be in good to excellent condition, down from 61% the week prior. 33% is rated fair, 9% poor, and 3% very poor.

Next week, the USDA should provide initial progress figures for corn silking, the next key stage of growth evaluated to determine overall progression.

Corn futures surged following the latest...

Crop Conditions Decline as Dry Weather in Corn Belt Lingers, Futures Jump

Corn plantings are now completed and emergence in the latest Crop Progress report continues to progress, currently at 93%. This is up from both the five-year average and year-ago progress of 87%.

Corn condition ratings are as follows: 10% excellent, 51% good, 31% fair, 6% poor, and 2% very poor. The 61% in good to excellent condition compared to 72% the year prior at this time and 64% last week.

Global supply concerns along with the decline in good to excellent corn conditions are lifting corn futures...

Corn Plantings Near Completion, Soybeans Advance to 83%

Corn plantings in the latest week were reported at 92% completion, up from 81% the previous week and above the 5-year average of 84%.

Iowa and Missouri are nearly wrapped up with their corn plantings, each reporting 98%. North Carolina has 99% of its corn in the ground.

Corn emergence increased to 72% in the latest report, up 20 percentage points from the week prior. Emergence remains ahead of both the year-ago progress (58%) and the 5-year average (63%).

Nearby corn futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange were last trading...

Corn Plantings Up to 81% Completion, Soybeans 66% Underway

Corn plantings in the latest week raced ahead to 81% completion. This is up from 65% the previous week and above the 5-year average of 75%.

Of the 18 primary production states, all but Colorado, Kansas, North Dakota, and Texas are above their respective 5-year average rates for planting.

Corn emergence was up to 52% in the latest report, up from 30% the week prior. Emergence is ahead of both the year-ago progress (35%) and the 5-year average (42%).

Nearby corn futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange were last trading flat to 2 cents higher...

Stock Futures Inch Higher as Talks on Nation's Debt Ceiling Continue

U.S. stocks are posting modest gains in early trading action Friday as talks on the nation's debt ceiling continue. The Dow Jone Industrial Average was last 0.2% higher while the S&P 500 was also up by 0.2%. The Nasdaq-100 was 0.05% higher as of this writing.  

Through Thursday’s close, the Dow has gained 0.7% while the S&P 500 has added 1.5%. The Nasdaq-100 has advanced by 3.3% on the week so far on optimism that the U.S. could avoid defaulting on its debt ceiling.

“An actual breach of the U.S. debt ceiling would likely cause severe damage to the U.S. economy,” said the Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) in a blog released earlier this month...

Cargill Expands Retail Feed Operation with Plans for New Facility in Washington State 

The trend for ranching and farming, especially rural lifestyle farming, is not showing any signs of slowing down. According to the Department of Agriculture, the number of lifestyle farms continues to hold strong at nearly 800,000 in the U.S., making up nearly 40% of all farms across the country.1 With this trend and the need for more animal feed, Cargill is building a new facility in Granger, Washington, solely focused on producing feed for current and potential ag retail locations in the region...

Corn and Soybean Planting Activities Continue Rapid Pace in Latest Crop Progress Report

Corn plantings continued their rapid pace of progression in the latest week and forged on to reach 65% completion. This compares to 49% the previous week and the 5-year average of 59%.

Of the 18 primary production states, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin are trailing behind their respective 5-year average rates for planting.

Corn emergence reached 30% in the latest report, more than doubling progress from the week prior. Emergence is ahead of both year-ago progress (13%) and the 5-year average (25%)...

Black Sea Grain Inspections Resume Following Recent Standstill

In a press briefing Tuesday, the United Nations announced that the “JCC has confirmed that inspections have resumed today on outbound vessels.”

The Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) conducted no inspections on Sunday or Monday. Since May 1, the JCC inspection rate dropped to 2.9 inspections daily, according to Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

"There are currently 26 vessels in Turkish waters loaded with 1,157,974 metric tons of grain and foodstuffs. According to information shared by the Ukrainian delegation with the parties at the JCC, there are 62 vessels waiting...

Corn Plantings Surpass Past Progress Benchmarks

In the latest Crop Progress report, corn plantings were at 49% completion, up from 26% the previous week and above the 5-year average of 42%. Year ago progress at this time was 21%.

For the week ending Sunday, May 7^th, days suitable for fieldwork in Illinois were 6.0 compared to 5.1 the previous week. Indiana had 4.3 versus 4.1 the week prior. Iowa’s fieldwork days were 5.7, up from 4.8 last week. Ohio fell to 1.7 from 3.1 the previous week.

Corn emergence was reported at 12%, compared to year-ago progress of 5% and the 5-year average rate of 11%...

Corn Plantings 26% Underway, on Par with 5-Year Average

In the USDA’s latest Crop Progress report, corn plantings were reported at 26% complete during the week ending April 30, up from 14% the week prior.

Corn plantings are on par with the 5-year average. North Dakota is the only state that has yet to get on the board this planting season. Most states report plantings ahead of their respective 5-year average rates.

Corn emergence was reported at 6%. This compares to the 5-year average of 5% at this time and year-ago progress of 3% this week. Emergence in Texas is at 65%, while North Carolina reports corn at 48% emerged. Both are above their average emergence rates. Missouri corn is 31% emerged, while Kentucky and Tennessee report 24% and 23%, respectively.

Corn futures are flat to slightly firmer so far Tuesday morning...

Corn Plantings Surpass 5-year Average Rate, Year-Ago Progress

In the latest Crop Progress report, corn plantings throughout the 18 primary production states jumped to 14% completion, surpassing the 5-year average of 11%. This is above the previous week's progress of 8% and double the 2022 progress by this time. All but two of the 18 states are now on the board reporting planting progress.

In addition to planting updates, the report showed emergence progress for the first time this season. Corn emergence refers to the growing period in which the plants become visible. 3% of the corn...