Corn Planting Progress Slightly Outpacing Average Rate

In the USDA’s latest Crop Progress report, corn plantings as of Sunday, April 7 were 3% underway across the 18 primary production states. This is slightly behind the 5-year average rate of 2%. 

Seven states now report planting progress, up from six the previous week. North Carolina and Missouri/Tennessee showed the most week-over-week progress, jumping 8 and 5 percentage points, respectively. 

States failing to get on the board include Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Corn futures were down 1 to 2 cents...

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...

Green Plains Demo Plant Opens, Bringing Online Additional Protein Ingredients Capacity

Commissioning has begun on Green Plains Inc’s new corn processing plant producing ‘‘ultra-high protein feed ingredients’’ (50% protein) as well as corn oil and biofuel inputs in York, Nebraska.

The plant in question is a demonstration facility combining Fluid Quip Technologies’ precision separation and processing technology (MSC™) with Shell Fiber Conversion Technology (SFCT), integrating fermentation, mechanical separation, and fibre conversation into one platform.

In 2021, Green Plains acquired a majority stake in Fluid Quip Technologies, whose technology allows corn processors to produce an alternative protein ingredient for...

ANALYSIS: Shifting Market Dynamics Alter Trend Between Cattle and Corn Prices

Cash corn and cattle prices followed a comparable track over the past ten years. However, that tandem trend began to change starting in 2022 due to significant shifts in market dynamics for both commodities.

Omaha, US No 2 Yellow Corn prices peaked at $8.43 per bushel in June 2022, closely challenging the record hit in 2012. The rise in corn prices that year was driven in part by supply disruptions created by the Russia-Ukraine war, as Ukraine is a major supplier of grains to the world markets...

CME Grain Futures Pressured by Improved Moisture in Brazil

CME soybean futures began the new year at multi-month lows, pressured by improved moisture in Brazil and extended forecasts for additional rainfall. 

The March soybeans contract slipped to the lowest level since June 30 and ended with a 24 ½ cents decline at $12.73 per bushel. 

Brazil is the world’s leading producer of soybeans, followed by the United States and Argentina. The planting season in Brazil occurs from October through December, with harvest taking place in March through May...

Corn Harvest Nears Completion in Latest Crop Progress Report

In the latest Crop Progress report, the USDA shows 93% of corn is now harvested, up from 88% the week prior and ahead of the 5-year average figure by two percentage points. Kansas, North Carolina, and Texas are reporting 100% harvest completion. 

Winter wheat plantings are nearing completion as well, with 95% of the crop in the ground as of Sunday, November 19. 87% of winter wheat has emerged and 83% is rated in fair to excellent condition overall.

Nearby corn futures contracts are 2 to 2 ½ cents higher...

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%...

PERDUE® Enters the Snack Category with Chix Mix

For the first time ever, PERDUE®, the number-one brand of fresh chicken in the U.S., announced the launch of Chix Mix, a limited-edition snack food inspired by the high-quality, all-vegetarian diet that the company feeds its chickens. Featuring a delicious mix of corn, wheat and edamame, Chix Mix is made from most of the same ingredients that go into the company’s chicken feed. Plus, we added a dash of tasty BBQ spices just for humans.

“Over the last 20 years, Perdue has worked diligently to achieve...

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...

Where Are Commodities Prices Headed?

Individuals investing in commodities haven't had a smooth ride over the past few years.

U.S. crude-oil futures briefly turned negative during the height of the pandemic in 2020 before rebounding to more than $82 a barrel recently. World food prices reached their highest level on record last year, in part as the Russia-Ukraine war spooked markets, but have fallen back more recently. And commodities from lumber to copper rode high and then fell, as global inflationary pressures and recession concerns drove trading.

So what happens next...

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...

CME Grain Futures Surge Amid Extreme Drought in Brazil, Pressuring Feeders Lower

Feeder cattle futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange plummeted to multi-month floors on Thursday, pressuring live cattle futures lower as well. 

Most active January feeders touched their lowest level since June 28 and finished $5.525 lower at $245.375 per cwt. December live cattle hit a one-week floor and settled down $1.90 to $185.30 per cwt. Yesterday's sell-off lowered feeder futures into oversold territory. 

A sharp rise in corn futures contributed to the downturn in feeders. December corn surged to the highest level since August and finished 13 cents higher at $5.05 a bushel...

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...

Corn and Soybean Harvests Remain Ahead of 5-Year Avg

The corn harvest in the 18 major producing states made further progress last week and remains ahead of a year ago and the five-year average.

The same can be said about the soybean harvest. It is early in the harvest season and farmers may face weather-related delays that could slow their progress versus historic levels in the weeks ahead. 

USDA data released Monday showed corn harvest in the top 18 producing states as of Sunday at 15%, up from 9% the previous week and above 11%...

Corn Harvest Slightly Outpacing Year-Ago and 5-Year Avg

Corn harvest in the 18 major producing states made further progress last week and is slightly outpacing a year ago and the five-year average.

The soybean harvest is one point ahead of the five-year average. However, it is early on in the harvest season and weather-related delays could slow farmers’ progress versus historic levels in the weeks ahead.

USDA data released Monday showed corn harvest in the top 18 producing states as of Sunday, September 17 at 9%, up from 5% the previous week and 7%...

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...

Hot and Dry Weather Boosting Crop Development in Corn Belt

In the latest Crop Progress report, corn conditions were downgraded with 53 percent now in good to excellent condition, down three points from the previous week. Corn rated in poor to fair gained those points, now totaling 41 percent.

Corn in the dough stage of growth is nearly complete at 93 percent, one point ahead of the 5-year average rate. Corn dented is up to 67 percent, beating the average pace by 2 percentage points.

Corn reaching the mature stage is reported at 18 percent, double that of week-ago progress and outpacing the 5-year average rate by two points...

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...

Improved Rainfall Sends Soybean Futures to Multi-Week Lows

Widespread showers have largely benefitted corn and soybeans in the nation's key crop-producing regions, sending soybean futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to multi-week lows on Monday.

November soybeans shed over 31 cents and fell to the lowest level since June 30, closing at $13.02 per bushel. 

In the latest USDA Crop Progress report, good to excellent ratings for soybeans were reported at 54%, up 2% from the week prior. Soybeans blooming moved up to 90%, above past progress benchmarks...

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...

Crop Condition Ratings Increase; Futures Choppy Following Grain Deal Expiration 

In the latest Crop Progress report, the USDA shows corn conditions were modestly altered to reflect a combined 13% in poor to very poor condition, compared to 14% the previous week. 30% of corn is rated fair, while 57% ranges good to excellent, up 2 points from a week ago.

Corn in the silking stage was up to 47% complete, compared to the 5-year average of 43%.

This week's report also showed preliminary figures for corn dough—which is the stage of growth when about half the kernels are...

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...

Grain Markets Rebound from Weather-Related Sell-Off Late Last Week

The grain markets have whipsawed in recent days as traders monitor weather conditions in the Midwest and await the upcoming USDA acreage report. The annual report from the government indicates acreage by planted and/or harvested areas by state for various crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Forecasts for much-needed rain in the Midwest contributed to a sell-off in corn and soybean futures late last week, with December corn plummeting by over 32 cents on Friday after climbing to a multi-month top...

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...

Nearby Wheat Futures Hit Three-Week High After Destruction of Ukrainian Dam

Nearby wheat futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange gained over 3% following the destruction of the Russian-controlled Nova Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine Tuesday morning. 

July wheat was trading 20 cents higher at $6.43 ¾ a bushel as of this writing, the highest level since May 16. The latest attack raised additional concerns over global supplies and export capabilities from key grain producers Ukraine and Russia. 

The Nova Kakhovka dam spanned the Dnipro River and supplied water to the Crimean Peninsula along...

Grain Futures Recover at Midweek As Traders Eye U.S. Crop Conditions, Weather

After plummeting by over 40 cents on Tuesday and making a new low for the year, soybean futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange rebounded at midweek and closed 3 ¼ cents higher at $12.99 ¾ per bushel.

Corn and wheat futures also recovered on Wednesday, lifted in part by short-covering. July SRW wheat settled 3 ¼ cents higher at $5.94 ¼ per bushel after falling to a multi-year low earlier that day.

July corn ended flat at $5.94 per bushel yesterday and was last trading 7 cents higher at $6.01 per bushel in...

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...

Broad Losses at Midweek Sent Lean Hog Futures and Grain Complex Tumbling 

Lean hog futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) tumbled at midweek, sending some months to new contract lows. Yesterday’s sell-off followed a recent firming trend in hog futures after the Supreme Court’s backing of Proposition 12 last week. 

The June lean hog futures contract formed an outside bearish reversal Wednesday and closed $2.325 lower at $84.875 per cwt. The August contract slipped to a fresh contract low and settled $3.025 lower at $84.85 per cwt.

The cash hog market and wholesale pork...

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...

Soybean Futures Add to Losses as Brazil's Soybean Harvest Nears Completion

Soybean futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) remained under pressure Wednesday, extending their string of lower closes to six straight days.

Through Wednesday afternoon, the most actively traded July contract lost about 6.4% since climbing to a multi-week top on April 18. July soybeans closed at $14.14 ¾ cents per bushel Wednesday, the lowest settlement level for that contract since October 27. However, soybean futures held above their lows made in late March.

Traders are monitoring Brazil’s soybean harvest, which is nearing completion. According...

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...

G7 Discusses Expanding Ban on Russia Exports as Part of Strengthening Sanctions

The Group of Seven (G7) countries are considering a possible ban on nearly all exports to Russia, according to Japan's Kyodo News agency. The discussion is part of strengthening sanctions against Moscow in response to its ongoing war on Ukraine, which eclipsed its year-long mark two months ago.

The G7 summit will be held in Hiroshima on May 19 through 21. During the gathering, participants will discuss various topics including expanding support for Ukraine and intensifying sanctions against Russia.

The G7 members are Japan, Italy, Canada, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the European Union (EU)...