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...

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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...

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)...

Ship Inspections Under Black Sea Grain Deal Resume Following Temporary Halt

Ship inspections by the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) under the Black Sea Grain Initiative were temporarily halted earlier this week since “the parties needed more time to reach an agreement on operational priorities,” according to a statement by the United Nations. The stoppage resulted in 50 vessels being backlogged before they could move to the Ukrainian ports. 

The Initiative, which was signed in Istanbul in July 2022, has enabled the safe export of more than 27.5 million metric tonnes of food since the agreement was signed, according to Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

This has helped lower global food prices and aided in global food security by providing foodstuffs...

WASDE Data Shows Reduced Global Corn Production

The USDA released its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report on Tuesday.

The data showed unchanged feed and residual use along with unchanged ending stocks for corn. Corn imports were lowered by 10 million bushels based on observed trade to date. The season-average farm price was flat at $6.60 per bushel.

Global coarse grain production for 2022/2023 is forecast 3.3 million tons lower on decreased production, trade, and stocks relative to last month in foreign markets...

Crop Progress Data Shows Corn Planting 3% Underway in U.S.

The USDA has begun weekly progress reports on the growing season for major U.S. crops and this week marked the second report of corn planting progress among the 18 primary production states.

Corn plantings are 3% underway, one percentage point ahead of the 5-year average for this time.

Texas has completed 61% of planting activities, up 3 percentage points from the 5-year average but 1 point behind progress this time last year. North Carolina comes in second with 12% of corn in the ground, followed by Nebraska with 7%... 

Initial Crop Progress Reports Show Corn Plantings 2% Underway

Corn plantings for the week ending April 2 were 2% underway when averaging the 18 primary corn production states. This is on par with the 5-year average by this time last year and is also even with this week last year.

Texas is slightly ahead of schedule, with 57% of its corn crop in the ground, compared to the 5-year average of 54%.

Plantings in Kentucky (2%), Kansas (1%), and North Carolina (1%) are mostly on par with their respective 5-year average planting rates. Meanwhile, thirteen of the...

Cargill to Halt Russian Grain Exports, Boosting CME Wheat Futures

Nearby wheat futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange surged to a one-month top Wednesday, boosted by Russia’s announcement that Cargill will stop exporting grains from Russia on July 1, according to reporting from Reuters.  

The May wheat contract was last trading 17 ¾ cents higher at $7.17 ½ cents per bushel. Corn futures were up 4 to 5 cents while soybeans were about 1 to 2 cents lower as of this writing.

Cargill, an international producer of food, agricultural...

ANALYSIS: Cattle Weights Buck Seasonal Norms Due to Weather, Feed Costs

Cattle weights have been one of the many pieces to this ever-changing puzzle within the beef complex. While weights typically appreciate throughout the fourth quarter and peak in January, the industry bucked that trend this year.

There are a couple of factors that have led to this trend breaking its streak, one being pasture. Available pasture over the past two years has shrunk and was exacerbated by the drought experienced in the majority of the nation's cattle-raising regions.

Secondly, feed costs have impacted the weight situation...

Grain Deal Negotiations Underway Between U.N. Officials and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister 

On Monday, U.N. officials and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergi Vershinin started negotiations on a possible extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. 

The Initiative, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022, allows for the exports of Ukrainian grain and fertilizer from three of Ukraine's Black Sea ports. Moreover, the deal also ensures that Russian food and fertilizer reach the global marketplace. 

The deal's renewal deadline is rapidly approaching on March 18. 

Ukraine's corn and wheat exports have returned to nearly seasonal-average levels since last summer...

Corn Stocks Raised in Latest WASDE, While Soybean Stocks Projected Lower

The USDA released its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report on Wednesday, showing increased ending stocks for corn and lower stocks for soybeans.

The 2022/23 U.S. corn outlook showed reduced exports, down 75 million bushels. This was lowered based on sluggish sales and shipments to date, despite relatively competitive U.S. prices.

Other uses were unchanged, resulting in corn ending stocks being raised by 75 million bushels compared to the month prior.

The season-average corn price was lowered by 10 cents to $6.60 per bushel.

Global corn production was projected 3.2 million tons lower for reductions in Argentina due to heat and dryness last month and into early March. Global ending stocks were up 1.2 million from last month to 296.5 million tons...

Grain Futures Fall as Traders Eye Black Sea Grain Deal, Growing Conditions

A confluence of market-moving factors, both manmade and natural, continue to influence grain futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

Wheat and corn futures saw significant downward pressure in overnight trading. May wheat futures declined by 9 ¾ cents to $6.99 a bushel. May corn futures shaved off 3 ¼ cents to $6.36 ½ a bushel and are down by nearly 7% on the year so far. Meanwhile, May soybeans lost 6 ½ cents to $15.12 ¼ a bushel...

Corn and Soybean Stocks Raised in Latest WASDE Report

The USDA released its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report on Wednesday, showing higher stocks for both corn and for soybeans.

The 2022/23 U.S. corn outlook showed that corn used for ethanol was reduced by 25 million bushels. Other uses were unchanged, resulting in corn ending stocks up 25 million bushels compared to the month prior.

The season-average corn price was unchanged at $6.70 per bushel.

Global coarse grain production was lowered by 3.6 million tons. Corn production for Argentina was cut based on reductions to both area and yield, according to USDA. Global ending stocks were down 1.1 million from last month, to 295.3 million tons.

For soybeans, the U.S. outlook for 2022/23 called for lower soybean crush and increased ending stocks. Soybean exports were unchanged. This resulted in ending stocks increasing by 15 million bushels to 225 million...

No Extension Announced Yet for Black Sea Grain Initiative 

On Friday, officials from Russia and the United Nations convened in Switzerland to try to work out an extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which is set to expire on November 19th. 

The agreement, which was brokered by the U.N. and Turkey over the summer, allows for Ukrainian grain shipments and Russian exports of key agricultural commodities including fertilizer amid the ongoing war.

Russia briefly pulled out of the deal two weeks ago due to an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on its Black Sea fleet in Crimea. 

Russian authorities have not yet decided on whether to extend the agreement. An extension could ease concerns about a global food shortage, particularly for countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia that rely heavily on grains, vegetable oils, and other goods from both Russia and Ukraine...

Wheat Futures Plummet as Russia Rejoins Black Sea Grain Initiative

Russia has rejoined the Black Sea Grain Initiative just days after announcing its withdrawal from the deal on Saturday.

Over the weekend, Russia declared that it would pull out of the initiative following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on its Black Sea fleet. The news fueled a rally in the grains futures markets, with wheat leading the sharp advances.  

Ukraine is one of the world’s top exporters of grain and other agricultural products. Russia is a key provider of fuel and energy. In 2020, Ukraine was the fifth largest exporter of wheat, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC).  

Ukrainian grain shipments will resume Wednesday at noon, easing some concerns about global food insecurity—particularly for countries that are heavily reliant on agricultural imports to meet their needs...

Global Pork Quarterly Q4 2022: Producers Cautious as Global Uncertainties Rise

Demand uncertainties rise as consumers face mounting pressures. With inflation outpacing wage growth, lower real wages are expected to negatively impact protein consumption in Q4 2022 and 1H 2023.

Value-conscious consumers are already seeking out lower-value cuts, trading down from branded to private label alternatives at retail, and limiting foodservice purchases, adding further weakness to premium product markets. Holiday sales will test the market’s resilience and its ability to absorb premiums. Lower GDP growth expectations in 2023 will limit market needs, slow herd-rebuilding efforts, and impact...

CME Grain Futures Climb Following Russia's Suspension of Black Sea Grain Deal 

On Saturday, Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced that it would leave the Black Sea Grain Initiative for an "undetermined period" of time.

Russia claimed that Ukraine launched a drone attack on Russia’s fleet off the coast of Crimea early Saturday. Ukraine has denied these allegations, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeting “[w]e have warned of Russia’s plans to ruin the Black Sea Grain Initiative. I call on all states to demand Russia to stop its hunger games and recommit to its obligations.”

The Black Sea Grain Initiative was brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July of this year. The deal was aimed at combating a potential global food shortage caused by significant disruptions to agricultural shipments from the Black Sea. Both Russia and Ukraine are significant producers and exporters of key commodities including grain and fertilizers...