Mid-Year Review Shows Soybean Oil Leading Ag Markets
With the first half of 2025 complete, market data reveals a clear leader in the agricultural commodities space: soybean oil, up an impressive 26% year-to-date. It’s the top agricultural performer among 48 tracked commodities, and second overall only to platinum, which has surged more than 50% so far this year.
Trailing closely behind soybean oil are gold, silver, and copper, all of which have posted gains between 18–22%, reflecting broader market strength in both agriculture and metals.
Cattle Markets Show Modest Gains
Live cattle and feeder cattle have also performed well, ranking within the top ten commodities. Year-to-date gains of 12–14% place them in a solid position heading into the second half of the year. However, analysts are watching closely to see if these markets can sustain that performance.
Grains Mostly Down—Except Oats
Not all agricultural sectors are faring well. Most grain commodities are currently in the red. Corn, wheat, and cotton have all slipped, with losses between 6% and 13% year-to-date. The exception is oats, which have defied the trend with a 7% gain, standing out in an otherwise sluggish grain sector.
Looking Ahead
With global trade dynamics, weather patterns, and inflation pressures still in play, the second half of 2025 could see shifts in performance across the board. For now, soybean oil remains the commodity to watch.
“This is the Bottom Line Report,” said Mark Oppold, wrapping up his update from Southeast AgNet. “Wishing you a profitable day.”