heat

Temperatures to Rise Soon

Grain traders have shown reluctance to build additional weather premium into futures at this point, but temperatures returning to 100 degrees or more this weekend and into next week can certainly change that. Bottom line analysts say December corn needs consecutive closing over $4.76 to keep the upward momentum in place. August is soybean month, but another forecaster is holding …

weather

Monthly Crop Report Affected by Weather

Tomorrow’s monthly crop report could be pushed aside by changing weather forecasts. The July report historically can be a non-factor, always squeezed between the quarterly stocks and final acreage numbers that come at the end of June, and the August report that for the first time is based on actual field surveys and not computer models. That report, by the …

weather

Weather Forecast Up for Debate

Weather forecasts front and center in the grain trade here at midweek, but U.S. and European weather models disagree going forward. Bottomline grain analysts suggest that commodity fund traders have been looking for any reason to go long in this market, and weather was the reason this week. Now, there’s a catch. European weather models show a hot, dry August …

weather

Weather Affecting Industries

World events certainly affect grain, and livestock markets all year long, but as we move deeper into July, weather takes more of a spotlight for both. Markets back open today after the holiday. We hope it was a great weekend for family and friends. We mentioned in a report last week that December corn historically reaches a top 10 to …

corn

Corn and Soybean Estimates

Average trade estimates show grain analysts expect a lower corn acreage number from USDA today and a slightly higher soybean number. In March, USDA put corn at 95.3 million acres. We expect a number at or just below 95 million today. Planters rolled nearly nonstop, especially in this area, resulting in a few more soybean acres nationwide. We think 85 …

dollar

Increase in Dollar Index

Outside of ag commodities at midweek, the dollar index posting its highest level in 13 months, two-year treasuries trading at 16-month highs, while crude oil continues lower, now the lowest since early in February. Grain trade not the only sector battling support in here at midweek. Bottom line analysts point to the tech sector under pressure early week with those …

grain

Grain Trade Seeing Lower Lows At Harvest

Bottom Line grain analysts wonder if the grain trade is getting a little ahead of itself here in early June. Corn, soybean, wheat futures all seeing lower lows on a regular basis. Wheat in fact is lower 10 sessions in a row, even with conditions here at harvest the lowest in 37 years. Harvest pressure is here, combines rolling in …

corn futures

Optimism in Corn Futures

Bottom Line grain analysts suggest keeping an eye on corn futures, a rally back above $5 from just two weeks ago. December corn reached a 52-week high, $5.06 and a half on May 13th, and quickly backed off toward the $4.80 level, good planning progress, favorable weather in most major areas, and continued uncertainty on any resolution with Iran. Bottom Line analysts say those …

Consumer Confidence

Consumer Confidence Readings Highest Since October

The Consumer Confidence Index, the highest in four months, hopefully trickling down to Main Street. The February reading from the Conference Board was the highest since October, reaching just over 91. Looking at January’s number, also adjusted higher, from near a 12-year low of 84.5 up to 89. Economists say the improvement comes from consumers’ view of the future. Bottom Line analysts say these readings and …

review

Data Release of Grain Trade

Grain Markets Search for Support After Major Data Release The grain markets faced their largest data release of the year last Monday, and the results have kept pressure on prices across key commodities. With sellers still largely in control, market analysts are now closely watching technical levels to determine where new price support may emerge for corn, soybeans, and wheat. …