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Prices as of September 4th, 2024 – 20:00CDT

In this edition:

  • Market Actions: Insights on marketing actions to consider.

  • Harvest Headlines: Today’s crop markets saw a nice step up.

  • Our artificial intelligence model 2 shows prices of corn, soybeans, and wheat will stay steady for the next four weeks.

The information provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We recommend consulting with a commodities broker and financial advisor before making any commodities decisions.

Market Actions

  • No new major market action triggers. 

  • Volatility continues to be problematic and is making it very difficult to make market decisions. The volatility seems as though it is likely to continue.

  • Our artificial intelligence (AI) models are showing to be accurate – high volatility with corn, soybean, and wheat prices gradually climbing. 

  • Strong usage and export data supported the corn market’s rally for the fourth straight day, with traders likely covering more short positions. December corn also continued its rise, moving further above the 50-day moving average.

Harvest Headlines

Boosted by positive census export data, robust July ethanol production numbers, and continued momentum from gains in wheat and soybeans, December corn extended its rally for the fourth straight session, closing above the 50-day moving average for the second consecutive day.

Corn

  • Corn prices rose on technical and fund buying, finishing just below the session's highs. 

  • The USDA's latest weekly Crop Progress report, released yesterday afternoon, showed that the corn crop's good-to-excellent ratings remained steady at 65%, up from 53% at the same time last year. The report also indicated that 90% of the crop has reached the dough stage, 60% has dented, and 19% is now mature.

  • Traders are keeping an eye on late crop development and early harvest progress ahead of next week's USDA production estimates. 

  • The harvest is gradually moving north, with reports of generally strong yields. Most private yield estimates align closely with the USDA's August forecast. 

  • The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) reported that July ethanol exports totaled 136 million gallons, a 7% decrease from June, with Canada remaining the top importer for the 40th consecutive month. This decline was driven by reduced exports to the U.K., India, and the EU. However, DDGS exports rose 16% to 1.09 million tons, primarily to Mexico, South Korea, and the EU. Year-to-date ethanol exports stand at 1.1 billion gallons, up 38% from 2023, while DDGS exports have reached 6.97 million tons, a 15% increase from last year. 

  • The U.S. Energy Information Administration will release its latest weekly ethanol production and stock numbers on Thursday. There are rumors that India may need to import corn to combat high domestic prices, a situation similar to wheat, though it is uncertain if India will turn to U.S. suppliers, especially as U.S. corn prices have become less competitive globally. 

  • ANEC forecasts Brazil’s September corn exports at 5.98 million tons.

Soybeans

  • Soybeans rose due to technical and fund-driven buying, bouncing back after overnight declines. 

  • The USDA's national crop rating dipped slightly from the previous week, it remains above last year’s level. 

  • Forecasts suggest dry conditions across much of the Midwest through mid-September, which could reduce yields, particularly following a dry August in key growing regions.

  • Private estimates this week continue to indicate expectations for a record yield, with the USDA set to release its updated projections on September 12th. 

  • The market is also watching conditions ahead of widespread planting in Brazil, with CONAB's new forecast for the country due next Thursday. Brazil’s farmers are dealing with above average temperatures and conditions – while not extreme, the conditions could have an early impact on the Brazilian crop.

  • Soybean meal prices increased, while soybean oil declined due to shifts in product spreads. 

  • Soybean oil faced additional pressure from China’s canola dispute with Canada, lower palm oil prices before the U.S. session, and the recent drop in crude oil due to demand concerns. 

  • The USDA corrected Tuesday's reported sale of 132,000 tons of 2024/25 U.S. soybeans to 131,000 tons. ANEC projects Brazil’s September soybean exports at 5.63 million tons.

Wheat 

  • The wheat complex rose on fund and technical buying, boosted by a weaker dollar during the session.

  •  Around 70% of the spring wheat crop has been harvested, though some areas report quality issues. 

  • Reports of India’s domestic wheat price surpassing $9.00 per bushel have fueled speculation that India may need to import wheat, further adding bullish momentum to the market.

  • Winter wheat planting has begun, aligning with the five-year average, but dry conditions in parts of the Plains could cause delays and limit acreage. 

  • Export demand has improved, despite Russia dominating the market due to its price advantage, with reports indicating Russia exported 5 million tons of wheat in August. 

  • Meanwhile, Ukraine's government has reportedly capped 2024/25 wheat exports at 16.2 million tons, down by about 2 million tons compared to 2023/24. 

  • Weather has affected crop quality and yields in key exporting nations like France, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine, and could potentially impact production in Argentina. 

  • The USDA’s weekly U.S. export sales report, delayed by Labor Day, is expected on Friday. Additionally, Taiwan's Flour Millers Association is said to have purchased over 100,000 tons of U.S. milling wheat. 

  • The European Union reports soft wheat exports since the marketing year began on July 1st are at 4.38 million tons, down from 5.66 million tons at the same time last year.

Weather

Corn

Soybeans

Wheat

Extended Commentary

As we move into September, the grain markets steadily improve, with positive momentum building across corn, soybeans, and wheat. Corn, in particular, has extended its rally for the fourth straight session, buoyed by strong export data, technical buying, and support from the ethanol sector. With December corn futures climbing above the 50-day moving average, the market is signaling a possible trend change, though next week’s USDA production estimates will be crucial in determining the long-term outlook.

Despite some challenges from dry weather conditions across the Midwest, soybeans also posted gains, driven by technical and fund buying. The market is keeping a close eye on private yield estimates, which continue to suggest a record crop, although the impact of recent dry conditions could temper those expectations. As planting season approaches in Brazil, above-average temperatures may also influence early crop conditions, adding another layer of uncertainty to the market.

The wheat complex has seen solid gains, supported by technical buying and a weaker dollar. Ongoing quality concerns in spring wheat and potential import needs from India have added bullish momentum to the market. However, Russia continues to dominate the export market, which could limit further upside potential for U.S. wheat. Additionally, dry conditions in parts of the Plains could delay winter wheat planting, potentially impacting acreage and yields.

The next few weeks will be critical for determining the trajectory of these markets. With volatility persisting and key reports on the horizon, producers should remain vigilant and prepared to adjust their strategies as new information becomes available. Staying informed and monitoring these developments closely will be key to navigating the complexities of the current market environment.