Latest News From Pro Farmer Editors

Pro Farmer estimates the U.S. corn crop at 15.116 billion bu. with an average yield of 177.0 bu. per acre. We estimate the U.S. soybean crop at 4.436 billion bu. on a national average yield of 51.2 bu. per acre.

The grain markets faced fresh downward pressure Friday morning, with technical selling apparently supplementing a reaction to improved rainfall. Livestock futures are rallying on renewed cash market firmness.

The crop markets were mixed in overnight trading as the Pro Farmer Crop Tour wrapped up. Firming cash cattle prices suggest futures could rebound from Thursday, but hogs seem to be facing seasonal weakness.

Disinflationary pressures along with big Corn Belt rains undercut the crop markets Thursday. Worries that wholesale meat prices are set to decline seasonally depressed the livestock markets.

The prospect of heavy rains over larger areas of the Corn Belt today depressed the crop markets overnight. Continued wholesale strength for beef and pork seemingly favor steady-firm livestock market openings.

Forecast rains over much of the Midwest seemed to sink soybean futures, whereas corn and wheat seemed to be competing for 2021-22 acreage. Beef values challenged the June high and seemingly boosting livestock prices.

Your midmorning update on commodity market action.

Grain futures edged up in overnight trading, while soybeans continued the slide seen during Tuesday's trading session. Surging beef prices seem likely to support cattle, while late pork losses bode ill for hogs.

Your midmorning update on commodity market action.

Your midmorning update on commodity market action.

The grain and cotton markets paused in the wake of last week's big gains, while soybeans were supported by another daily export sales announcement. Livestock futures seemed to garner strength from discounts to cash

Soybeans and wheat are expected to lead corn higher to start the week. Last week's slippage in fed cattle values seem likely to offset bullishness powered by soaring wholesale prices.

The soy and wheat complexes, as well as cotton futures, finished the week on a strong note in the wake of Thursday's supportive USDA reports. The corn and livestock markets struggled.

Livestock Analysis | August 13, 2021 Hog futures end mixed as pork cutout values firm, cattle futures also mixed as beef market extends rally.

Crops Analysis | August 13, 2021 Wheat futures reach 8 1/2-year high on tighter global supply outlook, soybeans gain on export demand.

While we’re scouting fields across the Corn Belt Aug. 16-19 on the Pro Farmer Crop Tour, you can scout your own fields.

Because USDA no longer collects objective yield samples in August, this will be the industry’s first broad look at field data from across the Corn Belt.

Ahead of the Open | August 13, 2021 Wheat futures reach contract highs after USDA cuts global supply outlook, corn, soybeans higher.

After the Bell | August 12, 2021 USDA's lower-than-expected harvest estimates boost corn futures to six-week highs, wheat to three-month highs.

Livestock Analysis | August 12, 2021 Cattle futures end higher as wholesale beef extends three-week surge, hog futures rise a second day.

Crops Analysis | August 12, 2021 Corn futures rally to six-week highs on USDA's larger-than-expected harvest cut, wheat hits three-month highs.

Ahead of the Open | August 12, 2021 Corn, soybean futures trading slightly lower, wheat firmer as trade awaits key USDA reports.

Cash wheat prices firm, though HRS values ease from their elevated levels.

Grain and cotton futures posted a generally muted showing Wednesday ahead of Thursday's important USDA reports. Cattle futures slipped along with recent cash losses, whereas fall hog futures posted a strong rebound.

Slipping cash quotes weighed upon cattle futures. Concerns about a seasonal supply surge continued depressing hogs.

Corn strengthened leading up to USDA's reports. Wheat futures slipped. Soybeans were choppy to higher.

Ahead of the Open | August 11, 2021 Soybean futures seen higher on export optimism, corn firmer ahead of critical USDA reports.

Analysts expect corn and soybean production to come in below July’s projections. Conab slashes its Brazilian corn crop and export forecasts.

After the Bell | August 10, 2021 Wheat futures end higher on bullish global supply-demand outlook, soybeans gain on export optimism.

Livestock Analysis | August 10, 2021 Hog futures settle at five-week low on outlook for expanding supplies, live cattle up as beef rallies.

Crops Analysis | August 10, 2021 HRW wheat futures close at three-month high on shrinking global supply outlook, soybeans also firmer.

Ahead of the Open | August 10, 2021 Corn futures expected to start lower after USDA crop ratings improvement, soybeans up on export hopes.

After the Bell | August 9, 2021 Corn, soybean futures end mostly lower on weekend Midwest rainfall, general commodity market slump.

Livestock Analysis | August 9, 2021 Hog futures plunge daily $3 limit on chart-based selling, cattle futures mixed as beef market stays strong.

Crops Analysis | August 9, 2021 Grain, soybean futures end mostly lower amid general commodity weakness, trade awating USDA.

Ahead of the Open | August 9, 2021 Grain, soybean futures mostly lower as trade awaits USDA Crop Production report.

After the Bell | August 6, 2021 Grain, soybean futures end week on firm note with USDA expected to trim harvest outlook.

Livestock Analysis | August 6, 2021 Hog futures bounce back as pork cutout values jump, cattle futures end firmer.

Crops Analysis | August 6, 2021 Grain, soybean futures end mostly higher as markets await USDA crop production report.

Ahead of the Open | August 6, 2021 Grain, soybean futures steady-firmer as trade watches export markets.

Our updated monthly and quarterly price forecasts.

After the Bell | August 5, 2021 Corn futures gain on better than expected export sales, hog futures tumble after pork cutouts nosedive.

Livestock Analysis | August 5, 2021 Hog futures plunge daily limit after wholesale pork prices drop, cattle futures also lower.

Crops Analysis | August 5, 2021 Corn, soybean futures rise on USDA export news, wheat futures mostly lower.

Ahead of the Open | August 5, 2021 Corn, wheat futures seen higher, soybeans lower as trade assess weather, demand outlooks.

After the Bell | August 4, 2021 Corn, wheat futures slip while soybean futures climb, cattle futures extend gains on strong beef.

Livestock Analysis | August 4, 2021 Cattle futures rise on strength in wholesale beef market, hog futures end mixed.

Crops Analysis | August 4, 2021 Corn futures slide on seasonal weakness, favorable weather, soybeans rally late to end higher.

Ahead of the Open | August 4, 2021 Wheat seen higher on smaller global harvest outlook, corn and soybeans steady-higher.

CME/Purdue Ag Economy Barometer signals farmers nervous about rising input costs. Brazil’s corn imports could triple this year. Food vs. fuel debate resurfaces.