Market Snapshot | Soybeans dive as odds of fresh China purchases fade

May 14, 2026

Pro Farmer's Market Snapshot
Pro Farmer’s Market Snapshot
(Pro Farmer)

Corn is mostly 12 to 15 cents lower at midmorning.

  • Corn futures are facing hefty pressure in step with soybeans and wheat amid long liquidation.
  • USDA reported weekly corn sales of 684,400 MT for the week ended May 7, down 50% from the previous week and 52% from the four-week average.
  • It appeared nip and tuck for a while Wednesday, but the House of Representatives passed legislation that allows year-round sales of E15 gasoline blended with 15% ethanol, in a 218-203 vote. Corn growers and biofuel groups are elated. The bill now heads to the Senate.
  • World Weather Inc. reports another round of frost will occur in the far northwestern Corn Belt Tuesday into Wednesday before frost and a few light freezes occur in a larger part of the northwestern Corn Belt next Thursday. By then, some crops should be emerged and vulnerable to damage if temps are colder-than-expected.
  • July corn futures are testing support at the 10-, 20- and 40-day moving averages, with additional support at the 100-day moving average of $4.58 1/2.

Soybeans are 32 to 45 cents lower, while meal is around $7.80 lower. Soyoil futures are mostly 100 points lower.

  • Soybeans are notably lower as prospects for an increase in U.S. soybean exports fades, with weak export sales exacerbating selling efforts.
  • USDA reported daily soybean sales of 252,000 MT to unknown destinations. Of the total, 120,000 MT is for delivery during 2025-26 and 132,000 MT during 2026-27.
  • USDA reported weekly soybean sales of 102,100 MT, a marketing-year low, for the week ended May 7. Net sales were down 28% from the previous week and 60% from the four-week average. Net sales of 80,800 MT were reported for 2026-27.
  • The latest developments regarding the meeting in Beijing between Presidents Trump and Xiand as reported by Bloomberg: The Xi-Trump meeting lasted more than two hours, with both sides talking up a vision for more stable ties. Statements from China focused on the Taiwan issue, with Xi reiterating the U.S. must handle the issue with “extreme caution.”
  • Brazil’s soybean crop is expected to reach a record 180.1 MMT in 2025-26, according to Conab, which was up from the previous estimate of 179.15 MMT.
  • July soybeans are supported at the 10-, 20- and 40-day moving averages, with next support at the April 7 low of $11.71 3/4.

Wheat futures are 19 to 23 cents lower.

  • SRW wheat futures are extending heftier losses after forging a fresh near-term high overnight.
  • USDA reported weekly wheat sales of 133,500 MT for the week ended May 7, up 70% from the previous week and 10% from the four-week average. Meanwhile, net sales totaled 221,100 MT for 2026-27.
  • The Buenos Aires Grains Exchange estimates Argentina’s 2026-27 wheat harvest at 21.3 MMT, down from 27.8 MMT in the previous season.
  • July SRW futures have found support at $6.51, which is backed by the 10-, 20-, and 40-day moving averages. Resistance stands at the overnight high of $6.88 1/4.

Live cattle and feeders are posting solid gains at midsession.

  • Cattle futures are posting solid corrective gains.
  • Boxed beef edged lower on Wednesday, with Choice down 49 cents to $390.73 and Select down 22 cents to $391.27. Movement totaled 96 loads.
  • USDA reported net beef sales of 7,500 for 2026 during the week ended May 7, down 25% from the previous week and 41% from the four-week average.
  • June cattle futures gapped higher at the open and have found support at the 10- and 20-day moving averages, trading at $239.76 and $239.45. Resistance stands at $241.07, which is backed by the May 1 high of $246.55.

Hog futures are lower at midmorning.

  • June lean hogs are pausing after Wednesday’s short-covering gains as technical challenges loom.
  • The CME lean hog index is up another 26 cents to $90.74 as of May 12.
  • The pork cutout value rose 51 cents to $96.03 on Wednesday amid gains in all cuts aside from primal picnics and bellies. Movement totaled 311.7 loads.
  • Net pork sales totaled 21,000 MT for 2026 during the week ended May 7, down 32% from the previous week and 36% from the four-week average.
  • June lean hogs are being supported by the 10-day moving average, trading at $99.96, which is backed by this week’s low of $98.35. Resistance is layered at the 20-, 200- and 40-day moving averages, trading from $101.19 to $102.83.
Get News & Markets App