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25 Jul 2023
Agriculture, Cash Basis, Corn, Grain, Livestock, Market Commentary, Market Updates, Other News, Research, Risk Management, Soybeans, USDA Report, Weather, Weekly Prices, Wheat rcmagserv 0 comment

Listen: Jody Lawrence recently joined Chip Flory on AgriTalk to discuss current markets

Recently RCM Ag Services’ director of research, Jody Lawrence, jumped on “AgriTalk with Chip Flory” after they both spoke at an event in Memphis for Helena Agribusiness. During the discussion Jody and Chip dive into the recent events in the commodities space hitting several topics including:

  • The war in Ukraine continuing to impact the world grain supply. The suspension of the export corridor and escalation of the war and its impact on markets.
  • Drought conditions in the US at the start of the year damaged the crop in many areas but how much? Is 177.5 bpa still too high?
  • The recent USDA Report numbers and did 94 million acres of corn really get planted?
  • Balance Sheets and the disconnect between them and what the cash market and basis tells us
  • And More

The audio is below to listen to parts of their discussion and get more insight into their thoughts on what to expect moving forward.

https://omny.fm/shows/market-rally/agritalk-7-18-23-jody-lawrence-1

https://omny.fm/shows/market-rally/agritalk-7-18-23-jody-lawrence-2

Contact an Ag Specialist Today

Whether you’re a producer, end-user, commercial operator, RCM AG Services helps protect revenues and control costs through its suite of hedging tools and network of buyers/sellers — Contact Ag Specialist Brady Lawrence today at 312-858-4049 or [email protected].

21 Jul 2023
Agriculture, CME, Corn, Dow Jones, Grain, Market Commentary, Market Updates, Podcast, Research, Risk Management, Soybeans, U.S. Dollar, USDA Report, Weather, Weekly Prices, Wheat rcmagserv 0 comment

AG MARKET UPDATE: JULY 7 – 20

Corn has seen a strong rally after falling following the USDA Report last Wednesday. The USDA estimated the US crop to have a 177.6 bu/ac yield this year following the rough start to growing season with drought conditions over most growing areas. While the rains have been beneficial in providing relief, this crop needs a lot more rain in the form of soaking rains and not storms with straight line winds. If the hot and dry pattern returns expect to see prices move higher. Russia has threatened that they will treat any ship entering the now closed grain corridor as a military vessel has tensions in the Black Sea region high again. The longer this new standoff drags out the more support it will provide grains. The collapse of the USD and inconsistent weather can help support this move higher after a bearish USDA report depending on the future forecasts and technical trading.

Via Barchart

Soybeans have enjoyed a great run over the last month and half as soybeans got back over $14 this week. After a low acreage number and not an ideal start to the summer beans have had a great last 2 months. The forecast hot dry stretch coming up is expected to put more stress on this crop as we head into the end of July and start of August. With tightening world balance sheets it will be hard for funds to get over extended short but every weekend provides the opportunity for surprise rains and new market surprises.

Via Barchart

The big news of the week was Russia threatening all vessels that enter the region as military vessels, escalating the tensions and ending the grain corridor for the time being. Russia keeps attacking Odessa which will damage the remaining infrastructure and could present even more challenges if/when the grain deal resumes. The Russian ambassador to the US has said that Russia is not preparing to attack civilian ships in the Black Sea, though previously the Russian Defense Ministry announced that all ships traveling to Ukrainian Black Sea ports would be considered potential carriers of military cargo, and the southeastern and northwestern parts of the Black Sea’s international waters should be considered unsafe for navigation.

Via Barchart

Equity Markets

The equity markets continued their strength the past couple of weeks with CPI coming in slightly lower than expected (by 0.1%) at 3%. While inflation is still above the target of 2% the slow decrease over time is helping it come down while core inflation, 4.8%, follows the same pattern. The Fed decision at the end of the month is likely to result in a ¼ point rate hike as we head into earnings season next week. Tech stocks took their largest losses that we have seen recently on Wednesday as earnings have begun being posted.

Via Barchart

US Dollar

The US Dollar hit its lowest level in a year this week as the greenback fell below the 100 level. This should help ag exports be competitive on the world stage but the sharp decline from the 103-level last week was surprising.

Drought Monitor

The drought monitors below show the change in drought conditions over the last 2 weeks.

Podcast

With every new year, there are new opportunities, and there’s no better time to dive deeply into the stock market and tax-saving strategies for 2023 than now. In our latest episode of the Hedged Edge, we’re joined by Tim Webb, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner from our sister company, RCM Wealth Advisors. Tim is no stranger to advising institutions and agribusinesses where he has been implementing no-nonsense financial planning strategies and market investment disciplines to help Clients build and maintain wealth and reach financial goals since

Inside this jam-packed session, we’re taking a break from commodities, and talking about the world of equities, interest rates, tax savings, and business planning strategies. Plus, Jeff and Tim delve into a variety of topics like:

  • The current state of the markets within the wealth management industry
  • Is there a beacon of hope, or is it all doom and gloom for the markets?
  • Other strategies to think about outside of the stock market and so much more!

 

Via Barchart.com

Contact an Ag Specialist Today

Whether you’re a producer, end-user, commercial operator, RCM AG Services helps protect revenues and control costs through its suite of hedging tools and network of buyers/sellers — Contact Ag Specialist Brady Lawrence today at 312-858-4049 or [email protected].

07 Jul 2023
Agriculture, Corn, Grain, Market Commentary, Market Updates, Other News, Research, Risk Management, Soybeans, USDA Report, Weather, Weekly Prices, Wheat rcmagserv 0 comment

AG MARKET UPDATE: JUNE 23 – JULY 7

Corn fell over the last couple weeks following the USDA coming out with 94 million planted acres, well above the March prospective plantings report. On top of the report there were widespread rains across the US over the end of June and start of July. While the drought conditions remain in most areas this rain was able to provide relief in much needed areas to buy it some time for another good rain. With La Nina setting in the potential for more rain and cooler temperatures could be what we see moving forward but how much damage was caused in May and June will be hard for the market to see. The export market has not provided any help with the slow pace continuing during the summer. If the dryness continues and the rain did not provide enough relief, we could see prices move back up after we get the USDA projected yield update on Wednesday.

Via Barchart

Soybeans had the surprise of lower acres in the report with the USDA coming in at 83.5 million acres, a 4-million-acre shift from the March report. Soybeans got a big pop on this news after falling, like corn, when the chance of rain was added to the forecast for most areas. The pullback this week came as the rains helped this crop that was not in as needy a spot as corn was.  The soybean acreage number will help raise the floor of where this crop could have gone with strong yields, but the low number will be the focus as balance sheets tighten. Weather will be the driver moving forward after the USDA report on Wednesday.

Via Barchart

The report last week for wheat was boring compared to corn and soybeans with little changes made. All wheat acres were reported at 49.628 million, down only 227,000 from the prospective plantings report. While the numbers did not seem bearish overall the USDA trimmed abandonment from 32.6% to 30.5%. Stocks remain tight but the lack of demand with Russia dominating the world markets leaves the US exporters in a tough spot. The lack of US demand does not seem to be changing anytime soon so paying to store wheat, hoping to profit from any bullish change, could cost you more when you include interest you need to pay back on operating loans. If you are looking to profit in this scenario using cheap options to own back on paper would make more sense.

Via Barchart

Equity Markets

The equity markets have traded close to flat over the last two weeks trading higher then back lower. The jobs report came in hotter than expected again this week. The markets give the Fed almost a 90% chance of raising rates at the next meeting. The markets have been lead higher by several stocks as we get to the halfway point, the question moving forward will be will they continue to lead and is there a recession on the horizon.

Via Barchart

Drought Monitor

The drought monitors below show the change in drought conditions over the last 2 weeks.

 

Podcast

With every new year, there are new opportunities, and there’s no better time to dive deeply into the stock market and tax-saving strategies for 2023 than now. In our latest episode of the Hedged Edge, we’re joined by Tim Webb, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner from our sister company, RCM Wealth Advisors. Tim is no stranger to advising institutions and agribusinesses where he has been implementing no-nonsense financial planning strategies and market investment disciplines to help Clients build and maintain wealth and reach financial goals since

Inside this jam-packed session, we’re taking a break from commodities, and talking about the world of equities, interest rates, tax savings, and business planning strategies. Plus, Jeff and Tim delve into a variety of topics like:

  • The current state of the markets within the wealth management industry
  • Is there a beacon of hope, or is it all doom and gloom for the markets?
  • Other strategies to think about outside of the stock market and so much more!

 

Via Barchart.com

 

Contact an Ag Specialist Today

Whether you’re a producer, end-user, commercial operator, RCM AG Services helps protect revenues and control costs through its suite of hedging tools and network of buyers/sellers — Contact Ag Specialist Brady Lawrence today at 312-858-4049 or [email protected].

 

09 Jun 2023
Agriculture, Corn, Dow Jones, Grain, Market Commentary, Market Updates, Research, Risk Management, Soybeans, USDA Report, Weather, Weekly Prices, Wheat rcmagserv 0 comment

Ag Market Update: June USDA Report Overview

22/23 US Corn Stocks:  1.452 BBU (1.449 BBU Est)

22/23 World Corn Stocks:  297.60 MMT (297.66 MMT Est)

23/24 US Ending Stocks:  2.257 BBU (2.254 BBU Est)

23/24 World Ending Stocks: 314.00 MMT (313.40 MMT Est)

22/23 Brazil/ARG Corn Prod: 167.00 MMT (166.67 Est)

World corn stocks look to grow a lot year over year with expected economic slowdowns dragging on consumption. The USDA left production estimates unchanged, while this is not surprising for the June report, the weather will need to start helping or we should see a drop in next month’s report. The EU and GFS weather models continue to be inconsistent for the next two weeks. The USDA lowered Argentina’s production from last month but raised Brazil’s.

 

22/23 US Bean Stocks:  230 MBU (223 MBU Est)

22/23 World Bean Stocks:  101.30 MMT (100.55 MMT Est)

23/24 US Ending Stocks:  350 MBU (345 MBU Est)

23/24 World Ending Stocks:  123.30 MMT (121.99 MMT Est)

22/23 Brazil/ARG Bean Prod: 181.00 MMT (180.16 Est)

The USDA kept the US production the same while lowering exports, which leads to a big jump in US ending stocks. Crush margins should keep supporting beans, as weather is not a major factor, yet, to worry about. Like corn, the drop in Argentina’s bean crop was partially offset by Brazil’s gains.

 

22/23 US Wheat Stocks:  598 MBU (606 MBU Est)

22/23 World Wheat Stocks:  266.70 MMT (266.58 MMT Est)

23/24 US Wheat Stocks:  562 MBU (569 MBU Est)

23/24 World Ending Stocks:  270.70 MMT (264.65 MMT Est)

2023 US All Wheat Production:  1.665 MBU (1.672 MBU Est)

The USDA forecasted wheat world ending stocks to grow more than expected with higher stock in Russia, India Ukraine and the EU all revising higher. The US ending stocks were raised with a raise in US production as well. Wheat will continue to keep its eyes on the Black Sea, which as we have learned can be unpredictable.

 

Overview:

Business as usual with no big surprises in the June report as the USDA left US production estimates untouched. The USDA also left Chinese imports the same with 23 million tons or corn and 100 million tons of beans. The lack of any major news in the report was expected but the lack of any real bearish surprises was welcome. As it starts to heat up many areas will still be looking for rain, especially in the WCB that was lacking subsoil moisture to begin with. Forecasts will be the most watched thing moving forward as the inconsistencies in models does little to ameliorate any concerns.

 

December 2023 – Corn

November 2023 – Beans

July 2023 – Wheat

Via Barchart

Contact an Ag Specialist Today

Whether you’re a producer, end-user, commercial operator, RCM AG Services helps protect revenues and control costs through its suite of hedging tools and network of buyers/sellers — Contact Ag Specialist Brady Lawrence today at 312-858-4049 or [email protected].

26 May 2023
Agriculture, CME, Corn, Cotton, Dow Jones, Grain, Market Commentary, Market Updates, Research, Risk Management, Soybeans, Weather, Weekly Prices rcmagserv 0 comment

AG MARKET UPDATE: MAY 15 – 26

Corn had its best 2 week stretch in quite a while. As you can see from the chart below this has been the first meaningful rally, we have seen in 2023. As corn planting was 81% complete to start the week, ahead of the average pace, the trade has started to look at the weather outlook as we head into June. A dry pattern has begun forming in the coming weeks as it begins to warm up across the corn belt. While the heat in June is not overly worrisome it will be important to keep an eye on it as a warm dry June, followed by a hot dry July, could be plenty to do some serious damage to the US crop. We are a long way from this becoming a reality but a few weeks of dry heat to start June could help this rally keep some momentum or at least not give back the recent gains. Exports continue to be disappointing, and the extension of the Black Sea grain corridor isn’t bullish, but as usual the focus will be on final planted acres and weather in the coming weeks.

Via Barchart

Soybeans can’t get any momentum as South American beans continue to be the preferred option in the world market. November futures made a new low this week before getting a modest bounce on Friday heading into the long weekend. As demand continues to struggle the USDA will likely continue to trim exports in the next report, which will add to ending stocks for 22/23. Beans were 66% planted, ahead of the average pace, as weather concerns won’t hit the soybean market just yet. Beans are lacking any bullish news as they wait for a spark but struggle to find where it will come from.

Via Barchart

Cotton had a volatile week as seen in the chart below. When these opportunities present themselves, you do not want to miss the opportunity to hedge your risk. Have a plan and be prepared if there is another 5-cent spike that could make a big difference in your bottom line and potentially a good spot to place a hedge. The 78-84 cent range of Dec 2023 cotton has been consistent with pops to the upside and dips back to the bottom. The world economic outlook and US weather will be the main drivers moving forward into the long weekend.

Via Barchart

Equity Markets

The equity markets continue their mixed run of late with the DJI continuing to struggle while the S&P and NASDAQ stocks see gains. NVIDIA was the big winner of the week as chips and AI have investors’ focus. While the jury is still out on Artificial Intelligence and what role it will play in the coming years, one thing is clear, investors don’t want to miss the boat even though we do not know if the boat is the Titanic or the USS Missouri.

Via Barchart

Drought Monitor

The drought monitor below shows the struggles in the weestern corn belt as the eastern corn belt is in good shape as planting wraps up.

Podcast

With every new year, there are new opportunities, and there’s no better time to dive deeply into the stock market and tax-saving strategies for 2023 than now. In our latest episode of the Hedged Edge, we’re joined by Tim Webb, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner from our sister company, RCM Wealth Advisors. Tim is no stranger to advising institutions and agribusinesses where he has been implementing no-nonsense financial planning strategies and market investment disciplines to help Clients build and maintain wealth and reach financial goals since

Inside this jam-packed session, we’re taking a break from commodities, and talking about the world of equities, interest rates, tax savings, and business planning strategies. Plus, Jeff and Tim delve into a variety of topics like:

  • The current state of the markets within the wealth management industry
  • Is there a beacon of hope, or is it all doom and gloom for the markets?
  • Other strategies to think about outside of the stock market and so much more!

 

Via Barchart.com

 

Contact an Ag Specialist Today

Whether you’re a producer, end-user, commercial operator, RCM AG Services helps protect revenues and control costs through its suite of hedging tools and network of buyers/sellers — Contact Ag Specialist Brady Lawrence today at 312-858-4049 or [email protected].

 

15 May 2023
Agriculture, CME, Corn, Dow Jones, Grain, Market Commentary, Market Updates, Other News, Podcast, Research, Risk Management, Soybeans, USDA Report, Weekly Prices, Wheat rcmagserv 0 comment

AG MARKET UPDATE: APRIL 28 – MAY 15

The USDA Report on Friday did not give any bullish news. But the overall muted market reaction was good to see as the overall report did not offer much to help prices. The USDA had production and ending stocks above pre-report estimates with the main number of US yield an expected 181.5 bpa. The USDA did not change their April estimates for Argentina’s crop, which remains higher than the numbers from the Rosario Grain Exchange but did raise the production estimates for Brazil. The USDA raised ending stocks on expectations for lower exports which matches the theme in the export space of late. The US crop planting progress was 65% complete to start this week.

Via Barchart

Soybeans had a bad week, like corn, but did not have as bearish a response following the report as the numbers could have led to. The major numbers were in-line with pre-report estimates except for the ending stocks for similar reasons as corn, with lower exports and south American production. WASDE did not lower Argentina’s numbers for beans either. The world bean market needs to find a new demand angle to keep from being oversupplied if the US has a great growing year. The US soybean crop was seen as 49% planted to start the week.

Via Barchart

Wheat was the lone warm spot of the report with some numbers coming in below trade estimates. The 23/24 world wheat ending stocks came in well above the pre-report estimates at 264.3 MMT (259.5 MMT) consumption and exports are lower. Wheat got a strong bounce, with KC leading the way, and should give corn some help. The Black Sea corridor will remain the biggest issue for commodities as any stops or problems will be supportive for Wheat.

Via Barchart

Equity Markets

The equity markets were mixed this week with the Dow getting hit with losses, the S&P being relatively flat and the Nasdaq continuing higher. Tech continues higher after good earnings from the major companies and the market thinking the Fed is done raising rates and potentially lowering sooner. The markets are still waiting for a catalyst as it has been a story of the have and have nots as of late.

Via Barchart

Drought Monitor

The eastern corn belt has gotten plenty of moisture as planting has begun while the western corn belt in some areas getting lots of moisture over the weekend.

Podcast

With every new year, there are new opportunities, and there’s no better time to dive deeply into the stock market and tax-saving strategies for 2023 than now. In our latest episode of the Hedged Edge, we’re joined by Tim Webb, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner from our sister company, RCM Wealth Advisors. Tim is no stranger to advising institutions and agribusinesses where he has been implementing no-nonsense financial planning strategies and market investment disciplines to help Clients build and maintain wealth and reach financial goals since

Inside this jam-packed session, we’re taking a break from commodities, and talking about the world of equities, interest rates, tax savings, and business planning strategies. Plus, Jeff and Tim delve into a variety of topics like:

  • The current state of the markets within the wealth management industry
  • Is there a beacon of hope, or is it all doom and gloom for the markets?
  • Other strategies to think about outside of the stock market and so much more!

 

Via Barchart.com

 

Contact an Ag Specialist Today

Whether you’re a producer, end-user, commercial operator, RCM AG Services helps protect revenues and control costs through its suite of hedging tools and network of buyers/sellers — Contact Ag Specialist Brady Lawrence today at 312-858-4049 or [email protected].

28 Apr 2023
Agriculture, CME, Corn, Dow Jones, Grain, Market Commentary, Market Updates, Other News, Podcast, Research, Risk Management, Soybeans, Weather, Weekly Prices rcmagserv 0 comment

AG MARKET UPDATE: APRIL 21 – 28

The losing streak continued for corn this week after another week with no bullish news keeps hitting prices. With Brazil’s prices as low as they are due to record production, China cancelled a 233,000-tonne corn purchase this week. This is not a new strategy by China as they cancel purchases from the US once they know Brazil can meet their demand for cheaper. This could lead the USDA to lower export expectations for the year and we would not be surprised to see more cancelations. While all the news has been bad of late and the chart looks ugly, the bounce off the lows to end the week was helpful. The weather remains cool and wet across much of the corn belt for the next week but should warm up and dry out after that to allow for quick planting come mid May. Corn planting progress was as expected this week at 14% complete.

Via Barchart

Soybeans had had seven consecutive days lower before their bounce on Friday to end the week. Brazilian markets had imploded but now appear to be stabilized, but still priced far below the US price. Like corn, there have been some cancelations and slow down in purchases, which will likely make the USDA lower export predictions for beans as well. Bean planting was seen 9% complete to start the week which is slightly ahead of expectations. Corn and Beans are both battling lower prices in Brazil and a good start to planting while they wait on news to change the trade direction.

Via Barchart

Equity Markets

The equity markets got a bounce this week after several mega cap tech companies delivered strong earnings report. Next week’s reports don’t have as many big names but it does have Apple which may be the most important stock. GDP growth cooled for the 3rd straight quarter growing slightly over 1%, the drop of 1%+ quarter over quarter the last three will make Q2 growth important to see if that trend continues and we slip into negative growth, also known as recession territory.

Via Barchart

Drought Monitor

The eastern corn belt has gotten plenty of moisture, some too much, so far this winter with the western corn belt dry.

Podcast

With every new year, there are new opportunities, and there’s no better time to dive deeply into the stock market and tax-saving strategies for 2023 than now. In our latest episode of the Hedged Edge, we’re joined by Tim Webb, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner from our sister company, RCM Wealth Advisors. Tim is no stranger to advising institutions and agribusinesses where he has been implementing no-nonsense financial planning strategies and market investment disciplines to help Clients build and maintain wealth and reach financial goals since

Inside this jam-packed session, we’re taking a break from commodities, and talking about the world of equities, interest rates, tax savings, and business planning strategies. Plus, Jeff and Tim delve into a variety of topics like:

  • The current state of the markets within the wealth management industry
  • Is there a beacon of hope, or is it all doom and gloom for the markets?
  • Other strategies to think about outside of the stock market and so much more!

 

Via Barchart.com

 

Contact an Ag Specialist Today

Whether you’re a producer, end-user, commercial operator, RCM AG Services helps protect revenues and control costs through its suite of hedging tools and network of buyers/sellers — Contact Ag Specialist Brady Lawrence today at 312-858-4049 or [email protected].

24 Apr 2023
Agriculture, Corn, Cotton, Dow Jones, Grain, Market Commentary, Market Updates, Other News, Research, Risk Management, Soybeans, Weather, Weekly Prices rcmagserv 0 comment

AG MARKET UPDATE: APRIL 12 – 21

Corn had a rough week, especially to end the week falling over 20 cents after a small rally. Poor weekly exports, fund selling and the potential for rain in the driest parts of the US pushed prices lower this week. Corn planting was 8% complete to start the week, slightly behind where it was expected to be but in fine shape for this point of the year. Weather will remain a problem from the Midwest with cold temps continuing. Any news out of Russia and Ukraine will continue to move markets.

Via Barchart

Soybeans had a similar week to corn with weakness into the weekend. Brazilian soybeans continue to be at a big discount to Chicago, $2.00, with their record production and storage shortage. China is not as active a buyer as expected in Brazil but less demand from them will lead to more from other places taking away from US exports. The soybean balance sheet has been tight so that would not be a bad thing for global supply but would not be friendly to getting back to $14 beans.

Via Barchart

Cotton was limit down at one point during Thursday’s trade, before bouncing slightly for its worst day in over a month. The export report was less than impressive this week at a 15-week low. The chart broke through its support level during the down trade, changing how the charts look. The chance of rain in west Texas was one of the drivers as it only takes a few well-timed rains to make the markets nervous. While it is still only a chance of rain all eyes will be on if that rainfall comes to fruition. Any widespread rain in west Texas would lead to another limit move lower.

Via Barchart

Equity Markets

The equity markets bled a little this week as the market looks for direction from earnings. The S&P 500 was unable to break through the 4,200 level, coming close before moving lower for the week. Earnings next week for some major companies (Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon) will give us a lot of information that will determine the market’s next move.

Via Barchart

Drought Monitor

The eastern corn belt has gotten plenty of moisture, some too much, so far this winter with the western corn belt dry.

Podcast

With every new year, there are new opportunities, and there’s no better time to dive deeply into the stock market and tax-saving strategies for 2023 than now. In our latest episode of the Hedged Edge, we’re joined by Tim Webb, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner from our sister company, RCM Wealth Advisors. Tim is no stranger to advising institutions and agribusinesses where he has been implementing no-nonsense financial planning strategies and market investment disciplines to help Clients build and maintain wealth and reach financial goals since

Inside this jam-packed session, we’re taking a break from commodities, and talking about the world of equities, interest rates, tax savings, and business planning strategies. Plus, Jeff and Tim delve into a variety of topics like:

  • The current state of the markets within the wealth management industry
  • Is there a beacon of hope, or is it all doom and gloom for the markets?
  • Other strategies to think about outside of the stock market and so much more!

 

Via Barchart.com

 

Contact an Ag Specialist Today

Whether you’re a producer, end-user, commercial operator, RCM AG Services helps protect revenues and control costs through its suite of hedging tools and network of buyers/sellers — Contact Ag Specialist Brady Lawrence today at 312-858-4049 or [email protected].

 

12 Apr 2023
Agriculture, CME, Corn, Dow Jones, Grain, Market Commentary, Market Updates, Research, Risk Management, Soybeans, USDA Report, Weekly Prices rcmagserv 0 comment

AG MARKET UPDATE: MARCH 31 – APRIL 12

Corn has been down over the last week and half after the prospective plantings report and this week’s supply and demand report. The theme has been a lack of market moving news with little surprises in the reports. This week’s report was slightly higher than pre-report estimates for US and world ending stocks, but slightly below estimates for Argentina and Brazil’s production. The market did not react much either way to the report as the market continued to trade in its current range. Cash basis is rising and planting is rolling this week, expect this range bound trade to continue between the March 22nd low of $5.47 ½ and resistance at the 20 DMA at $5.61 until there is a catalyst to move it.

Via Barchart

Soybeans had a similar week to corn as they traded lower off the post planting report bump. The demand for beans has picked up recently but US and world stocks came out higher than anticipated. Basis continues to improve for beans as well with South Americas crop continuing to get smaller. We continue to learn how bad the Argentine crop is with potential to be the smallest crop in the last 20 years. The recent sideways trend looks to continue for old crop as stocks remain tight with falling Brazilian prices keeping the market from moving higher.

Via Barchart

Equity Markets

The DJIA moved higher this week while the S&P and Nasdaq sank as CPI came in .1% better than expected with year over year inflation sitting at 5%, core CPI was at 5.6%. It is still expected that the Fed will raise another 25 basis points next month, but the markets believe that will be the last rate hike this year. Q1 earnings kick off this week with several big banks, the guidance and response to the recent banking crisis will be the focus.

Via Barchart

Drought Monitor

The eastern corn belt has gotten plenty of moisture, some too much, so far this winter with the western corn belt dry.

Podcast

With every new year, there are new opportunities, and there’s no better time to dive deeply into the stock market and tax-saving strategies for 2023 than now. In our latest episode of the Hedged Edge, we’re joined by Tim Webb, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner from our sister company, RCM Wealth Advisors. Tim is no stranger to advising institutions and agribusinesses where he has been implementing no-nonsense financial planning strategies and market investment disciplines to help Clients build and maintain wealth and reach financial goals since

Inside this jam-packed session, we’re taking a break from commodities, and talking about the world of equities, interest rates, tax savings, and business planning strategies. Plus, Jeff and Tim delve into a variety of topics like:

  • The current state of the markets within the wealth management industry
  • Is there a beacon of hope, or is it all doom and gloom for the markets?
  • Other strategies to think about outside of the stock market and so much more!

 

Via Barchart.com

 

Contact an Ag Specialist Today

Whether you’re a producer, end-user, commercial operator, RCM AG Services helps protect revenues and control costs through its suite of hedging tools and network of buyers/sellers — Contact Ag Specialist Brady Lawrence today at 312-858-4049 or [email protected].

 

31 Mar 2023
Agriculture, CME, Corn, Cotton, Dow Jones, Grain, Market Commentary, Market Updates, Research, Risk Management, Soybeans, USDA Report, Weekly Prices, Wheat rcmagserv 0 comment

AG MARKET UPDATE: MARCH 24 – 31 USDA REPORT

The USDA prospective plantings and quarterly stocks reports were released today, March 31st, with a mix of news. The report pegged this year’s crop at 92 million acres while the trade estimates were about 91 million. This led to a mixed trade as pre-report strength faded with futures ending mixed for the day. Current US weather conditions and the expectation of a slow start to planting could lead to this number falling, it is unlikely we will see a number higher than this the rest of the year, similar to last year. Corn stocks were lower than estimates by 69 million bushels and over 350 million bushels lower than last year.

Via Barchart

Soybeans received a boost from the report as with lower acreage and stocks than expected. The planted acreage number came in at 87.5 million acres, lower than the 88.24 million trade estimate. The quarterly stocks were 247 million bushels lower than a year ago, continuing to show the tightness on the balance sheet. South America still has some uncertainty around their crop, but we should get a better idea in the coming weeks. Both numbers from today’s report are seen as bullish for the market.

Via Barchart

Wheat saw some bearish numbers with higher planted acreage and higher stocks than pre-report estimates. 49.9 million acres, 1 million over estimates, and 946 million bushels in stocks, 934 mbu estimate, were both bearish while the price did not overreact. Wheat will follow corn’s lead for now with many questions still surrounding the conditions in the southern plains and the Black Sea.

Via Barchart

Cotton’s bounce this week back to over 83 cents was very welcome after a couple weeks of lower trade. The market did not have a major reaction to the report with planted acreage estimates coming in at 11.3 million acres vs the 11.2 million trade estimate. Speculative short covering helped cotton rally this week while spreads were also a lower than normal percent of the trade. The problem continues to remain of recession fears and how that affects companies purchases trying to weigh supply and demand.

Via Barchart

Equity Markets

Equities had another good week as investors seem to believe the Fed will relax with rate hikes and the banking fears have calmed down along with an ease in inflation pressure as we slowly move lower. Tech companies would be the beneficiary of lowering rates by the end of the year but the Fed’s recent comments would indicate they have no intention to lower rates before the end of the year. There was strength in most sectors this week.

Via Barchart

Drought Monitor

The eastern corn belt has gotten plenty of moisture, some too much, so far this winter with the western corn belt needing more heading into the spring.

Podcast

With every new year, there are new opportunities, and there’s no better time to dive deeply into the stock market and tax-saving strategies for 2023 than now. In our latest episode of the Hedged Edge, we’re joined by Tim Webb, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner from our sister company, RCM Wealth Advisors. Tim is no stranger to advising institutions and agribusinesses where he has been implementing no-nonsense financial planning strategies and market investment disciplines to help Clients build and maintain wealth and reach financial goals since

Inside this jam-packed session, we’re taking a break from commodities, and talking about the world of equities, interest rates, tax savings, and business planning strategies. Plus, Jeff and Tim delve into a variety of topics like:

  • The current state of the markets within the wealth management industry
  • Is there a beacon of hope, or is it all doom and gloom for the markets?
  • Other strategies to think about outside of the stock market and so much more!

 

Via Barchart.com

 

Contact an Ag Specialist Today

Whether you’re a producer, end-user, commercial operator, RCM AG Services helps protect revenues and control costs through its suite of hedging tools and network of buyers/sellers — Contact Ag Specialist Brady Lawrence today at 312-858-4049 or [email protected].

 

Disclaimer

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