Analysts have their sights set on corn ahead of today’s WASDE report

Analysts will be watching corn yields when the August WASDE report drops today. Early signs show USDA is poised to raise its average yield estimate, which could send markets reacting fast.

Our friend Oliver Sloup with Blue Line Futures explains why he will be watching this area.

“The average yield estimate is going to be the big headline number that we’re looking at for corn that comes in at 184.3, well above where the USDA was last month at 181. So I suspect that we’ll probably trade that WASDE report there for maybe an hour or so. We’ll talk about the headline risk, and then I think a lot of the attention is going to turn towards the crop tour that starts next week as well, which will be on and will be starting on the eastern leg. So it’ll be good to get some boots on the ground, really across the whole corn belt to kind of get a better idea of what’s actually out there. We’ve heard of some potential pollination issues, you know, how widespread is that? Still to be determined. So, again, it’s going to be good to get out there in the field and see for ourselves.”

Related Stories
The American Coalition for Ethanol reacts as the Farm Bill heads to a full House vote — while ethanol expansion, including year-round E15, is left out — as well as the USDA’s pursuit of global markets for ethanol.
Big oils-and-fats volumes can support crush demand, but fuel markets can quickly tighten supplies.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum explains the role farm safety net programs play in supporting farm finances as growers head into the 2026 planting season.
Corn demand is rising thanks to ethanol expansion, yet year-round E15 remains missing from the Farm Bill—leaving farmers questioning the policy gap.
ASFMRA’s George Baird shares insight on spring planting progress, acreage trends, and the financial factors influencing Mid-South farmers this season.
Record ethanol demand continues supporting corn markets and rural economies.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

A Nebraska rancher says his land may not support cattle this year after 2,000 acres were burned in recent devastating wildfires across the state.
Brandy Carroll with the Arkansas Farm Bureau shares an update on planting conditions and what producers are facing this season.
Aris Georgiadis with Dairy Management Inc. joined us to discuss the “Dairy Does More” campaign and how it is working to boost demand for dairy.
Farmer John Jenkinson shares the latest on planting conditions in Kansas and what producers are facing this season.
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch discusses the USDA’s request for feedback on data and research, how such requests work, and what farmers should know about submitting comments before the Thursday, April 9 deadline.
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper explains the growing threat of invasive hornets in his state and what Southeastern growers should watch for this spring.