Analysts say this week’s data around planting intentions was not surprising, and economists at the Farm Bureau believe trade issues played a role in the results.
“I think this year might have even more uncertainty than normal around the quickly escalating trade war and the big question marks in the biofuel policy space. These dual concerns and uncertainties with sliding prices as well for soybeans, I think, led to some of the significant drop in soybean acres,” said Betty Resnick.
For most farmers, business is as usual despite the current uncertainty in the industry. While this week’s information from USDA was helpful, one broker says he has his sights set a few months out.
”...The May WASDE report will help us to see our first balance sheets for the new crop, corn and beans, but overall, these numbers will change. We won’t see any major changes until we get that June report,” said Greg McBride.
Another big economic indicator out this week shows that producer sentiment is slipping. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer shows a 12-point drop from last month, and it comes after a 15-point drop in February. Economists from Purdue University say weak expectations for the future led to the decline.
Corn and wheat exports continue to outperform last year, while soybeans show steady but subdued movement compared to 2024.
December 09, 2025 12:14 PM
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Grain farms still have strong balance sheets, but another stretch of low profits will force hard cost cuts, especially on high-rent, highly leveraged operations.
December 09, 2025 11:41 AM
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Mold damage is tightening China’s corn supplies, supporting higher prices and creating potential demand for alternative feed grains in early 2026.
December 09, 2025 07:00 AM
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While this month’s WASDE report will not include updated figures on U.S. crop size, officials say it will offer a clearer picture of crop conditions in the Southern Hemisphere.
December 08, 2025 01:16 PM
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USTR Jamieson Greer signals a narrower trade deal with China, adding more market uncertainty. The Farm Bureau also supports reviewing China’s missed trade commitments under the Phase One.
December 08, 2025 01:00 PM
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Southern producers head into 2026 with thin margins, tighter credit, and rising agronomic risks despite scattered yield improvements.
December 08, 2025 12:04 PM
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Record yields and exceptionally low BCFM strengthen U.S. corn’s competitive position in global markets.
December 08, 2025 12:00 PM
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Credit stress is building for row-crop farms despite steady land values and slight price improvements.
December 06, 2025 03:00 PM
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Mike Steenhoek, with the Soy Transportation Commission, shares his outlook on current grain stocks and transportation lines amid bumper crops filling bins across the United States.
December 05, 2025 02:18 PM
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