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.
Mexico plans to release 202,000 acre-feet of water into the Rio Grande, offering temporary relief to South Texas farmers as Congress advances the PERMIT Act.
December 16, 2025 12:59 PM
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Despite China’s sharp drop in grain purchases this year, new USDA export data this week shows that even some buying activity from the trade giant still moves the markets.
December 16, 2025 12:20 PM
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Corn and wheat exports remain supportive, but weaker soybean demand — especially from China — continues to pressure oilseed markets.
December 16, 2025 12:08 PM
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China’s pullback is hitting core U.S. commodities hard, reshaping export expectations for soybeans, cotton, grains, and livestock.
December 16, 2025 07:00 AM
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Slower grain movement may pressure basis, but falling diesel prices could help offset transportation costs.
December 16, 2025 06:00 AM
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A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
December 15, 2025 12:15 PM
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The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.
December 15, 2025 11:34 AM
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“I’m not sure where this bridge goes,” trader Brady Huck with Advanced Trading told RFD-TV News earlier this week.
December 12, 2025 03:32 PM
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Ethanol output softened, but underlying supply-and-demand trends indicate stable longer-term use despite short-term volatility in blending and exports.
December 12, 2025 11:47 AM
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