How should producers navigate today’s volatile markets with all the tariffs back and forth?

Traders are warning that the markets have had a different feel lately. They say it is no surprise, given the action out of our nation’s Capitol recently, but they warn you need to stay vigilant.

“So now that we’ve flipped the calendar into 2025, it started with the January report,” said Brian Splitt. “It really changed the perception of the balance sheet for corn specifically, but also for soybeans. And now we’ve got a new Administration in office. And so with all of the things going on, with tariffs, who are we putting tariffs on? Are the tariffs off? Are they getting delayed? So the frequency of what you would say market-impacting information is really ramping up.”

Splitt says it is important to tackle any issues now. The number one thing you want to avoid is making decisions under duress.

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Treat storage as risk management and logistics, and budget to break even since export growth is unlikely to absorb bigger U.S. corn and soybean crops.
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The news immediately caused a drop in equities and commodities, with soybeans down 20 percent in a matter of minutes.
Expect a steady corn grind and selective basis strength where exports and local blending stay active.

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