Steady As She Goes: Grain analyst Darin Newsom is watching corn futures in the weeks ahead

Corn farmers have felt the pinch of low prices, and with a record corn crop coming in, that situation is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Despite all the noise, grain analyst Darin Newsom says the corn market is steady as she goes.

“You know, there’s nothing outstanding in this market. If we look at both the Dec. March future spread, if we look at the Dec. July forward curve, all telling us you know we’ve got a neutral situation, not that much different from where we were this time last year, basis is relatively weak. All of these things are to be expected as we enter September, and again, with the large harvest coming at us.”

Newsom says he will be closely watching December corn in the weeks ahead. He says it tends to rally during September and October, but he is not expecting any big moves.

Related Stories
Traders are keeping a close eye on China’s soybean purchases as markets track export sales, shipments, and progress toward the ‘magical’ 12 million ton target promised last year.
As domestic production and blending slowed, export demand remained a clear bright spot.
Higher ethanol blend rates translate directly into stronger, more durable corn demand if regulatory momentum holds.
Strong export demand supports feed grain prices, but drought risk and seasonal patterns favor disciplined early-year marketing.
Corn export strength remains a key demand anchor, while China’s continued involvement in soybeans and sorghum bears close watching for price direction.
Strong crush demand and rising ethanol production are pressuring feedstocks, as traders monitor storage risks and supply chain uncertainty and await the upcoming January WASDE report.
Strong ethanol production and export trends continue to support corn demand despite seasonal fuel consumption softness.
Benchmark machinery costs against those of similar-sized, high-performing operations to inform equipment and investment decisions.
Record pace corn exports are helping stabilize prices despite softer global grain production and ongoing supply competition.

Agriculture Shows
From barnyards and back roads to metros and highways, Simply Southern TV on RFD-TV explores all of Alabama to bring you the best stories on farming, gardening, forestry, rural living, and youth in agriculture.
In the first week of each month, “Down Home Virginia,” produced by the Virginia Farm Bureau, airs its half-hour program. Other states’ Farm Bureaus featured on different weeks include Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Idaho, and New York, and news from the American Farm Bureau from Washington, D.C.
Created by former Louisiana Farm Bureau PR Director and former host Regnal Wallace, “This Week in Louisiana Agriculture,” is one of the state’s longest-running TV programs.
From the rapid technological advances in the business of farming to the policy that helps shape the industry, growers get unparalleled perspective from these guys. Max Armstrong, Mike Pearson and Greg Soulje: the names producers have long known and trusted for agriculture news, weather, and commentary.