The Administration recently made changes that biofuel groups say will help keep fuel prices down. Blending requirements came in well-above industry expectations, and it is a move analysts say will lift up soybean growers, but they warn it will not happen overnight.
“I think this really is a long well, at least it’s a multi-year, you know, step in a domestic demand increase picture to help support soybean prices,” said Ben Brown, Extension Agricultural Economist - University of Missouri.
The EPA is accepting public comments before any action can be taken on those blending proposals. The cutoff date to voice your concerns is August 8th.
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“Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It goes to show that if that opportunity is there, China would be willing to buy.”
Strong corn exports are anchoring U.S. trade, while soybean sales remain steady, but shipments lag.
U.S. soybean farmers are growing increasingly frustrated by Argentina’s gains in Chinese grain contracts and Trump’s pledge of economic support for the South American ally.
Midwest corn and soy producers are monitoring for disease and lower yields due to the ongoing drought over the last 30 days.
Argentina hopes to boost demand, but critics see the move as a blow to American farmers.
China is making strategic moves by purchasing more soybeans from Argentina and may soon follow the EU and reopen its market to Brazilian chicken exports.
Farmers should watch for soybean export rebounds with harvest, while corn and wheat shipments remain strong and sorghum demand struggles.
Rollins says the new trade relationship with Taiwan, which is committed to buying a significant amount of U.S. soy, could not come at a better time for farmers facing financial strain.