Why exactly were soybeans bullish in January’s WASDE report?

This month’s WASDE report showed a bullish outlook on soybeans. USDA made cuts to both soybean and corn numbers and left the South American crop unchanged.

An economist says both marketplaces are uncertain with the news about the South American crop and the potential for trade wars with the incoming Administration. It is something that traders are watching, but they warn there are several other factors at play moving forward.

“This is something that we’ve got to keep an eye on, but the big questions remain, as I said with the corn, it’s the South American production. And then we do have to concern ourselves with risk to prices based off of any tariffs coming in with the new Presidency and potential trade wars,” said Greg McBride.

Also on everyone’s radar in the coming weeks is Brooke Rollins, President-elect Trump’s pick to lead USDA. Cabinet nominees have begun their confirmation hearings this week. So far, Rollins’ hearing has not been scheduled.

Related Stories
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
Nebraska’s largest wildfire on-record has burned 650,000 acres, with three other major fires also burning across the state, destroying pastureland and threatening cattle.
Corn and sorghum exports continue outperforming soybeans.
The action follows the March 13 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which upheld a district court decision denying a preliminary injunction that sought to halt the exchange.
Export competition remains heavy despite solid trade.
Lower production is tightening honey supplies across markets.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

This year at CattleCon 2026, RFD Network’s Kirbe Schnoor caught up with Donna Emick from Pneu-Dart to get her perspective on why education, safety, and accountability matter in the field.
NMPF’s Alan Bjerga discusses pending trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador and how they will benefit U.S. dairy producers and improve overall global competitiveness of U.S. ag products.
Farm Legal expert Roger McEowen discusses new dicamba regulations, compliance requirements for growers, and the evolving outlook for herbicide use.
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue shares the latest on the wildfires, their impact on agriculture, and the challenges farmers are facing as they navigate both natural disasters and economic uncertainty.
Renowned farm broadcaster and friend of RFD-TV, Orion Samuelson, will undoubtedly be remembered for many things, but most of all, his work as a champion of America’s farmers and ranchers will define his legacy.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.