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
The latest USDA price projections are raising new questions about crop payments and ARC calculations.
CWD is an infectious, degenerative disease of cervids that causes brain cells to die, ultimately leading to the death of the affected animal.
Dr. Derrell Peel says long-term price relief will depend more on rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd than increasing imports.
Potato growers now have a fresh benchmark for comparing fertilizer, pesticide, and pest-management practices across major production states.
Egg production accounted for much of the increase.
Kentucky Farm Bureau President Eddie Melton joins us to discuss fertilizer affordability concerns, Senate Agriculture Committee testimony, and spring planting conditions in Kentucky.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Sheinbaum–Rollins meeting signals progress, but the focus remains on fully containing screwworm before cross-border movement resumes.
Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Brian Kuehl shares more about the tour to gather farmers’ insights on the economic challenges they face in the ag economy.
Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.
Wheat futures briefly hit a three-month high before retreating as the markets wait for word on whether the deal will actually happen.