Just a reminder, we are offering Free DP right now on Corn and Beans. It needs to be priced by August 31,2021

March 5th, 2021 

CORN

Corn futures ended the day firmer. The December contract was able to notch a new high. For the week, the May contract was down 2 cents while the December contract was up 10 ¾ cents. Fresh news has been rather thin this week, as the trade awaits next week’s March WASDE report. Weather conditions in S. America remain less than ideal. Argentina continues to be dry. On Thursday, the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange reported a decline in corn conditions with just 25% of the crop rated good to excellent vs. 50% a year ago. Traders are also monitoring Brazil’s weather conditions in regard to their corn output. Groups in Brazil have gradually increased their corn crop estimates, with several now at 108 MMT, just under USDA’s 109 MMT estimate; but well above the low end of estimates at 105 MMT. The difference in opinions seems to come mostly from acreage. It currently appears that farmers in Brazil will keep planters rolling past the optimum window to try and capture record corn values. For reference, Brazil’s corn crop insurance coverage deadline has passed. Recent estimates have 73% of Brazil’s corn crop planted compared to 98% a year ago. U.S. ethanol production appears to be looking up, with margins mostly back in the black. Wednesday’s weekly EIA energy report showed production up 29% compared to the previous week and ethanol inventories were lower. Gasoline demand is increasing as travel begins to pick up, suggesting ethanol demand will rise in the coming months. Weather in the U.S. and planting decisions/progress will likely start to take on more importance in the coming weeks. Current weather maps for the Midwest call for warm temperatures through the weekend followed by active weather later next week.

SOYBEANS

Soybean futures were higher today. May bean futures tested key resistance above $14.30 but were unable to score new contract highs. For the week, May futures were up 25 ¾ cents while November futures improved 24 ¼ cents. The market’s focus on beans remains firmly on S. American weather and demand. Weather remains dry in the heart of Argentine production areas and is threatening to cut soybean production. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange lowered the percentage of beans in Argentina rated good to excellent to just 10%, down 5% from the previous week. 20% of the crop is now rated poor, while 70% is rated normal. In northern Brazil, frequent rains have slowed the harvest pace to a ten-year low and have led to poorer than usual bean quality. Approximately 67% of Brazil’s bean crop is estimated to be harvested compared to 91% last year. Big bean boat line-ups are also being reported in Brazil. Although, this not really surprising nor is it having much impact on the market (at this point) as the expectation is that the boats will get loaded. Traders are also monitoring soybean demand developments with China, as Chinese bean values have reached record values in recent weeks as stocks dwindle ahead of S. American deliveries. That said, China does have a record volume of soybeans on the books from S. America. February Census data released this morning showed the U.S. exported a record large 324.4 mln. bu. of soybeans in February, marking the 5 th consecutive month of record large U.S. bean exports.