Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.com

Grain Markets and Other Stuff Links-

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
TikTok
YouTube

Futures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.

0:00 Export Sales
2:35 Ethanol Production
5:38 Argentina Update / Weather
6:57 Brazil Update / Weather
8:32 Russia Wheat Problems
9:56 US Dollar is Strong

US Corn Exports Surge, Soybean Sales Fall
US corn export sales surged last week, surpassing expectations with 1.7 million metric tons (67 million bushels) of corn sold. This was a 46% increase from the previous week and 39% higher than the 4-week average. Mexico was the largest corn buyer for the week. On the other hand, soybean sales dropped to a marketing year low at 978,400 metric tons (36 million bushels), falling 31% from the previous week and 47% from the 4-week average. China was the largest soybean buyer for the week. Wheat sales exceeded expectations with 612,400 metric tons (23 million bushels) sold, a 34% increase from the previous week. Mexico was the largest wheat buyer.

US Ethanol Production Continues Strong
US ethanol production remained robust last week, with weekly output of 1.11 million barrels per day, showing a 3.4% increase compared to the same week last year. Ethanol stocks rose to 23.07 million barrels, a 2% increase from the prior week. Implied gasoline demand was also up by 1% compared to the previous week and 3% compared to the same week last year. Over the past four weeks, implied US gasoline demand has risen by 3.5% compared to the same period last year.

Argentina’s Corn and Soybean Acreage Adjustments
The Buenos Aires Grains Exchange has revised its outlook for Argentina’s corn and soybean acres. Corn acreage is now projected at 16.3 million acres, nearly 5% higher than the previous estimate. However, soybean acreage was reduced by 1.1%, now projected at 45.5 million acres, as farmers shift to more profitable crops.

Brazil’s Soybean Crop Estimate Increased
The USDA's Brazil attaché office has raised its Brazil soybean production estimate to 165mmt, citing timely planting and favorable early rainfall. The updated estimate is 2.3% higher than last season’s crop. CONAB, Brazil’s government agency, is forecasting the crop at 166.2 mmt, while the USDA projects 169 mmt.

Russia’s Winter Wheat Conditions Deteriorating
The condition of Russia’s winter wheat crops is forecast to worsen in January due to warmer-than-average temperatures and excess precipitation. This has led to weakened sprouts. While crop conditions in southern Russia are expected to be average, soil moisture remains low, posing risks to yields.

US Dollar Strengthens Amid Economic Growth and Tariff Concerns
The US dollar is on track to post its strongest annual gain in nearly a decade, rising over 7% this year, according to the Bloomberg Spot Index. The dollar's strength is attributed to the robust US economy, which has reduced expectations of further Federal Reserve rate cuts. Additionally, Trump’s tariff threats have boosted expectations for the dollar’s performance, making it a key focus in global ma