All of the major economic indicators, as well as commodities are being pressured by uncertainty about Covid-19. Even with this pressure, corn prices worked a little higher this week.

It’s hard to find a market that hasn’t been affected by coronavirus concerns, and our commodity markets are no exception. Amid weekly reports that have been on the lower end of expectations, trade is keeping an eye on the potential impacts of the COVID-19 virus on demand. 

This week we review the latest USDA data on acres and yield. Also included are bonus interviews from 3 of our speakers at last week’s Women in Ag Conference, Ventures.

Even though the WASDE report did not provide much new information, there are still quite a few factors impacting grain markets this week.

In the midst of U.S. soybean prices continuing to face downward pressure from South America’s harvest and questionable Chinese demand, producers received the third and final round of President Trump’s promised Market Facilitation Program payment. The payment, designed to compensate low U.S. soybean prices as a result of the drawn-out U.S. and China trade issues, is not expected to be duplicated for the crop going in the ground this spring. Producers are encouraged to incorporate the payment in what they would normally receive for their grain and not to consider it as “extra” income.

This week we witnessed a steady drop lower for soybeans and corn. Special guest Dr. Allan Gray of Purdue University joins us for a short interview. 

Not a lot of bull/bear factors to push market movement this week, but a look at the potential impacts of the coronavirus outbreak on China’s soybean demand. Also, a special guest interview with Kelly Garrett on his approach to no-till, irrigated farming.

A little bit of a roller coaster ride since the announcements earlier in the week. Join our hosts as they break down some of the important topics of the week.

After all the buildup, USDA finally released their supply and demand estimates for January 2020.

We had the opportunity to sit down with one of our averaging contract customers to get his perspective on how he has incorporated the program into his marketing plan. Later, a little explanation about what we mean when we’re talking about the USDA’s WASDE reports.