01-18 End of Day: Grains Close Higher Across the Board for Just the 2nd Time in 2024
All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time
Corn | ||
MAR ’24 | 444 | 1.75 |
JUL ’24 | 463.5 | 1 |
DEC ’24 | 475.75 | 0.75 |
Soybeans | ||
MAR ’24 | 1213.5 | 7.75 |
JUL ’24 | 1233 | 4.75 |
NOV ’24 | 1191.25 | 2.25 |
Chicago Wheat | ||
MAR ’24 | 585.5 | 3 |
JUL ’24 | 603.75 | 1.75 |
JUL ’25 | 646.25 | 2.5 |
K.C. Wheat | ||
MAR ’24 | 605.25 | 11.25 |
JUL ’24 | 611 | 8.5 |
JUL ’25 | 647.25 | 8.5 |
Mpls Wheat | ||
MAR ’24 | 688 | 7.75 |
JUL ’24 | 704.25 | 4 |
SEP ’24 | 713.5 | 2.25 |
S&P 500 | ||
MAR ’24 | 4803.5 | 32.25 |
Crude Oil | ||
MAR ’24 | 73.99 | 1.51 |
Gold | ||
APR ’24 | 2042.4 | 16.4 |
Grain Market Highlights
- Corn prices traded higher today after four consecutive sessions lower, this higher close came despite lower week-over-week ethanol production. Continuous corn futures may be finding support this week from the 2015 and 2016 summer highs near the $4.40 futures level.
- Soybean prices rallied late today from severely oversold levels after testing last week’s lows and the pivotal $12 level on front month March futures this morning.
- Soybean meal held onto marginal gains today while soybean oil prices slid slightly lower, this came despite crude oil prices posting their highest close of 2024 this afternoon.
- After trading to new lows this morning, all three wheat classes managed to close higher on the day, likely due to technical buying from extreme oversold levels. The US Dollar was higher yet again today continuing its 2024 rally.
- To see the updated US Drought Monitor as well as the Brazil 1 week forecast total precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.
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Corn
Action Plan: Corn
Calls
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Cash
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Puts
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Corn Action Plan Summary
- No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. Front month corn has languished in a sideways to lower trend since printing a high in October, with a general lack of bullish news and an estimated US carryout over 2.1 billion bushels. The failure of the USDA’s January report to provide the bullish news necessary to turn prices higher is disappointing and the market remains at risk of remaining in the same pattern. With that being said, the market does show signs of being oversold, and managed funds hold a sizable net short position, which could trigger a short covering rally if a bullish catalyst enters the scene. For now, Grain Market Insider will continue to hold tight on any further sales recommendations for the next few weeks with the objective of seeking out better pricing opportunities. If the market has not turned around by then, Grain Market Insider may sit tight on the next sales recommendations until spring.
- No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Following the January USDA Supply and Demand update, Dec ’24 broke through the bottom end of the 485 ¾ to 602 range that had been in place since February ’22. While this is a disappointing development, bear spreading has allowed Dec ’24 to maintain more of its value versus old crop, as traders attempt to price in a larger 2023 carryout with more uncertainty remaining for the 2024 crop. Additionally, Dec ’24 does show signs of being oversold, which is supportive if a bullish catalyst enters the scene. Grain Market Insider continues to watch for signs of a change in the current trend to look at recommending making additional sales and buying Dec ’24 call options.
- No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be late winter or early spring of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.
To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

Market Notes: Corn
- Corn futures traded higher for the first time in four sessions as the March contract gained 1 ¾ cents on the day. Corn prices shook off a move to new life of contract lows early in the session to post a higher gain.
- Corn and grain markets in general are heavily oversold. The firming price action on the session posted a reversal on daily charts and could lead to additional technical strength going into the weekend on Friday.
- Demand will stay a key focus of the market, and the USDA will release weekly export sales on Friday morning. US corn is moving into a typical window to see export demand as global supplies from competing nations are minimized. Last week’s export sales for corn were disappointing at 488,000 MT, which was at the low end of expectations.
- The national average corn basis was improving over last week. Currently the National Average basis is trading at 24 cents, up from last week, but still below the 5-year average. Lack of producer selling is likely helping support basis levels.
- Average ethanol production last week was 1.054 million barrels/day, down 0.8% from last week, but up 4.6% compared to last year. Ethanol stocks were 25.695 million barrels, which was an all-time high for the date. Total corn used to date for ethanol production totaled 1.987 billion bushels which running ahead of the needed pace to reach the USDA target for the marketing year.

Above: Earlier in January, March corn broke through 460 support, which is now nearby resistance, and retreated toward nearby support around 440. The market shows signs of being oversold, which can be supportive if bullish information enters the market. If prices break below 440, the next major support level comes in near 415. Overhead, if prices rally above 460, additional resistance may enter in between 470-480.

Soybeans
Action Plan: Soybeans
Calls
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Cash
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Puts
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Soybeans Action Plan Summary
- No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. Front month soybeans recent downside breakout of the 1290 – 1400 range indicates that there is risk that prices may continue to retreat toward 1180, as forecasts for improved South American weather lessen the potential for the record large global carryout to be reduced. Given the potential of a downside breakout, Grain Market Insider recently recommended adding to sales as the current price level is still historically good. It’s been disappointing how the market has been unable to push higher despite the South American production concerns. Because of that, Grain Market Insider’s concern is that, if the weather pattern doesn’t remain adverse, the path of least resistance could be lower. Grain Market Insider will continue to look at additional sales opportunities, as well as potential re-ownership strategies.
- No new action is recommended for the 2024 crop. The Nov ’24 contract recently broke through the downside of the 1233 – 1320 range that has been in place since the end of July. With this downside breakout, and considering the bullish influence of adverse South American weather, which appears to be improving, Nov ’24 runs the risk of retreating towards 1150 unless another bullish catalyst enters the market. If prices find support and turn back higher, Grain Market Insider recently recommended buying Nov ’24 1280 and 1360 calls to give you confidence to make sales against anticipated 2024 production and to protect any sales in an extended rally. Grain Market Insider will also continue to watch for any sales opportunities.
- No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.
To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following soybean recommendations:

Market Notes: Soybeans
- Soybeans ended the day higher after mixed trade that resulted in March soybeans, making a new low at $12.01 before rebounding at the close. The US Senate also passed a bill today to avert a government shutdown which likely supported the markets in general.
- There have been no flash sales reported for soybeans in weeks as the world’s main buyer, China, seems to be stepping aside from even Brazilian purchases. Tomorrow’s export sales report for soybeans will likely show very weak sales and may pressure the soy complex.
- Today, soybean meal closed slightly higher while bean oil was lower. Both soy products have been trending lower, but despite that, December’s NOPA crush report showed a record number of soybeans crushed which indicates that domestic demand at least is firm.
- Last Friday, the USDA projected Brazilian soybean production at 157 mmt, and many analysts agree that this is too high. The majority are estimating production around 150 mmt, but some guesses have come in as low as 135 mmt. The actual numbers won’t start to roll in until combines roll in larger numbers within the next few months.

Above: Soybeans have steadily retreated after leaving a 6-cent gap between 1290 ¾ and 1296 ¾. The market is showing signs of being extremely oversold, which can be supportive if bullish information enters the market to turn prices around. If prices do turn back higher, resistance rests around the price gap and again near the 50-day moving average. Otherwise, the next major support level comes in near the November ’21 low of 1181.

Wheat
Market Notes: Wheat
- After a rough morning of new lows, all three classes of US wheat reversed by the close to post session gains. KC wheat led the charge higher, gaining more than a dime in the front month March despite a lack of fresh news. This may be more of a technical correction than anything else, as wheat is very oversold. However, support also came from corn and soybeans turning higher.
- The recent storms brought snow cover which should protect much of the winter wheat crop from another round of sub-zero temperatures expected to hit many areas of the Plains states and Midwest by this weekend. Additionally, soil moisture levels look much better than a year ago, so the crop should be in better shape as well.
- According to StoneX, the Brazilian 23/24 wheat crop is estimated at 8.25 mmt, down from their previous estimate of 8.59 mmt. Additionally, Brazil is expected to import more wheat at 7.05 mmt vs 6.37 mmt previously.
- Due to lower Chinese demand, as well as competition from the Black Sea region, French wheat exports for 23/24 are expected to drop according to FranceAgriMer. This includes declines both within and outside of the European Union.
- Egypt purchased 360,000 mt of wheat in their tender with the majority coming from Russia. One cargo was sourced from France; however, this did not do much to help Matif futures which remain near contract lows. Like US wheat, that market is also very oversold technically, which could mean that the market is searching for a bottom.
Action Plan: Chicago Wheat
Calls
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Cash
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Puts
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary
- No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. The wheat market has continued to be dominated by lower world export prices that have stymied US export sales and depressed US prices. In early December, Grain Market Insider recommended taking advantage and making a sale on a short covering rally which was sparked by several Chinese purchases of US wheat. Since then, China has been silent in the US wheat export market, and prices remain somewhat elevated. Any remaining 2023 soft red winter wheat should be getting priced into market strength with the goal of having zero bushels unpriced by the end of January. Grain Market Insider won’t have any “New Alerts” for 2023 Chicago wheat – either Cash, Calls, or Puts, as we have moved focus onto 2024 and 2025 Crop Year Opportunities.
- No new action is recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Since early December, the July ’24 contract has traded mostly sideways to slightly lower after its brief short covering runup on Chinese buying. Although China has since been absent from the US wheat export market, managed funds continue to hold a sizeable, short position that could trigger another short covering rally if a bullish impetus enters the market. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion. Back in June, Grain Market Insider recommended two separate sales that averaged about 720 to take advantage of the brief upswing. If the market receives the needed stimulus to move prices back toward this summer’s highs, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the current recommended put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further, and Grain Market Insider will be prepared to recommend covering some of those puts to offset much of the original cost and move toward a net neutral cost for the remaining position.
- No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. Since early September, the July ’25 contract has been rangebound, largely between 650 on the bottom and 675 on the top. Grain Market Insider’s strategy for the 2025 crop year up to this point has been to sit tight. Though if prices break out of the topside of this range toward the 690 – 705 area, we will consider taking advantage of the rally and making sales recommendations.
To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:


Above: The March contract’s closing through the bottom end of the recent range and 100-day moving average lends a bearish tilt to the market, which runs the risk of drifting lower toward the next major level of support near 556. If a bullish catalyst enters the market to turn prices higher, overhead resistance remains near 650.
Action Plan: KC Wheat
Calls
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Cash
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Puts
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
KC Wheat Action Plan Summary
- No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. After posting an 80-cent rally in late November and early December, front month KC wheat has languished and drifted lower while retracing about 50% of the upward move. Managed funds continue to carry a significant short position, and even though bullish headwinds like weak US demand and low world wheat prices remain, this could fuel a return to higher prices as winter weather risks add volatility to the market. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation this winter, as weather becomes a more prominent market mover, and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices become over-extended.
- No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. At the end of August, the July ’24 contract broke out of roughly a one-year trading range and stepped down to a 609 ¼ low in late November, largely driven by managed fund selling in the front month on weak US export demand and lower world wheat prices. Since then, the funds covered part of their large short position which also rallied prices in the July ’24 contract. While bearish headwinds remain, managed funds continue to hold a sizable, short position, and price seasonals remain positive for adding weather risk premium. These are two factors that could fuel additional short covering and rally prices in the months ahead. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Jul’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following the range breakout. As the market recently got further extended into oversold territory and the July contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% on any further supportive market developments.
- No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Insider starts considering the first sales targets.
To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:


Above: March KC wheat rejected an attempt to move higher near 650 and turned lower to test the bottom end of the recent range around 619. If the market continues to retreat, the next area of support remains near 595 and 575. Overhead, nearby resistance comes in around 650 and again between 675 – 680.
Action Plan: Mpls Wheat
Calls
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Cash
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Puts
2023
No New Action
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary
- No new action is currently recommended for the 2023 New Crop. For much of the second half of last year, driven mostly by fund selling and slow US export demand, front month Minneapolis wheat slowly stair-stepped lower until hitting the November low. During this time, managed funds also established a record net short position. Since then, with the market mostly sideways, the November low of 697 ½ has held, and prices have pierced the 50-day moving average just once. Although bearish headwinds remain, the large fund net short position could fuel a short-covering rally if a bullish catalyst enters the scene to move prices to close above the 50-day moving average. Back in June, Grain Market Insider made a sales recommendation during the July rally near 820, and with that sale in place, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation this winter with an eye on considering additional sales around 725 – 775, and again north of 800.
- No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. After trading to a peak of 871 ¾ last August, the Sept ’24 gradually retreated to a low in November in concert with the front month as managed funds built a record large net short position mostly on weak US export demand. And while Sept ’24 has failed to close above the 50-day moving average since late August, the 726 ¼ November low remains intact. Although bearish headwinds remain, the large fund net short position could fuel a short-covering rally if prices move higher and close above the 50-day moving average. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following a 1-year range breakout in KC wheat, and in November recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position as July ’24 KC wheat showed signs of support around 630. While in the same time frame, Grain Market Insider also recommended making an additional sale as the Sept ’24 Minneapolis contract broke long time 743 support. For now, Grain Market Insider remains prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% of the open puts on any further supportive market developments.
- No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.
To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:


Above: The breach of 700 in the March contract could indicate further weakness with the next area of major support down near 669. The market does show signs of being oversold, which is supportive if the market turns back higher. Overhead initial resistance lies around 700 and then again between 721 and 734.

Other Charts / Weather

