9-25 End of Day: Grains Close Solidly in the Green at Midweek
All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time
Corn | ||
DEC ’24 | 415.25 | 3.5 |
MAR ’25 | 433.25 | 2.5 |
DEC ’25 | 451 | 1.75 |
Soybeans | ||
NOV ’24 | 1053.25 | 11 |
JAN ’25 | 1071.75 | 11.25 |
NOV ’25 | 1094.5 | 11 |
Chicago Wheat | ||
DEC ’24 | 589.25 | 11.25 |
MAR ’25 | 608.25 | 11 |
JUL ’25 | 623.25 | 9.5 |
K.C. Wheat | ||
DEC ’24 | 581 | 10 |
MAR ’25 | 595.25 | 10 |
JUL ’25 | 608.75 | 9.75 |
Mpls Wheat | ||
DEC ’24 | 617 | 5.25 |
MAR ’25 | 638.5 | 5.25 |
SEP ’25 | 662.5 | 4.5 |
S&P 500 | ||
DEC ’24 | 5780.25 | -11.75 |
Crude Oil | ||
NOV ’24 | 69.69 | -1.87 |
Gold | ||
DEC ’24 | 2684.9 | 7.9 |
Grain Market Highlights
- The corn market regained yesterday’s losses and then some as it recovered from early morning lows and closed within a penny of the day’s high across the board. Carryover support from higher soybeans and wheat were primary contributing factors.
- For the third day in a row, soybeans closed higher on the day, and like corn, closed at the top of the day’s range across the board, with sharply higher soybean oil leading the way. Meal also recovered from earlier losses to close with modest gains.
- News of the proposed Farmers First Incentives Act in congress, which favors domestically produced biofuel feedstocks over imported feedstocks for the 45Z tax credits continued to fuel the rally in soybean oil.
- Despite a higher US Dollar, the wheat complex reversed yesterday’s losses and closed higher in all three classes, with Chicago and KC both showing double-digit gains. Carryover support from higher Paris milling wheat futures, and neighboring soybeans contributed to the day’s strength.
- To see the updated US 5-day precipitation forecast, 6 – 10 day Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks, and 2-week Forecast Precipitation for Brazil and N. Argentina, courtesy of NOAA, and the Weather Prediction Center, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.
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Corn
Action Plan: Corn
Calls
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Cash
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Puts
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Corn Action Plan Summary
Since printing a market low in late August, the corn market has rallied largely on fund short covering as the rush of old crop bushels into the market has slowed and demand has picked up. While the harvest of an expectedly large crop may limit upside potential, it is a good sign that corn buyers are finding value at these multi-year low price levels. Any unexpected downward shift in anticipated supply or increase in demand could trigger managed funds to cover more of their short positions and rally prices further, however, an extended rally is unlikely until after harvest.
- No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. In June, we recommended purchasing Dec ’24 470 and 510 calls after Dec ’24 closed below 451, due to their relative value and the typically high market volatility during that time of year. Although we no longer have an upside objective for additional sales for now, we continue to target a value of 29 cents to exit the Dec ’24 470 calls. Exiting at this level will allow you to lock in gains that offset much of the original position’s cost, while holding the remaining 510 calls at or near a net-neutral cost. This strategy should continue to protect existing sales and provide confidence for further sales during an extended rally. Since harvest time is not an advantageous sales window, we will begin evaluating market conditions once it concludes and target areas for additional sales recommendations in late fall or early winter.
- No new action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. Between early June and late July Grain Market Insider made three separate sales recommendations to get early sales made for next year’s crop. Considering the seasonal weakness of the market in late summer and early fall, we will not be looking to post any targeted areas for new sales until late fall or early winter. Although, we will look to protect current sales, in the form of buying call options, should the market begin to show signs of a potential extended rally.
- No Action is currently recommended for 2026 corn. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2026 crop that will be planted 2 years 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 corn recommendations:

Market Notes: Corn
- Strength in the wheat and soybean market helped pull corn futures higher from early morning lows as prices consolidated at the top of this most recent push higher.
- Weekly ethanol production dropped to 994,000 barrels per day last week, which was below market expectations and 1.5% below this time last year. Production has slipped in September as plants slow production and go through maintenance to prepare for freshly harvested supplies. Last week 100 mb of corn was used for production, which was below the pace needed to meet USDA targets.
- The USDA announced a flash sale of corn to Mexico. Mexico purchased 7.1 mb (185,000 mt) of corn for the current marketing year.
- The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange released projections for Argentina’s 24/25 marketing year corn crop. The exchange forecasts production at 47 mmt, down approximately 5% from last year, as producers shift production to soybeans to combat disease issues.
- South American weather will remain the focus of the corn and soybean markets in the near future. Hot and dry conditions helped support grain prices in the recent rally. Forecasts are staying on the drier side, but seasonal rains are looking to pick up going into October.

Above: September 24, December corn pierced the 416 resistance level and posted a bearish reversal. Should the market trade lower, support may come in between 401 and 397, with further support down near 385. Otherwise, a close above the new recent high of 418 ¼, it would be poised to make a potential run towards 430, with resistance at the 200 day moving average just above there.
Soybeans
Action Plan: Soybeans
Calls
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Cash
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Puts
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Soybeans Action Plan Summary
Since early September, the soybean market has traded mostly sideways after a late August rally, as weather conditions turned dry during the later development stages of the crop. While the USDA projects record soybean yields for this season, the warm and dry finish to the growing season may have reduced final yields from earlier projections. Although export sales have increased in recent weeks, the current sales pace remains the slowest since 2019, which may still weigh on prices. Any pickup in demand or a decrease in this year’s projected supply could rally prices, especially post-harvest.
- No new action is recommended for the 2024 crop. In early June, when our Plan B strategy was triggered by the market’s close below 1180, we recommended making sales at that time due to the potential change in trend signaled by that weak close. While we don’t currently have a target range for additional sales, because harvest time typically does not present the most advantageous prices, we will begin evaluating market conditions once it concludes and will target areas for additional sales recommendations in late fall or early winter.
- No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. To date, Grain Market Insider has not recommended any sales for next year’s soybean crop yet. First sales targets will probably be set in late fall or early winter at the earliest. Currently, our focus is on watching for opportunities to recommend buying call options. Should Nov ‘25 reach the upper 1100 range, the likelihood of an extended rally would increase, and we would recommend buying upside call options at that time in preparation for that possibility.
- No Action is currently recommended for 2026 Soybeans. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2026 crop that will be planted 2 years 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 for the third consecutive day as funds continue to exit their short positions in a big way. Since Monday, November futures have gained 41 ½ cents, and the funds are estimated to have bought back over 35,000 contracts. Both soybean meal and oil were higher today, but soybean oil has been the leader recently.
- The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange posted their estimates for the 24/25 marketing year soybean crop. The exchange anticipates total production to be 52 mmt for the next crop year. This total is higher than last year as the Exchange expects to see some shift from corn to soybeans due to disease concerns in the corn crop that limited production last year.
- The USDA will release weekly exports sales totals on Thursday morning. Total new soybean sales are expected to range from 900,000 – 2.0 mmt. Last week, sales were 1.75 mmt. Soybean sales have ramped up in recent weeks with improved Chinese demand and concerns regarding early Brazil weather.
- On Monday, September 30, the USDA will release its Quarterly Grain Stocks report which can sometimes contain surprises. Soybean stocks are expected to come in at 347 million bushels which would be up 31% from the 264 mb in September 2023.

Above: November soybeans’ strong close above 1031 ¼ resistance suggests that prices could run toward the late July high between 1080 – 1085. Above there, further resistance could be met near the 100-day moving average. If prices retreat, downside support could still be found between the 50-day moving average and 995.
Wheat
Market Notes: Wheat
- Wheat gained strength throughout the session and closed with double-digit gains in both the Chicago and Kansas City contracts. This is despite a move higher for the US Dollar Index. US wheat appears to continue to follow Matif wheat futures, which also closed higher today. Spillover support from soybeans also contributed to the higher close for US wheat futures.
- The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange is reportedly projecting Argentina’s 2024/25 wheat production at 18.6 mmt. For reference, the USDA is using a figure of 18 mmt. Recent rains have favored the eastern areas, which already have good soil moisture, but the western and northern regions are still dry and that may be affecting the development of winter wheat.
- On a bullish note, according to SovEcon, just 8.3 million hectares of Russian winter crops have been planted. This is down about 1 million hectares from last year and is attributed to dry conditions in southern areas. In fact, the planting pace is said to be the slowest in 11 years.
- Reportedly, China has set a maximum purchase of domestic wheat at 37 mmt for 2025 and 2026. The price is set at 119 yuan per 50 kg, which is equivalent to 2,380 yuan per mt. For reference, the minimum price was set at 118 yuan per 50 kg in 2024. China sets a minimum purchase price to support farmers when the market price drops below unprofitable levels.
Action Plan: Chicago Wheat
Calls
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Cash
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Puts
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary
After posting a seasonal low in late July, the wheat market staged a rally that began in late August triggered by crop concerns due to wet conditions in the EU, and smaller crops out of Russia and Ukraine. The nearly 80-cent rally from the August low to September high also saw Managed funds cover about two-thirds of their net short positions. While low Russian export prices continue to be a limiting factor for higher US prices, a new season is upon us with many uncertainties ahead that could keep volatility in the market. Additionally, US export sales remain ahead of the pace set last year and in 2022, and any increase in demand from lower World supplies could rally prices further.
- No new action is recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Considering the rally in wheat back in May, we recommended taking advantage of the elevated prices to make additional sales and buy upside July ’25 860 and 1020 calls (for their extended time frame) in case of a protracted rally. Our current strategy is to target 740 – 760 versus Dec ’24 to recommend further sales, while also targeting a selling price of about 73 cents in the 860 calls to achieve a net neutral cost on the remaining 1020 calls. The remaining 1020 calls would then continue to protect existing sales and give you confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
- No new action is recommended for 2025 Chicago wheat. Recently, we recommended taking advantage of the wheat rally to sell more of your anticipated 2025 SRW production. While we continue to recommend holding the remaining July ’25 620 puts — after advising to exit the first half back in July — to maintain downside coverage for any unsold bushels, we are targeting a 10-15% extension from our last sale to the 650–680 area in July ’25 to suggest making additional sales.
- No action is currently recommended for 2026 Chicago Wheat. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2026 crop that will be planted next year, 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 Chicago wheat recommendations:


Above: Since early September, prices have been mostly rangebound. Overhead, a close above 600 resistance could put prices on course to test the 640 – 645 area. Whereas a close below 560 could put the market at risk of trading down to the 50-day moving average with support near 544.
Action Plan: KC Wheat
Calls
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Cash
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Puts
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
KC Wheat Action Plan Summary
Since mid-July, the wheat market has mostly drifted sideways as the trade tries to balance smaller US and global wheat supplies against cheaper world export prices. During this period, a potential seasonal low was also marked on the front month continuous charts as managed funds maintained a sizable net short position in the wheat markets. While low Black Sea export prices and slow world demand continue to weigh on US prices, the funds’ short position could trigger an extended short covering rally on any increase in US demand as world wheat ending stocks are expected to fall yet again this year.
- No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. Considering the upside breakout in KC wheat back in May, we recommended buying upside July ’25 860 and 1020 calls (for their extended time frame) in case of a protracted rally. Our current strategy is to target 675 – 700 versus Dec ’24 to recommend further sales, while also targeting a selling price of about 71 cents on the 860 calls to achieve a net neutral cost on the remaining 1020 calls. The remaining 1020 calls would then continue to protect existing sales and give you confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
- No new action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. Earlier this summer we recommended exiting half of the previously recommended July ’25 620 puts once they reached 60 cents (double the original approximate cost) to realize gains in case the market rallies back, while still holding the remaining 620 puts at, or near, a net neutral cost for continued downside coverage on any unsold bushels. To that end, we are currently targeting the upper 400 range versus July ’25 to exit half of those remaining puts. Meanwhile, our current upside strategy is to target the 640 – 670 range, also in the July ’25, to recommend making additional sales.
- No action is currently recommended for 2026 KC Wheat. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2026 crop that will be planted next year, 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 KC recommendations:


Above: December KC wheat appears to have found support right near the 50-day moving average and reversed back higher. Overhead, resistance remains near the 100 and 200-day moving averages near the recent 604 ¼ high. A close above there could put the market on track towards 637, whereas a close below 561 ¼ could put the market at risk of sliding towards the 527 ¼ low.
Action Plan: Mpls Wheat
Calls
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Cash
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Puts
2024
No New Action
2025
No New Action
2026
No New Action
Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary
Since printing a near-term low in mid-July, Minneapolis wheat has trended mostly sideways as the market attempts to balance smaller US and world supplies versus lower world export prices and lower world demand. During this period, managed funds have maintained their sizable, short positions in Minneapolis wheat. Though low Russian export prices continue to keep a lid on US prices, smaller crops in Europe and the Black Sea region could increase US demand, potentially triggering an extended short-covering rally, especially as global wheat ending stocks are projected to decline again this year.
- No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. With the close below 712 support in June, Grain Market Insider implemented its Plan B stop strategy, recommending additional sales for the 2024 crop due to waning upside momentum and an increased likelihood of a downward trend. Given the heightened volatility and the amount of time that remains to market this crop, we will maintain the current July ’25 KC wheat 860 and 1020 call options. Our target is a selling price of about 71 cents for the 860 calls to achieve a net neutral cost on the remaining 1020 calls. These 1020 calls will continue to protect existing sales and provide confidence to make additional sales at higher prices. While we are at the time of year when market lows often occur, we will consider posting upside targets in late September or early October when market conditions often become more advantageous, and harvest is mostly behind us.
- No new action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. Since the growing season can often yield some of the best sales opportunities, we made two separate sales recommendations in July to get some early sales on the books for next year’s crop. While we will not be targeting any specific areas to make additional sales until later in the marketing year, we will continue to monitor the market for opportunities to exit the remaining July ’25 KC 620 puts that were recommended in June. To that end, we are currently targeting the upper 400 range versus July ’25 KC to exit half of those remaining puts.
- No Action is currently recommended for the 2026 Minneapolis wheat crop. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2026 crop that will be planted 2 years 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 Minneapolis wheat recommendations:


Above: Since early September, December Minneapolis wheat has been largely rangebound between support near the 50-day moving average and resistance near 637. A breakout to the upside could put the market in position to rally toward 685, with potential resistance around the 100 and 200-day moving averages. To the downside, a break below the 50-day moving average could put the market at risk of sliding towards 560.
Other Charts / Weather

Above: US 5-day precipitation forecast courtesy of NOAA, Weather Prediction Center.



Above: Brazil and N. Argentina 2-week forecast total precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.