11-21 End of Day: Grains Slide Lower Thursday
All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time
Grain Market Highlights
- Selling pressure in grain markets weighed on corn futures Thursday, as double-digit soybean losses and a stronger U.S. dollar capped potential gains.
- Soybeans fell for a third straight day, with March and deferred contracts hitting new lows despite strong export sales and daily flash sales. Declines were driven by weaker soybean oil and continued favorable South American weather, as soybean oil also closed lower.
- Four-month high export sales and higher French wheat prices were not enough to pull wheat futures higher today, a stronger US Dollar added downside pressure.
- To see the updated US and South American one week precipitation forecasts scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.
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Corn
Corn Action Plan Summary
2024 Crop:
- If you missed our previous sales recommendations, consider targeting the 460 area in March ‘25 for any catch-up sales. Additionally, selling additional bushels into market strength may be beneficial if you have capital needs.
- We don’t anticipate making any sales recommendations until late fall at the earliest, or possibly as late as early spring when seasonal opportunities tend to improve.
2025 Crop:
- If you missed previous sales recommendations for next year’s crop, consider targeting 455 – 475 versus Dec’25 to take advantage of any post-harvest strength.
- Considering seasonal weakness, no new sales recommendations will be issued until opportunities improve, which could be as soon as late fall or as late as early spring.
- Be on the lookout for a recommendation to buy call options in the 470–490 range versus Dec’25 to protect current sales against a potential extended rally.
2026 Crop:
- Patience is advised. No sales recommendations are planned currently, as we continue to monitor the market for more favorable conditions.
To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

- General selling pressure in the grain markets weighed on corn futures on Thursday. Double digit losses in the soybean market and renewed strength in the U.S. dollar limited gains in the corn market.
- The U.S. dollar pushed to new highs for the move today as the value of the dollar broke out of its recent consolidation pattern to the upside. A strong dollar limits the competitiveness of U.S. corn on the export market.
- The USDA announced weekly exports sales on Thursday morning. Last week, exporters posted 1.494 MMT (58.8 mb) of new corn sales for the current marketing year. This total was within market expectations, Mexico remained the top buyer of U.S. corn last week.
- Weak energy prices and rising corn costs have pushed most ethanol plant margins negative. While demand exceeds expectations, prolonged margin pressure could curb corn usage for ethanol.
- The corn market may see an increase in volatility going into the weekend and Thanksgiving Day Holiday. December options expire on Friday and First Notice Day nears next week, which could bring an increase in activity and money flow.

Above: Overhead resistance for the March contract comes in between 440 and 445. A close above this area could trigger a test of the 465 resistance area. Below the market, support may come in between 425 and 420.

Soybeans
Soybeans Action Plan Summary
2024 Crop:
- If you missed prior sales recommendations, a rally back to the 1050 – 1070 area versus Jan’25 could provide a good opportunity to make catch-up sales. For those with capital needs, consider making these sales into price strength.
- Additional sales could also be considered in the 1090 – 1125 range versus Jan’25 if prices rally beyond the 1070 area.
- New sales recommendations will be issued as seasonal opportunities improve, which could be anytime between late fall and early spring.
2025 Crop:
- Sales targets have not been announced for next year’s crop. Patience is recommended, the earliest they will be set will be late fall or early winter, and early spring at the latest.
- Be on the lookout for a recommendation to buy call options. A rally to the upper 1100 range versus Nov’25 could increase the likelihood of an extended rally, and we would recommend buying calls to prepare for that possibility.
2026 Crop:
- Patience is advised. No sales recommendations are currently planned as we monitor the market for more favorable conditions and timing.
To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following soybean recommendations:

- Soybeans ended the day lower for the third consecutive day causing the March contract and beyond to post new contract lows. The move came despite solid export sales and a slew of flash sales. Prices were driven lower by lower soybean oil and continued good weather in South America. Soybean oil ended the day lower as well.
- Today’s export sales report showed soybean export sales totaling 68 million bushels which was above the average trade guess. This brought year to date commitments to 1.161 billion which is up 9% from YA compared to the USDA estimate of 8%.
- This morning, private exporters reported multiple soybean flash sales. 198,000 metric tons of soybeans were reported to delivery to China during the 24/25 marketing year, 135,000 metric tons were reported for delivery to unknown destinations, and 133,000 metric tons of soybean cake and meal were reported for delivery to the Philippines during the 24/25 marketing year.
- Rumors of China’s interest in U.S. soybeans circulated last night, with Sino Grain actively buying February shipments. This may have been the flash sale seen this morning, but it could also indicate that China is looking to make additional soybean purchases from the US.

Above: Soybeans appear to have found nearby support around 986. A close above 1014 could lead to another test of the 1044 -1050 area. Otherwise, should the market trade through 986 and close below 975 support, prices could drift towards 940.

Wheat
Market Notes: Wheat
- Wheat faded from overnight highs despite rising Black Sea tensions and higher Matif wheat, with December contracts facing resistance near their 20-day moving averages. A stronger US dollar hitting 13-month highs likely added pressure.
- Weekly export sales for wheat came in at a four-month high of 20 mb for the 24/25 marketing year. Year-to-date commitments are now 544 mb, up 23% from last year and in line with historical averages.
- This week’s updated Drought Monitor showed 40% of the winter wheat areas are experiencing drought, down from 43% last week, and 41% last year, as recent rain has helped improve conditions.
- Escalating Russia-Ukraine tensions, including reports of a Russian ICBM strike, continue to influence wheat. The recent rally appears driven by less bullish short covering, not fresh buying, as volume and open interest have declined.
Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary
2024 Crop:
- Target the 740 – 760 range versus March ‘25 to make additional sales. While this range may seem far away, it aligns with the market’s potential based on our research as we approach winter dormancy.
- For those holding open July ’25 860 and 1020 call options that were recommended in May, target a selling price of about 73 cents for the 860 calls to offset the cost of the remaining 1020 calls. Holding the 1020 calls will provide protection for existing sales and give you confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
2025 Crop:
- Continue holding open July ’25 620 puts to maintain coverage for unsold bushels. Back in July Grain Market Insider recommended selling the first half to offset the cost of the now remaining puts.
- Target the 650 – 680 range versus July ’25 to make additional sales.
- Look to protect current sales by buying upside calls in the 745 – 775 range if signs of an extended rally appear. This will give you confidence to sell more bushels at higher prices.
2026 Crop:
- Patience is advised, as we monitor the market for improved conditions and timing. It may be some time before target ranges are set for the 2026 crop.
To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:


Above: Overhead resistance for March wheat lies near key moving averages around 578–586, with a close above potentially targeting 617. Support is seen between 546–536, with major support near 521–514.
KC Wheat Action Plan Summary
2024 Crop:
- Target the 635 – 660 versus March ‘25 area to sell more of your 2024 HRW wheat crop.
- For those holding the previously recommended July ’25 860 and 1020 calls,target a selling price of about 71 cents on the 860 calls. This would achieve a net-neutral cost on the remaining 1020 calls, and still give you confidence to sell more bushels at higher prices.
2025 Crop:
- Target the 640 – 665 range versus July ’25 to make additional 2025 HRW wheat sales.
- If the market rallies considerably, look to protect sales by buying upside calls in the 745 – 770 range versus July ’25. This will also give you confidence to sell more bushels at higher prices.
- Continue to hold the remaining half of the previously recommended July ’25 620 puts to provide downside protection for unsold bushels. Additionally, target the upper 400 range versus July ’25 to exit half of these remaining puts if the market makes new lows.
2026 Crop:
- Patience is recommended. It may be some time before targets are set for the 2026 crop, as we continue to monitor the market for better conditions and timing.
To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:


Above: With initial support below the market remaining in the 545 – 535 area, prices remain poised to test the heavy resistance area around 580 – 583. A close above that level could allow for a test of 593 – 603. Otherwise, close below 535 could press prices towards the August low of 527 ¼.
Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary
2024 Crop:
- Target a rally to the 610 – 635 area versus March ‘25 to sell more of your 2024 crop. We are at that time of year when seasonal price trends become more favorable.
- For those holding the previously recommended July ’25 KC wheat 860 and 1020 calls, target a selling price of approximately 71 cents on the 860 calls. This would achieve a net-neutral cost on the remaining 1020 calls and provide confidence to sell more bushels at higher prices.
2025 Crop:
- New sales targets will be issued in the coming weeks, as timing and conditions improve seasonally. This could be as early as late November or December.
- Look to protect existing sales by buying upside calls in the 745 – 770 range versus July ’25 KC wheat if the market turns higher and rallies considerably. This will also give you confidence to sell more bushels at higher prices.
- Continue holding the remaining half of the previously recommended July ’25 KC wheat 620 puts to provide downside protection for unsold bushels. Additionally, target the upper 400 range versus July ’25 KC wheat to exit half of these remaining puts if the market makes new lows.
2026 Crop:
- Patience is recommended. It may be some time before targets are set for the 2026 crop, as we continue to monitor the market for better conditions and timing.
To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:


Above: The front month chart rolled to March, leaving a gap between 580 ½ and 584 ½ from the contract roll. Resistance remains near 615–624, with initial support around 584 and major support near 563.

Other Charts / Weather

Above: US 7-day precipitation forecast courtesy of NOAA, Weather Prediction Center.

Brazil and N. Argentina 1-week forecast total precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.