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3-21 End of Day: Markets Settle in the Green Across the Board but Off Their Highs

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Carryover strength from the soybean complex and concerns about too much rain in Argentina helped support the corn market that saw both sides of unchanged and closed with small gains across the board.
  • Soybeans started off strong in the overnight session with support coming from soybean meal on talk of damage to the Argentine soy crop from recent heavy rains. Although, May soybeans ultimately retreated from the 1226 ¾ high on increased US and Brazilian farmer selling.
  • Soybean oil ended lower on the day, adding upward resistance to soybeans as it came under pressure from lower Malaysian palm oil, crude oil, and heating oil following early strength on talk of potential losses to the Argentine soybean crop.
  • Despite poor weekly export sales and rising estimates of Russia’s wheat crop by SovEcon, all three wheat classes were able to rally off their respective lows and settle higher on the day.
  • Today, the US Dollar posted a turnaround from yesterday’s losses, which were in response to the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged. This reversal may have added some upside resistance to the grain markets.
  • To see the updated US Drought Monitor and the Seasonal US temperature and precipitation outlooks, courtesy of the NDMC, NWS, CPC and NOAA, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

In late February, after languishing in a downtrend that began last October and managed funds posting a record net short position exceeding 340,000 contracts, corn posted a bullish key reversal. Since that time, the market has rallied as the funds covered some of their short positions, though they remain heavily short the market, which could fuel an extended rally as we head into the uncertainty of the spring planting window.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. The recommendation for now is to hold off on additional sales until May corn recovers back toward the 500 level. If you need to move bushels for cash or logistics reasons, consider re-owning any sold bushels with September call options.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Given the amount of time and uncertainty that remains to market the 2024 crop, we will consider recommending additional sales on a retracement toward the low to mid 500 level.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. For now, we aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next year. It will probably be spring or summer of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Buying strength in the grain markets supported corn futures in Thursday’s session. Strong overnight strength pushed May futures to their highest levels in over a month, but prices faded and stayed tagged near the 440 level.
  • Weekly export sales for corn remain supportive. The USDA reported new sales last week of 46.7 mb (1.185 mmt), which were within expectations. Total corn sales commitments now total 1.642 billion bushels, trending 19% higher than last year.
  • South American weather is non-threatening overall. Areas of Brazil have received rainfall for the second (safrinha) crop corn as planting finishes. There are regional reports of stress due to heat, but the weather trend still looks favorable. Argentina weather is seeing an overall drier outlook as the crop nears completion.
  • The recent price strength reflects managed money’s lifting of short positions before the beginning of the US growing season. The market will watch early season weather and determine the next direction for corn prices.

Above: The corn market continues to battle the 50-day moving average and the 435 – 445 resistance area. If it can close above 445, the market could then test the January high of 452 ¼. If prices fall back, and close below 421, then they may slide to test downside support between 400 and 410.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

Since old crop soybeans broke out of the 1290 – 1400 range in January, prices appear to have made a near term low. Managed funds have also established a record net short position for this time of year, and world carryout has dropped according to the USDA. While new lows could still be made, US planting is not far off, and the funds current short position could fuel an extended short covering rally on a smaller South American crop, lower world soybean carryout, and potential US weather concerns.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. The current recommendation is to refrain from making further sales until the market rebounds towards the 1300 level, which represents a modest 30% retracement from the 2022 high.
  • No new action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Considering the amount of uncertainty that lies ahead with the 2024 soybean crop, we recommended back in December buying Nov ’24 1280 and 1360 calls to give you confidence to make sales against anticipated production and to protect any sales in an extended rally. Based on our research, the possibility remains that prices could retest the upper 1300 range near the 2022 highs going into spring/summer, at which point we would consider recommending additional sales.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 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 soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans ultimately ended the day higher but were volatile throughout the day with overnight trade seeing May futures up as much as 18 cents and down as much as 5 cents this afternoon. Soybean meal ended higher with support from Argentina’s excess of rain, while soybean oil was lower.
  • Soybeans have been making technical rallies after surpassing the 50-day moving average with likely short covering taking place by the funds. However, when prices rallied overnight, it spurred increased farmer selling in the US and Brazil, which added downward pressure to prices.
  • Today’s export sales report showed an increase of 18.2 mb of soybean export sales for 23/24 which was within the range of trade expectations. Soybean sales commitments are down 19% from a year ago. Last week’s export shipments of 28.4 mb were above the 15.9 mb needed each week to meet the USDA’s expectations. Primary destinations were to China, Mexico, and Indonesia.
  • South American weather has been wet overall and may cause harvest delays in Brazil until next week. Argentina is also reportedly too wet which could cause some damage to their soy crop. Argentina is the number one exporter of soybean meal, so this is likely the reason for the recent rally.

Above: Although May soybeans rejected a rally through the previous high of 1217 ½, they closed higher on the day and could still rally further. If downside support near 1175 continues to hold and prices close above 1226 ¾, the market could continue and test the January high of 1247 ½. If not, the market runs the risk of retreating down toward the 1130 – 1140 support area.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • All three US wheats managed to close marginally higher, despite a two-sided trade and some negative influences.
  • SovEcon is said to have increased their Russian 24/25 wheat production estimate by 1.2 mmt to 94 mmt, versus 92.8 mmt for the 23/24 season, and the USDA’s estimate of 91.5 mmt. This is also well above the five-year average of 86.7 mmt.
  • To add to negativity, the US Dollar Index surged today, hovering near recent highs above 104, and while Paris milling wheat futures closed marginally higher today, they ran into resistance around the 40 and 50-day moving averages. These combined factors may have limited the upside movement of US futures today.
  • The USDA reported a decrease of 4.0 mb of wheat export sales for 23/24 and an increase of 10.5 mb for 24/25. Shipments last week at 14.5 mb were below the pace of 17.9 mb needed per week to reach the USDA’s goal of 710 mb of 23/24 wheat exports.
  • In the face of recent cancellations, China may have record grain imports for 2024. Their Australian wheat imports from January and February are nearly four times what they were a year ago. China is the world’s largest wheat buyer and is also a major importer of ag goods, reportedly spending a total of $234 billion on imports last year.
  • According to Coceral, the European grain harvest, including both the EU and the UK, is projected at 295.5 mmt. That is down 1 mmt from their December estimate of 296.5 mmt, but would still be above the 292.4 mmt from the 2023 harvest. The main reason cited for the projected decline is wet weather that delayed planting.  

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since the early December runup, Chicago wheat has suffered in a lower trend while going on to make new contract lows. Although the lack of any bullish information has been disappointing, the market is in a significantly oversold condition, and managed funds continue to hold a significant net short position. Either or both could fuel a short covering rally at any time as we head into the more active part of the growing season.

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. Any remaining 2023 soft red winter wheat should be getting priced into market strength. 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. At the end of August, we recommended purchasing July ‘24 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and recently recommended exiting half of those puts to lock in gains and get closer to a net neutral cost on the remaining position. For now, the current recommendation is to hold off on making any additional sales unless the market moves back toward last summer’s highs. At which point, we are prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the remaining July ‘24 590 put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. The strategy for the 2025 crop year remains to hold off on making any sales. Though if prices rally toward the mid-600s, we will consider taking advantage of those better prices to make sales recommendations.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: Chicago wheat continues to trade in a congestion pattern bound by 556 on the topside, and 523 ½ on the bottom. If prices regain their bullish footing, and close above 556, they could challenge the 50 and 100-day moving averages that coincide with the 585 – 620 congestion area. Otherwise, if they retreat and close below 523 ½, the next level of major support may come in around 488.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since December’s brief runup, prices have continued to erode as US exports continue to suffer from lower world export prices. Although fundamentals remain weak. Managed funds continue to hold a considerable net short position, and the market is at levels not seen since spring of 2021, which combined could trigger a return to higher prices if any unforeseen risks enter the market.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. The current strategy is to look for price appreciation as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and consider suggesting additional sales if prices make a modest 20% retracement of the 2022 highs back toward the upper 600s
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside, and recommended exiting the original position in three separate tranches as the market got further extended into oversold territory to protect any gains that were made. Taking the equity gained from the closed July 660 put position into account, the current strategy for the 2024 crop is to wait for better opportunities and consider recommending additional sales if July ‘24 retraces back toward the January highs in the mid-630s.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: The inability of the market to surpass the 50-day moving average suggests considerable resistance in this area, potentially leading to a test of support near the 551 ½ low. However, if prices reverse course and manage to close above the 50-day moving average, there’s a possibility of a rally towards the congestion range between 610 and 640. Although there seems to be substantial support around 551 ½, a breach below this level could lead to a test of 530.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since last summer, Minneapolis wheat has slowly stair-stepped lower with weaker world prices and little bullish news to move markets higher. During this time, the 50-day moving average has acted as resistance, above which the market has not been able to hold for very long. Managed funds have also established and maintained a record (or near record) short position for much of the same time. Although bullish headwinds remain, the market has become very oversold, and the large fund net short position continues to leave the market susceptible to a short-covering rally at any time.

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Minneapolis wheat. The current strategy is to look for a modest retracement of the July high and consider additional sales in the neighborhood of 675 – 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts (due to their higher liquidity and correlation to Minneapolis), to protect the downside, and recommended exiting the original position in three separate tranches as the market got further extended into oversold territory to protect any gains that were made. From here, the strategy for the 2024 crop is to consider recommending additional sales if Sep ‘24 posts a modest 22% retracement back toward the 2022 highs of 1400.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. We are currently not considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted in the spring of next year. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: Minneapolis wheat continues to trade in a congestion pattern following the retreat from overhead resistance near the 50-day moving average. Initial support below the market remains near the recent low of 641, with support near 600 if prices fall further. Overhead, if the market reverses and closes above 675 – 680 resistance, they could challenge the 700 – 710 area.

Other Charts / Weather

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3-20 End of Day: Soybeans Sharp Rally Supports Corn, as Wheat Closes off its Lows

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Strength in soybeans and a bump in corn usage for ethanol production lent support to corn futures, which also came under pressure from the lower wheat market to close near unchanged in a tight 4-cent range.
  • A flash sale of 120,000 mt for the 24/25 marketing year gave an extra boost to the soybean market, which closed above the 50-day moving average for the first time since December. Additional support came from both products which posted steady rallies to close sharply higher and add 4 ½ cents to May Board crush margins.
  • Early weakness across the wheat complex gave way to bargain hunting which rallied all three wheat classes off midday lows. Although the complex closed lower on the day, Minneapolis and KC were the strongest performers settling near the top end of their trading ranges, while Chicago closed mid-range but still well off its lows.
  • To see the updated US 7-day precipitation forecast, 6 – 10 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, and the 1-week precipitation forecast for Brazil and Northern Argentina, courtesy of the NWS, CPC, NOAA, and NASA-Grace, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

In late February, after languishing in a downtrend that began last October and managed funds posting a record net short position exceeding 340,000 contracts, corn posted a bullish key reversal. Since that time, the market has rallied as the funds covered some of their short positions, though they remain heavily short the market, which could fuel an extended rally as we head into the uncertainty of the spring planting window.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. The recommendation for now is to hold off on additional sales until May corn recovers back toward the 500 level. If you need to move bushels for cash or logistics reasons, consider re-owning any sold bushels with September call options.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Given the amount of time and uncertainty that remains to market the 2024 crop, we will consider recommending additional sales on a retracement toward the low to mid 500 level.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. For now, we aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next year. It will probably be spring or summer of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Corn futures stayed in consolidative trade with a narrow 4 cent trading range. The corn market seemed stuck between the selling pressure in the wheat market and the strength in the soybean market during the session. The May contract is still struggling with 440 overhead resistance, which has been holding the market in check.
  • Weather forecasts for the US Corn Belt have turned wetter with combinations of rain or snow falling over the central Corn Belt. If realized, this precipitation could provide beneficial moisture to areas in need. This could help build a good base for the planting of the 24/25 corn crop in the US.
  • Ethanol production last week averaged 1.046 million barrels a day. This was up 2.1% over the previous week and 4.9% over last year. Corn usage for the week was estimated at 103.82 mb, and is still ahead of the pace projected by the USDA.
  • Weekly export sales will be reported on Thursday morning. Corn sales have been supportive, and expectations are for new sales to range from 800,000 – 1.4 mmt for last week. The previous week saw new sales of 1.283 mmt.
  • Brazilian weather looks suitable overall for crop development of the second (safrinha) crop corn as planting finishes. There are regional reports on stress due to heat, but the weather trend still looks favorable.

Above: The corn market continues to battle the 50-day moving average and the 435 – 445 resistance area. If it can close above 445, the market could then test the January high of 452 ¼. If prices fall back, and close below 421, then they may slide to test downside support between 400 and 410.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

Since old crop soybeans broke out of the 1290 – 1400 range in January, prices appear to have made a near term low. Managed funds have also established a record net short position for this time of year, and world carryout has dropped according to the USDA. While new lows could still be made, US planting is not far off, and the funds current short position could fuel an extended short covering rally on a smaller South American crop, lower world soybean carryout, and potential US weather concerns.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. The current recommendation is to hold off on making additional sales until prices post a modest 30% retracement back toward the 2022 high of 1759.
  • No new action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Considering the amount of uncertainty that lies ahead with the 2024 soybean crop, we recommended back in December buying Nov ’24 1280 and 1360 calls to give you confidence to make sales against anticipated production and to protect any sales in an extended rally. Based on our research, the possibility remains that prices could retest the upper 1300 range near the 2022 highs going into spring/summer, at which point we would consider recommending additional sales.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 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 soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans rallied into the end of the day for a sharp gain driven by technical buying, Argentinian weather that may be too wet, a flash sale that was reported this morning, and higher soybean meal and soybean oil.
  • May soybeans closed above the 12-dollar mark for the first time since the beginning of February, and short covering likely kicked in once soybeans rallied above the 50-day moving average at 1195. The funds have slowly unwound a portion of their net short position over the past few weeks and no longer hold a record short position.
  • This morning, private exporters reported sales of 120,000 metric tons of soybeans for delivery to unknown destinations during the 24/25 marketing year. Overall, soybean sales have been sluggish as Brazil harvests their soy crop and maintains the competitive advantage in export sales.
  • In South America, the weather has been good overall with abundant rain, but Argentina may be receiving too much rain which could be supporting soybean meal prices. Today’s rally could spark a large round of farmer selling in South America tomorrow, which could cause prices to sell off.

Above: The bearish reversal on March 14 indicates potential for a market reversal to the downside. For now, initial support near 1175 appears to be holding and the close above the 50-day moving average could indicate a shift in sentiment, with a potential test of the recent high at 1217 ½ before testing the January high of 1247 ½. If prices turn back and close below 1175, they may retreat further toward 1130 – 1140 support.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • Despite the strong close for soybeans, it did not do much to pull wheat higher. All three US wheat classes posted losses with Chicago leading the way down. Part of the weakness stemmed from a lower close for Matif futures, a general lack of friendly news, as well as a continued higher trend in the US Dollar Index.
  • Egypt’s GASC is tendering for wheat, and today it was reported that Romania had the lowest offer at $232.50/mt FOB. Results of that tender are expected this afternoon.
  • In other news, it was reported that Egypt will allot $2.66 billion for bread subsidies as part of the 24/25 budget. These subsidies provide reduced prices of bread and other staple foods to over half of their population. Egypt is a major wheat importer so this may provide some support to the market if they import more wheat.
  • According to Ukraine’s Agricultural Ministry, winter crops as of March 15 are mostly satisfactory to good. Ukraine also planted a total of 4.4 million hectares of winter wheat, which accounts for 95% of their total wheat production.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since the early December runup, Chicago wheat has suffered in a lower trend while going on to make new contract lows. Although the lack of any bullish information has been disappointing, the market is in a significantly oversold condition, and managed funds continue to hold a significant net short position. Either or both could fuel a short covering rally at any time as we head into the more active part of the growing season.

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. Any remaining 2023 soft red winter wheat should be getting priced into market strength. 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. At the end of August, we recommended purchasing July ‘24 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and recently recommended exiting half of those puts to lock in gains and get closer to a net neutral cost on the remaining position. For now, the current recommendation is to hold off on making any additional sales unless the market moves back toward last summer’s highs. At which point, we are prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the remaining July ‘24 590 put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. The strategy for the 2025 crop year remains to hold off on making any sales. Though if prices rally toward the mid-600s, we will consider taking advantage of those better prices to make sales recommendations.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: Chicago wheat continues to trade in a congestion pattern bound by 556 on the topside, and 523 ½ on the bottom. If prices regain their bullish footing, and close above 556, they could challenge the 50 and 100-day moving averages that coincide with the 585 – 620 congestion area. Otherwise, if they retreat and close below 523 ½, the next level of major support may come in around 488.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since December’s brief runup, prices have continued to erode as US exports continue to suffer from lower world export prices. Although fundamentals remain weak. Managed funds continue to hold a considerable net short position, and the market is at levels not seen since spring of 2021, which combined could trigger a return to higher prices if any unforeseen risks enter the market.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. The current strategy is to look for price appreciation as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and consider suggesting additional sales if prices make a modest 20% retracement of the 2022 highs back toward the upper 600s
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside, and recommended exiting the original position in three separate tranches as the market got further extended into oversold territory to protect any gains that were made. Taking the equity gained from the closed July 660 put position into account, the current strategy for the 2024 crop is to wait for better opportunities and consider recommending additional sales if July ‘24 retraces back toward the January highs in the mid-630s.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: The failure of the market to advance above the 50-day moving average indicates heavy resistance in the area, and it may test support near the 551 ½ low. Should prices turn around and close above the 50-day moving average, they could still make a run toward the 610 to 640 congestion area. While there appears to be significant support around 551 ½, if prices fall below there, they could test 530.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since last summer, Minneapolis wheat has slowly stair-stepped lower with weaker world prices and little bullish news to move markets higher. During this time, the 50-day moving average has acted as resistance, above which the market has not been able to hold for very long. Managed funds have also established and maintained a record (or near record) short position for much of the same time. Although bullish headwinds remain, the market has become very oversold, and the large fund net short position continues to leave the market susceptible to a short-covering rally at any time.

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Minneapolis wheat. The current strategy is to look for a modest retracement of the July high and consider additional sales in the neighborhood of 675 – 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts (due to their higher liquidity and correlation to Minneapolis), to protect the downside, and recommended exiting the original position in three separate tranches as the market got further extended into oversold territory to protect any gains that were made. From here, the strategy for the 2024 crop is to consider recommending additional sales if Sep ‘24 posts a modest 22% retracement back toward the 2022 highs of 1400.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. We are currently not considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted in the spring of next year. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: Minneapolis wheat continues to trade in a congestion pattern following the retreat from overhead resistance near the 50-day moving average. Initial support below the market remains near the recent low of 641, with support near 600 if prices fall further. Overhead, if the market reverses and closes above 675 – 680 resistance, they could challenge the 700 – 710 area.

Other Charts / Weather

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

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

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

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3-19 End of Day: Wheat Helps Boost Corn, While Beans Close Mixed

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • With little fresh news to move the market, corn futures continued to consolidate as they settled near the top end of a rather tight 5-cent range, driven mostly by another strong day in wheat.
  • Soybeans settled mixed with new crop gaining on old crop as rallies continue to get capped by overhead resistance with cheaper export premiums out of Brazil and anticipation of beneficial Midwest rain later this week and next.
  • Soybean meal settled higher on the day after trading both sides of unchanged. Meal’s midday surge lent strength to soybeans that was ultimately overcome by weakness in soybean oil, which ultimately closed lower after being unable to hold above its 100-day moving average.
  • To satisfy European farmers, the EU is expected to levy tariffs on cereal grain imported from Russia and Belarus. The report helped give a boost to the wheat complex which followed through on yesterday’s firm trade and closed higher across all three classes for the second day in a row.
  • To see the updated US 6 – 10 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, 1-week precipitation forecast for South America, and the Grace-based root zone drought indicators for the US and South America courtesy of the NWS, CPC, NOAA, and NASA-Grace, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

In late February, after languishing in a downtrend that began last October and managed funds posting a record net short position exceeding 340,000 contracts, corn posted a bullish key reversal. Since that time, the market has rallied as the funds covered some of their short positions, though they remain heavily short the market, which could fuel an extended rally as we head into the uncertainty of the spring planting window.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. The recommendation for now is to hold off on additional sales until May corn recovers back toward the 500 level. If you need to move bushels for cash or logistics reasons, consider re-owning any sold bushels with September call options.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Given the amount of time and uncertainty that remains to market the 2024 crop, we will consider recommending additional sales on a retracement toward the low to mid 500 level.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. For now, we aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next year. It will probably be spring or summer of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • The corn market saw some buying strength on Tuesday as prices posted moderate gains on the session. With overall news relatively quiet, a second day of strength in the wheat market and short covering helped support corn futures but failed to push through the 440 price level.
  • The corn export market is supportive of prices as US corn is fairly priced versus global competition, and that has been reflected in multiple weeks of good export sales and shipments. The export sale and shipment pace is currently running ahead of the USDA target. With an overall heavy US supply picture, corn futures may be limited in rally potential so as not to price US corn out of the export market.
  • The national average corn basis has improved again this past week. On Monday, the national basis was 26.4 cents under the May futures, reflecting limited participation of cash sellers at these price levels.
  • Brazilian weather looks suitable overall for crop development of the second (safrinha) crop corn as planting finishes. There are regional reports on stress due to heat, but the weather trend still looks favorable.
  • Chinese corn imports for January and February were approximately 6.190 mmt, up 165 year-over-year.  US to China corn shipments in this window have been light, reflecting the impact of the strong Brazil corn export program this winter.

Above: The corn market continues to battle the 50-day moving average and the 435 – 445 resistance area. If it can close above 445, the market could then test the January high of 452 ¼. If prices fall back, and close below 421, then they may slide to test downside support between 400 and 410.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

Since old crop soybeans broke out of the 1290 – 1400 range in January, prices appear to have made a near term low. Managed funds have also established a record net short position for this time of year, and world carryout has dropped according to the USDA. While new lows could still be made, US planting is not far off, and the funds current short position could fuel an extended short covering rally on a smaller South American crop, lower world soybean carryout, and potential US weather concerns.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. The current recommendation is to hold off on making additional sales until prices post a modest 30% retracement back toward the 2022 high of 1759.
  • No new action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Considering the amount of uncertainty that lies ahead with the 2024 soybean crop, we recommended back in December buying Nov ’24 1280 and 1360 calls to give you confidence to make sales against anticipated production and to protect any sales in an extended rally. Based on our research, the possibility remains that prices could retest the upper 1300 range near the 2022 highs going into spring/summer, at which point we would consider recommending additional sales.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 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 soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans ended the day mixed with slight losses in the front months and a slight gain for new crop in quiet, range-bound trade. Soybean meal ended the day higher, but soybean oil was pulled lower by palm oil which may have seen some profit taking from its recent rally.
  • Brazil’s harvest is over 63% complete with the main growing state of Mato Grosso 96% complete. Weather has been conducive to harvest, but production estimates are very varied. In Argentina, weather has been favorable and this morning, Dr. Cordonnier raised his estimate of Argentine production by 1 mmt to 51 mmt.
  • In Indonesia, palm oil exports have fallen by 25.4% month over month to 1.59m tonnes from 2.13m tonnes in January. This has caused a rally in palm oil futures which has mostly supported soybean oil over the past week, although prices have begun to slip.
  • Tomorrow, the Federal Reserve will announce whether they are cutting interest rates or holding off again. So far, with the US dollar higher, traders may be pricing in that they will not reduce rates. Often, when the dollar rallies, it can pressure commodity prices.

Above: Following the brief run-up off the recent low, soybeans posted a bearish reversal on March 14, indicating a potential market reversal to the downside. Initial support down below may be found near 1175, and again between 1130 and 1140. If the market closes above the 50-day ma and continues higher, it may find resistance near the recent 1217 ½ high before testing the January high of 1247 ½.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • It was another up day for all three US wheat classes. Paris milling wheat futures again lent support with a higher close for the third consecutive session. Today’s move upward is also despite a higher trend in the US Dollar Index, and winter wheat conditions improving in three of the four reporting states. The only decline was in Oklahoma, with a 4% drop to 61% good to excellent.
  • As mentioned yesterday, there is more talk that the EU is preparing to issue sanctions against Russia. Specifically, they may impose tariffs on grain imports. A duty of 95 euros per mt would be set in place for Russian (and Belarusian) cereal grains; a 50% tariff would be added to oil seeds and products. Furthermore, the Polish prime minister has called for an outright EU ban on imports of Russian ag goods.
  • In southern Brazil, 2023 wheat production was down 35.9% from the previous year. And now, due to depressed prices, the planted area for 2024 may decrease. However, if production is average, it will lead to greater supply than a year ago. CONAB is projecting a 6% decrease in planted areas but a production increase of 18.4% from 2023 at 9.59 mmt.
  • According to the Iraqi Ministry of Commerce, their country has achieved self-sufficiency with 2 mmt of wheat in reserves. They are said to use about 4.5 – 5.0 mmt of wheat per year. In other words, they will not need to import wheat to maintain their stocks for seven months; they are also anticipating a large upcoming crop. Additionally, they have been able to use groundwater to irrigate and grow large crops in recent years, in the face of the country’s worst drought on record.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since the early December runup, Chicago wheat has suffered in a lower trend while going on to make new contract lows. Although the lack of any bullish information has been disappointing, the market is in a significantly oversold condition, and managed funds continue to hold a significant net short position. Either or both could fuel a short covering rally at any time as we head into the more active part of the growing season.

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. Any remaining 2023 soft red winter wheat should be getting priced into market strength. 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. At the end of August, we recommended purchasing July ‘24 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and recently recommended exiting half of those puts to lock in gains and get closer to a net neutral cost on the remaining position. For now, the current recommendation is to hold off on making any additional sales unless the market moves back toward last summer’s highs. At which point, we are prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the remaining July ‘24 590 put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. The strategy for the 2025 crop year remains to hold off on making any sales. Though if prices rally toward the mid-600s, we will consider taking advantage of those better prices to make sales recommendations.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: Chicago wheat continues to trade in a congestion pattern bound by 556 on the topside, and 523 ½ on the bottom. If prices regain their bullish footing, and close above 556, they could challenge the 50 and 100-day moving averages that coincide with the 585 – 620 congestion area. Otherwise, if they retreat and close below 523 ½, the next level of major support may come in around 488.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since December’s brief runup, prices have continued to erode as US exports continue to suffer from lower world export prices. Although fundamentals remain weak. Managed funds continue to hold a considerable net short position, and the market is at levels not seen since spring of 2021, which combined could trigger a return to higher prices if any unforeseen risks enter the market.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. The current strategy is to look for price appreciation as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and consider suggesting additional sales if prices make a modest 20% retracement of the 2022 highs back toward the upper 600s
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside, and recommended exiting the original position in three separate tranches as the market got further extended into oversold territory to protect any gains that were made. Taking the equity gained from the closed July 660 put position into account, the current strategy for the 2024 crop is to wait for better opportunities and consider recommending additional sales if July ‘24 retraces back toward the January highs in the mid-630s.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: The failure of the market to advance above the 50-day moving average indicates heavy resistance in the area, and it may test support near the 551 ½ low. Should prices turn around and close above the 50-day moving average, they could still make a run toward the 610 to 640 congestion area. While there appears to be significant support around 551 ½, if prices fall below there, they could test 530.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since last summer, Minneapolis wheat has slowly stair-stepped lower with weaker world prices and little bullish news to move markets higher. During this time, the 50-day moving average has acted as resistance, above which the market has not been able to hold for very long. Managed funds have also established and maintained a record (or near record) short position for much of the same time. Although bullish headwinds remain, the market has become very oversold, and the large fund net short position continues to leave the market susceptible to a short-covering rally at any time.

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Minneapolis wheat. The current strategy is to look for a modest retracement of the July high and consider additional sales in the neighborhood of 675 – 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts (due to their higher liquidity and correlation to Minneapolis), to protect the downside, and recommended exiting the original position in three separate tranches as the market got further extended into oversold territory to protect any gains that were made. From here, the strategy for the 2024 crop is to consider recommending additional sales if Sep ‘24 posts a modest 22% retracement back toward the 2022 highs of 1400.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. We are currently not considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted in the spring of next year. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: Minneapolis wheat continues to trade in a congestion pattern following the retreat from overhead resistance near the 50-day moving average. Initial support below the market remains near the recent low of 641, with support near 600 if prices fall further. Overhead, if the market reverses and closes above 675 – 680 resistance, they could challenge the 700 – 710 area.

Other Charts / Weather

Above: Brazil 7-day total accumulated precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center

Above: Argentina 1-week forecast total precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center

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3-18 End of Day: Grain Markets Mixed to Start the Week; Wheat Higher, Beans Lower, Corn Near Unchanged

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • The corn market gave up overnight strength shortly after the opening of the day session despite solid export inspections totaling 49 mb. Improved South American forecasts and increased Brazilian farmer selling limited the upside of a choppy trading day that saw both sides of unchanged.
  • The brisk harvest pace in Brazil with farmer selling, and weakness from both soybean meal and oil contributed to the pressure in the soybean market as it continues to consolidate from last week’s rally.
  • Following last week’s impressive run up on short covering, soybean oil saw a market reversal with sharp losses that, along with weaker soybean meal, added pressure to soybeans. Last Friday’s CFTC report showed that funds covered 29k of their net short soybean oil positions as of March 12, while also adding 3,300 contracts to their net short meal position.  
  • Reports of more drone attacks and increased tension between Russia and Ukraine helped give legs to the wheat complex that has been short on any war premium and near its lows. Additional support came from higher Matif wheat and potential short covering.
  • To see the updated US 7-day precipitation forecast, 6 – 10 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, and 1-week precipitation forecast (also percent of normal) for Brazil, courtesy of the NWS, CPC, and NOAA, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

In late February, after languishing in a downtrend that began last October and managed funds posting a record net short position exceeding 340,000 contracts, corn posted a bullish key reversal. Since that time, the market has rallied as the funds covered some of their short positions, though they remain heavily short the market, which could fuel an extended rally as we head into the uncertainty of the spring planting window.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. The recommendation for now is to hold off on additional sales until May corn recovers back toward the 500 level. If you need to move bushels for cash or logistics reasons, consider re-owning any sold bushels with September call options.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Given the amount of time and uncertainty that remains to market the 2024 crop, we will consider recommending additional sales on a retracement toward the low to mid 500 level.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. For now, we aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next year. It will probably be spring or summer of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Another quiet day overall in the corn market as corn prices were trapped between a weak soybean market and buying strength in the wheat markets. May futures had a tight 5 ½ cent trading range on the session as prices continue to consolidate.
  • Weekly corn inspections toted 48.8 mb in another good week. Total corn inspections now total 909 mb, up 31% from last year. Current US corn export inspections are above the USDA’s estimated pace, which is forecasting a 26% rise over last year.
  • Strong selling in the Brazilian corn futures market limited gains in US corn prices. Brazilian May corn futures contract was 2.5% lower on the session with improved rain chances in the near-term forecasts.
  • Strong planting pace for the second crop Brazil corn crop is a limiting factor with the prospects of a longer growing season. AgRural estimated that 97% of the Brazil’s 2nd (safrinha) corn crop is planted, up from 93% last week and 91% from last year. Weather will remain a strong focus of the market over the next couple months as the crop develops.
  • Managed hedge funds continue to lighten up on their short position in the corn market. It was still historically large overall, but funds exited 40,867 net short contracts on last week’s Commitment of Traders’ report.  As of Tuesday, March 12, funds are still holding a net short position of 255,982 contracts.

Above: The corn market continues to battle the 50-day moving average and the 435 – 445 resistance area. If it can close above it, the market could then test the January high of 452 ¼. If prices fall back, and close below 421, then they may slide to test downside support between 400 and 410.

Above: Corn Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, March 12. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Managers net bought 40,867 contracts between March 6 – 12, bringing their total position to a net short 255,928 contracts.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

Since old crop soybeans broke out of the 1290 – 1400 range in January, prices appear to have made a near term low. Managed funds have also established a record net short position for this time of year, and world carryout has dropped according to the USDA. While new lows could still be made, US planting is not far off, and the funds current short position could fuel an extended short covering rally on a smaller South American crop, lower world soybean carryout, and potential US weather concerns.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. The current recommendation is to hold off on making additional sales until prices post a modest 30% retracement back toward the 2022 high of 1759.
  • No new action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Considering the amount of uncertainty that lies ahead with the 2024 soybean crop, we recommended back in December buying Nov ’24 1280 and 1360 calls to give you confidence to make sales against anticipated production and to protect any sales in an extended rally. Based on our research, the possibility remains that prices could retest the upper 1300 range near the 2022 highs going into spring/summer, at which point we would consider recommending additional sales.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 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 soybean recommendations:

  • To kick off the week, soybeans closed firmly in the red, brought lower by both soybean meal and oil along with an uptick in Brazilian farmer selling. Export inspections were in line with expectations but did nothing to support futures.
  • Export inspections today came in at 25.2 mb for the week ending Thursday, March 14. This was within analysts’ expectations and were above the 15 mb needed each week to meet the USDA’s forecast. Total inspections for 23/24 are at 1,314 mb, which is down 19% from last year.
  • South American weather is expected to improve with central Brazil already receiving beneficial rains in Mato Grosso with more rains forecast later in the week for southern Brazil and Argentina. Brazil is reportedly 63% complete with harvest but there is still a large discrepancy in production estimates between CONAB and the USDA, with the USDA’s projection nearly 10 mmt higher.
  • Friday’s CFTC report showed funds buying back soybeans but not in the same numbers as they did corn. They covered 16,862 contracts which leaves them net short 155,137 contracts and no longer holding a record short position.

Above: Following the brief run-up off the recent low, soybeans posted a bearish reversal on March 14, indicating a potential market reversal to the downside. Initial support down below may be found near 1175, and again between 1130 and 1140. If the market closes above the 50-day ma and continues higher, it may find resistance near the recent 1217 ½ high before testing the January high of 1247 ½.

Above: Soybean Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, March 12. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Money Managers net bought 16,862 contracts between March 6 – 12, bringing their total position to a net short 155,137 contracts.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • Wheat closed higher across the board today and with double-digit gains for Chicago futures. Support came from higher Matif futures, as well as media reports that 16 Russian drones attacked the Odesa region in Ukraine, damaging ag infrastructure and again increasing tensions. This is reportedly in retaliation for recent Ukraine attacks on Russian oil refineries.
  • Weekly wheat export inspections of 11.1 mb bring the total 23/24 inspections to 505 mb. That is down 16% from last year, with inspections running below the USDA’s projected pace. On the last WASDE report, the USDA reduced their wheat export estimate from 725 to 710 mb.
  • Cheap Black Sea wheat may keep the lid on US futures for now. According to SovEcon, Russian exports of grain may reach 5.8 mmt in March, compared to 4.9 mmt in February. Additionally, Ukraine’s wheat exports since last July have totaled 12.9 mmt, which is a 5% year on year increase.
  • The European Union is apparently considering restrictions on the import of ag goods from Russia in an effort to pressure the Kremlin. It is believed that transport through the EU to other countries will not be restricted, however.
  • From March 6 to March 12, managed funds net sold 13,331 contracts of Chicago wheat to bring their total net short position to 78,870 contracts. That is a 20.3% increase and also a three-month high. It is possible that some of today’s positive price action was a result of funds covering some of those short positions.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since the early December runup, Chicago wheat has suffered in a lower trend while going on to make new contract lows. Although the lack of any bullish information has been disappointing, the market is in a significantly oversold condition, and managed funds continue to hold a significant net short position. Either or both could fuel a short covering rally at any time as we head into the more active part of the growing season.

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. Any remaining 2023 soft red winter wheat should be getting priced into market strength. 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. At the end of August, we recommended purchasing July ‘24 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and recently recommended exiting half of those puts to lock in gains and get closer to a net neutral cost on the remaining position. For now, the current recommendation is to hold off on making any additional sales unless the market moves back toward last summer’s highs. At which point, we are prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the remaining July ‘24 590 put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. The strategy for the 2025 crop year remains to hold off on making any sales. Though if prices rally toward the mid-600s, we will consider taking advantage of those better prices to make sales recommendations.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: After posting a bullish reversal on March 11, prices appear to have stalled around 555 and could retreat toward the support area near the recent low of 523 ½. Below there, further support may be found around 470 – 488. If prices regain their bullish footing, and close above 556, they then could challenge the 50 and 100-day moving averages that coincide with the 585 – 620 congestion area.

Above: Chicago Wheat Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, March 12. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Money Managers net sold 13,331 contracts between March 6 – 12, bringing their total position to a net short 78,870 contracts.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since December’s brief runup, prices have continued to erode as US exports continue to suffer from lower world export prices. Although fundamentals remain weak. Managed funds continue to hold a considerable net short position, and the market is at levels not seen since spring of 2021, which combined could trigger a return to higher prices if any unforeseen risks enter the market.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. The current strategy is to look for price appreciation as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and consider suggesting additional sales if prices make a modest 20% retracement of the 2022 highs back toward the upper 600s
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside, and recommended exiting the original position in three separate tranches as the market got further extended into oversold territory to protect any gains that were made. Taking the equity gained from the closed July 660 put position into account, the current strategy for the 2024 crop is to wait for better opportunities and consider recommending additional sales if July ‘24 retraces back toward the January highs in the mid-630s.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: The failure of the market to advance above the 50-day moving average indicates heavy resistance in the area, and it may test support near the 551 ½ low. Should prices turn around and close above the 50-day moving average, they could still make a run toward the 610 to 640 congestion area. While there appears to be significant support around 551 ½, if prices fall below there, they could test 530.

Above: KC Wheat Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, March 12. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Money Managers net bought 5,339 contracts between March 6 – 12, bringing their total position to a net short 35,547 contracts.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since last summer, Minneapolis wheat has slowly stair-stepped lower with weaker world prices and little bullish news to move markets higher. During this time, the 50-day moving average has acted as resistance, above which the market has not been able to hold for very long. Managed funds have also established and maintained a record (or near record) short position for much of the same time. Although bullish headwinds remain, the market has become very oversold, and the large fund net short position continues to leave the market susceptible to a short-covering rally at any time.

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Minneapolis wheat. The current strategy is to look for a modest retracement of the July high and consider additional sales in the neighborhood of 675 – 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts (due to their higher liquidity and correlation to Minneapolis), to protect the downside, and recommended exiting the original position in three separate tranches as the market got further extended into oversold territory to protect any gains that were made. From here, the strategy for the 2024 crop is to consider recommending additional sales if Sep ‘24 posts a modest 22% retracement back toward the 2022 highs of 1400.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. We are currently not considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted in the spring of next year. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: Minneapolis wheat continues to trade in a congestion pattern following the retreat from overhead resistance near the 50-day moving average. Initial support below the market remains near the recent low of 641, with support near 600 if prices fall further. Overhead, if the market reverses and closes above 675 – 680 resistance, they could challenge the 700 – 710 area.

Above: Minneapolis Wheat Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, March 12. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Money Managers net bought 2,437 contracts between March 6 – 12, bringing their total position to a net short 21,701 contracts.

Other Charts / Weather

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

Above: Brazil 1-week forecast total precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center

Above: Brazil 1-week forecast precipitation, percent of normal, courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center

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3-15 End of Day: Soybean Oil Leads Beans to a Higher Weekly Close

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • A flash sale totaling 125,000 mt of corn to Mexico and carryover support from neighboring soybeans helped lift corn futures and regain some of yesterday’s losses.
  • Strong NOPA crush numbers and sharply higher soybean oil lent support to soybeans which closed at the top end of their 16 ½ cent range and above the 50-day moving average for the first time in nearly three months.
  • The monthly NOPA crush numbers revealed a record-breaking quantity of soybeans crushed for the month of February. While this is supportive for soybeans, the record crush also indicates a surge in meal and oil production, likely adding pressure to the meal market. Conversely, soybean oil stocks hit a nine-year low for the month, implying robust demand and supporting bean oil prices.
  • Concerns regarding Chinese demand for wheat, along with a higher US dollar from hotter than expected PPI (Producer Price Index) data continue to hang over the wheat complex. All three classes of wheat closed lower for the third consecutive day and lower on the week.
  • To see the updated US 6 – 10 day and 8 – 14 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, and 2-week precipitation forecast (also percent of normal) for Brazil, courtesy of the NWS, CPC, and NOAA, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

In late February, after languishing in a downtrend that began last October and managed funds posting a record net short position exceeding 340,000 contracts, corn posted a bullish key reversal. Since that time, the market has rallied as the funds covered some of their short positions, though they remain heavily short the market, which could fuel an extended rally as we head into the uncertainty of the spring planting window.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. The recommendation for now is to hold off on additional sales until May corn recovers back toward the 500 level. If you need to move bushels for cash or logistics reasons, consider re-owning any sold bushels with September call options.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Given the amount of time and uncertainty that remains to market the 2024 crop, we will consider recommending additional sales on a retracement toward the low to mid 500 level.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. For now, we aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next year. It will probably be spring or summer of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Corn futures finished higher on the session as late buying strength in soybeans and positive demand news helped lift corn futures in a relatively quiet day. May corn gained 2 ¾ cents on the session. For the week, May corn futures ended 3 cents lower.
  • USDA reported a flash export sale of corn this morning.  Unknown destinations bought 4.8 mb (125,000 mt) for the 23/24 marketing year. That was the second published sale of corn this week as US corn represents good value in the export market.
  • Improved weather forecast has put selling pressure back into the Brazil corn market. Weather may look more questionable as the calendar turns into April, but weakening corn prices in Brazil may limit rally potential for US corn.
  • The Argentina corn crop remains in good condition, but ratings slipped slightly last week.  Currently 25% of the Argentina crop is rated good to excellent, and 17% poor to very poor.  Argentina is forecasted to produce a record corn crop this growing season after the past 2 years of drought.
  • Managed funds are still holding a large short position in the corn market.  Last week, Managed funds were still net short 296,795 contracts. Expectations are that the funds have covered some short corn positions given the recent price strength. The next Commitment of Traders report will be released on Friday afternoon.

Above: The corn market continues to battle the 50-day moving average and the 435 – 445 resistance area. If it can close above it, the market could then test the January high of 452 ¼. If prices fall back, and close below 421, then they may slide to test downside support between 400 and 410.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

Since old crop soybeans broke out of the 1290 – 1400 range in January, prices appear to have made a near term low. Managed funds have also established a record net short position for this time of year, and world carryout has dropped according to the USDA. While new lows could still be made, US planting is not far off, and the funds current short position could fuel an extended short covering rally on a smaller South American crop, lower world soybean carryout, and potential US weather concerns.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. The current recommendation is to hold off on making additional sales until prices post a modest 30% retracement back toward the 2022 high of 1759.
  • No new action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Considering the amount of uncertainty that lies ahead with the 2024 soybean crop, we recommended back in December buying Nov ’24 1280 and 1360 calls to give you confidence to make sales against anticipated production and to protect any sales in an extended rally. Based on our research, the possibility remains that prices could retest the upper 1300 range near the 2022 highs going into spring/summer, at which point we would consider recommending additional sales.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 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 soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans closed higher today after another day of volatility which saw May futures down as much as 12 cents at one point before recovering into the end of the day. Yesterday, May futures were up as much as 20 cents before selling off for a loss on the day. May ended the day just below the 50-day moving average at 1198 ½.
  • For the week, May futures gained 14 ¼ cents, May soybean meal lost $6.70, and May soybean oil gained 3.25 cents, a big move thanks to contract highs in palm oil. The palm oil market has rallied sharply this week which has benefited soybean oil and other edible oils and was likely the main driver in soybeans this week.
  • The NOPA crush report was released today and showed 186.194 mb of soybeans crushed in February. This was above the average trade guess of 178 mb, was a record for February, and 12.6% above the previous year. Soybean oil stocks came in at 1.69 billion pounds, which was above the average trade guess, but also the lowest in 9 years for the month.
  • In Argentina, the states of Cordoba and Buenos Aires are receiving significant rain which has greatly improved soil moisture in the growing regions, in addition, the Argentine government is rumored to be planning a fifth round of the soy dollar program to encourage farmer selling.

Above: Following the brief run-up off the recent low, soybeans posted a bearish reversal on March 14, indicating a potential market reversal to the downside. Initial support down below may be found near 1175, and again between 1130 and 1140. If the market closes above the 50-day ma and continues higher, it may find resistance near the recent 1217 ½ high before testing the January high of 1247 ½.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • Wheat had another down day for the third consecutive session. Talk that China cancelled US wheat sales, may have cancelled French sales, and either cancelled or rolled forward up to 1 mmt of Australian sales continued to weigh on the market. Light bear spreading was noted in Chicago futures, where there was greater selling pressure in the front months versus the deferred and could be a result of the recent cancellations as well.
  • In addition to the cancelled sales, yesterday’s negative PPI data showed inflation higher than anticipated. This had the US Dollar Index up sharply yesterday and marginally again today, keeping pressure on wheat futures. This may also indicate that the Federal Reserve will be slower to cut interest rates, which may have longer term implications on the direction of the US Dollar and therefore, wheat prices.
  • On a bullish note, the EU soft wheat production estimate for the 24/25 season was reduced 1 mmt from last month, now at 121.6 mmt, according to Strategie Grains. In addition, the French wheat crop is rated the poorest in four years, 66% good to excellent. France struggled with heavy rain and snow during their planting season that caused an acreage reduction, with current weather also to blame for the declining condition.
  • The International Grains Council has projected higher grain stocks for the 24/25 season at 601 mmt. At the end of this season, stocks are expected to be 599 mmt. Additionally, the total 24/25 grain production is forecasted at 2.33 billion mt, up 1% from the 23/24 estimate. 
  • According to the USDA, the areas of US winter and spring wheat in drought as of March 12 are unchanged from the previous week. About 14% of winter wheat and about 30% of spring wheat areas are said to be experiencing drought conditions.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since the early December runup, Chicago wheat has suffered in a lower trend while going on to make new contract lows. Although the lack of any bullish information has been disappointing, the market is in a significantly oversold condition, and managed funds continue to hold a significant net short position. Either or both could fuel a short covering rally at any time as we head into the more active part of the growing season.

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. Any remaining 2023 soft red winter wheat should be getting priced into market strength. 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. At the end of August, we recommended purchasing July ‘24 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and recently recommended exiting half of those puts to lock in gains and get closer to a net neutral cost on the remaining position. For now, the current recommendation is to hold off on making any additional sales unless the market moves back toward last summer’s highs. At which point, we are prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the remaining July ‘24 590 put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. The strategy for the 2025 crop year remains to hold off on making any sales. Though if prices rally toward the mid-600s, we will consider taking advantage of those better prices to make sales recommendations.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: After posting a bullish reversal on March 11, prices appear to have stalled around 555 and could retreat toward the support area near the recent low of 523 ½. Below there, further support may be found around 470 – 488. If prices regain their bullish footing, and close above 556, they then could challenge the 50 and 100-day moving averages that coincide with the 585 – 620 congestion area.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since December’s brief runup, prices have continued to erode as US exports continue to suffer from lower world export prices. Although fundamentals remain weak. Managed funds continue to hold a considerable net short position, and the market is at levels not seen since spring of 2021, which combined could trigger a return to higher prices if any unforeseen risks enter the market.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. The current strategy is to look for price appreciation as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and consider suggesting additional sales if prices make a modest 20% retracement of the 2022 highs back toward the upper 600s
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside, and recommended exiting the original position in three separate tranches as the market got further extended into oversold territory to protect any gains that were made. Taking the equity gained from the closed July 660 put position into account, the current strategy for the 2024 crop is to wait for better opportunities and consider recommending additional sales if July ‘24 retraces back toward the January highs in the mid-630s.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: The failure of the market to advance above the 50-day moving average indicates heavy resistance in the area, and it may test support near the 551 ½ low. Should prices turn around and close above the 50-day moving average, they could still make a run toward the 610 to 640 congestion area. While there appears to be significant support around 551 ½, if prices fall below there, they could test 530.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since last summer, Minneapolis wheat has slowly stair-stepped lower with weaker world prices and little bullish news to move markets higher. During this time, the 50-day moving average has acted as resistance, above which the market has not been able to hold for very long. Managed funds have also established and maintained a record (or near record) short position for much of the same time. Although bullish headwinds remain, the market has become very oversold, and the large fund net short position continues to leave the market susceptible to a short-covering rally at any time.

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Minneapolis wheat. The current strategy is to look for a modest retracement of the July high and consider additional sales in the neighborhood of 675 – 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts (due to their higher liquidity and correlation to Minneapolis), to protect the downside, and recommended exiting the original position in three separate tranches as the market got further extended into oversold territory to protect any gains that were made. From here, the strategy for the 2024 crop is to consider recommending additional sales if Sep ‘24 posts a modest 22% retracement back toward the 2022 highs of 1400.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. We are currently not considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted in the spring of next year. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: Minneapolis wheat continues to trade in a congestion pattern following the retreat from overhead resistance near the 50-day moving average. Initial support below the market remains near the recent low of 641, with support near 600 if prices fall further. Overhead, if the market reverses and closes above 675 – 680 resistance, they could challenge the 700 – 710 area.

Other Charts / Weather

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3-14 End of Day: Reports of More Chinese Cancellations Hit the Wheat Market

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Despite strong weekly export sales that came in near the top end of expectations and a flash corn sale to Mexico. The corn market came under pressure from improved rain chances in Brazil, lower wheat and a weakening soybean market.
  • The soybean complex ended the day mixed with relatively small net changes. Improved rain chances in Brazil and mediocre export sales contributed to the midday decline that brought all three legs of the complex toward the bottoms of their respective ranges into the close.
  • Reports of more Chinese wheat purchase cancellations weighed heavily on the wheat complex today as all three wheat classes closed in the red. US weekly export sales did little to help as they came in at the low end of expectations and included 3.9 mb of US cancellations by China.
  • To see the current corn and winter wheat areas in drought, the updated US 6 – 10 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, and the percent of normal 2-week precipitation forecast for South America, courtesy of the NWS, CPC, NOAA, and NDMC, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

In late February, after languishing in a downtrend that began last October and managed funds posting a record net short position exceeding 340,000 contracts, corn posted a bullish key reversal. Since that time, the market has rallied as the funds covered some of their short positions, though they remain heavily short the market, which could fuel an extended rally as we head into the uncertainty of the spring planting window.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. The recommendation for now is to hold off on additional sales until May corn recovers back toward the 500 level. If you need to move bushels for cash or logistics reasons, consider re-owning any sold bushels with September call options.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Given the amount of time and uncertainty that remains to market the 2024 crop, we will consider recommending additional sales on a retracement toward the low to mid 500 level.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. For now, we aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next year. It will probably be spring or summer of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Selling pressure and weak price action moved back into the corn market as May corn futures traded 7 ½ cents lower on the day. For the week, May corn futures are trading 6 cents lower going into Friday trade. March futures expired today with final trades at 422 ½.
  • Both US and Brazilian corn prices were pressured by improved forecasts for rain in the key production area of Brazil. Recent dry and hot temperature forecasts have pushed corn prices higher, adding some weather premium to the market.
  • The corn market was limited by strong selling pressure in the wheat market. A report that China cancelled or delayed shipment of nearly 1 mmt of Australian wheat pressured global wheat prices.
  • Weekly export sales have stayed supportive of the corn markets. The USDA announced new sales last week totaling 50.5 mb (1.283 mmt) in the weekly export sales report. This has total sales commitments at 1.595 billion bushels, up 27% from last year. Japan was the largest buyer of US corn last week.
  • The USDA announced a flash export sale of corn to Mexico this morning. Mexico purchased 3.8 mb (110,000 mt) of corn for the 23/24 marketing year as Mexico purchases remain strong and at record historical levels.

Above: On March 7th the corn market closed above the 20-day moving average for the first time since late December. If it can push through and close above the 435 – 445 resistance area it could test the January high of 452 ¼. If they fall back, and close below 421, the bottom of the recent range, then they may slide to test downside support between 400 and 410.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

Since old crop soybeans broke out of the 1290 – 1400 range in January, prices appear to have made a near term low. Managed funds have also established a record net short position for this time of year, and world carryout has dropped according to the USDA. While new lows could still be made, US planting is not far off, and the funds current short position could fuel an extended short covering rally on a smaller South American crop, lower world soybean carryout, and potential US weather concerns.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. The current recommendation is to hold off on making additional sales until prices post a modest 30% retracement back toward the 2022 high of 1759.
  • No new action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Considering the amount of uncertainty that lies ahead with the 2024 soybean crop, we recommended back in December buying Nov ’24 1280 and 1360 calls to give you confidence to make sales against anticipated production and to protect any sales in an extended rally. Based on our research, the possibility remains that prices could retest the upper 1300 range near the 2022 highs going into spring/summer, at which point we would consider recommending additional sales.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 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 soybean recommendations:

  • The trade in soybeans was volatile today as May futures rallied sharply above the 50-day moving average and at one point were up as much as 21 cents. There has been some early support with CONAB’s production estimates far lower than the USDA’s, but exports today were soft. Soybean meal ended the day higher while soybean oil was lower.
  • For the week ending March 7, the USDA reported an increase of 13.8 mb of soybean sales for 23/24 and an increase of 3.5 mb for 24/25. This was on the lower end of trade expectations and puts soybean sales down 20% from the previous year. Although last week’s export shipments of 34.8 mb were well above the 16.5 mb needed each week to meet the USDA’s trade expectations. Primary destinations were to China, Germany, and Mexico.
  • In Brazil, farmers have taken advantage of the soybean rally and have been more active in their sales when previously, many were holding back due to low premiums. The increase in farmer selling partially stifled today’s rally, along with a forecast for southern Brazil which is expected to receive more rain as harvest continues.
  • The NOPA crush report for February is seen at 178.058 million bushels which would be a record high for the month of February. This number would be down 4.2% from January’s crush but up 7.6% from the previous year.

Above: After posting a low of 1128 ½ on February 29, soybeans have rallied higher on short covering. The market remains oversold on the weekly chart and continues to provide underlying support. For now, resistance remains between 1190 and 1205, with the next area of heavy resistance between 1225 and 1250 if prices continue higher. Underneath, initial support remains between 1130 and 1140.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • The wheat complex finished the day lower across the board for the second day in a row, led by the KC and Chicago contracts. Reports of more Chinese cancellations rocked the wheat market and were likely the primary reason for the day’s decline.
  • It was reported that China cancelled an undisclosed amount of French wheat that was intended for replacement supplies versus new demand. Additionally, they either postponed or canceled upwards of 1 mmt of Australian wheat due to increasing world supplies and lower prices.
  • Adding to the woes of the wheat market, FranceAgriMer reported that French 23/24 ending stocks are expected to be 3.74 mmt. This is up from February’s estimate of 3.5 mmt, and the highest total since the 18/19 marketing year.
  • Moving over to Russia, IKAR, as reported by Interfax, sees Russian wheat exports near a record 50 mmt for the 24/25 season, with a wheat harvest near 93 mmt, marking a 1 mmt increase from IKAR’s November report.
  • The USDA issued its weekly export sales report this morning for the week ending March 7, that showed total net new wheat sales for the 23/24 marketing year at 3.1 mb. The total came in at the low end of expectations and included 3.9 mb of SRW cancellations that were reported previously. As for the 24/25 marketing year, the USDA reported 3.0 mb of new sales.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since the early December runup, Chicago wheat has suffered in a lower trend while going on to make new contract lows. Although the lack of any bullish information has been disappointing, the market is in a significantly oversold condition, and managed funds continue to hold a significant net short position. Either or both could fuel a short covering rally at any time as we head into the more active part of the growing season.

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. Any remaining 2023 soft red winter wheat should be getting priced into market strength. 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. At the end of August, we recommended purchasing July ‘24 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and recently recommended exiting half of those puts to lock in gains and get closer to a net neutral cost on the remaining position. For now, the current recommendation is to hold off on making any additional sales unless the market moves back toward last summer’s highs. At which point, we are prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the remaining July ‘24 590 put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. The strategy for the 2025 crop year remains to hold off on making any sales. Though if prices rally toward the mid-600s, we will consider taking advantage of those better prices to make sales recommendations.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: After posting a bullish reversal on March 11, prices appear to have stalled around 555 and could retreat toward the support area near the recent low of 523 ½. Below there, further support may be found around 470 – 488. If prices regain their bullish footing, and close above 556, they then could challenge the 50 and 100-day moving averages that coincide with the 585 – 620 congestion area.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since December’s brief runup, prices have continued to erode as US exports continue to suffer from lower world export prices. Although fundamentals remain weak. Managed funds continue to hold a considerable net short position, and the market is at levels not seen since spring of 2021, which combined could trigger a return to higher prices if any unforeseen risks enter the market.

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. The current strategy is to look for price appreciation as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and consider suggesting additional sales if prices make a modest 20% retracement of the 2022 highs back toward the upper 600s
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside, and recommended exiting the original position in three separate tranches as the market got further extended into oversold territory to protect any gains that were made. Taking the equity gained from the closed July 660 put position into account, the current strategy for the 2024 crop is to wait for better opportunities and consider recommending additional sales if July ‘24 retraces back toward the January highs in the mid-630s.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. We currently aren’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: For now, it appears that May KC wheat has rejected the advances above the 50-day moving average and may retreat back toward support around the 551 ½ low with minor nearby support around 570. If prices can penetrate and close above the 50-day moving average, they could still make a run toward the 610 to 640 congestion area.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

Since last summer, Minneapolis wheat has slowly stair-stepped lower with weaker world prices and little bullish news to move markets higher. During this time, the 50-day moving average has acted as resistance, above which the market has not been able to hold for very long. Managed funds have also established and maintained a record (or near record) short position for much of the same time. Although bullish headwinds remain, the market has become very oversold, and the large fund net short position continues to leave the market susceptible to a short-covering rally at any time.

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Minneapolis wheat. The current strategy is to look for a modest retracement of the July high and consider additional sales in the neighborhood of 675 – 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts (due to their higher liquidity and correlation to Minneapolis), to protect the downside, and recommended exiting the original position in three separate tranches as the market got further extended into oversold territory to protect any gains that were made. From here, the strategy for the 2024 crop is to consider recommending additional sales if Sep ‘24 posts a modest 22% retracement back toward the 2022 highs of 1400.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. We are currently not considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted in the spring of next year. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After breaking out of the consolidation range, there appears to be a rounded bottom formation in May Minneapolis wheat, which suggests that prices could test the 700 – 710 area if they can close above the 50-day moving average and nearby 675 – 680 resistance. If prices turn back lower, nearby support remains near 640, with major support near 600.

Other Charts / Weather

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3-13 End of Day: Markets Close Mixed; Soybeans Find Support from Higher Bean Oil

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • The corn market saw choppy two-sided trade in a tight 6 ¼ cent range and a mixed close with the deferred contracts gaining on the nearby. Weekly corn usage for ethanol remained supportive, though ethanol production slipped from the previous week’s totals.
  • Strength from soybean oil helped May soybeans claw their way to 3 ½ cents higher on the day before settling back to just above unchanged and just below the 50-day moving average.
  • Soybean oil gained on meal again as it closed higher for the third day in a row and challenged its 100-day moving average with support from higher world veg oil prices. Meal, on the other hand, slipped and closed lower in today’s session as the prospect of cheaper South American supplies continues to weigh on US prices.
  • The wheat complex did an about face as all three classes closed lower, giving up yesterday’s advances. A quiet news day, lower Matif wheat, and rumors of more possible Chinese SRW cancellations brought back the sellers and weighed on the market.
  • To see the updated US 7-day precipitation forecast, the US and Brazil NASA-Grace drought indicator maps, and the 2-week precipitation forecast for Brazil, courtesy of the NWS, CPC, NOAA, and NASA-Grace, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. In late February, after languishing in a downtrend that began last October and managed funds posting a record net short position exceeding 340,000 contracts, front month corn posted a bullish key reversal. Since that time, the market has rallied as the funds covered some of their short positions, though they remain heavily short the market, which could fuel an extended rally as we head into the spring planting window. As planting nears and uncertainties increase, Grain Market Insider will consider recommending additional sales if prices recover back toward the 500 level.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. After posting a bullish key reversal in late February, Dec ’24 rallied along with front month corn as funds exited some of their record net short position. As we quickly approach the spring planting window, a lot of uncertainty remains, and the near record short position that the funds continue to carry is supportive and could fuel further short covering and higher prices for Dec ’24. Given the amount of time and uncertainty that remains for the 2024 crop, Grain Market Insider will consider recommending additional sales on a retracement toward the low to mid 500 level.
  • 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 next year. It will probably be springtime of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • The Wednesday price action in corn futures matched Tuesday’s as prices consolidated with a relatively quiet 6 ¼ cent trading range. May corn slipped ½ cent on the session.
  • The weekly ethanol report saw production slip last week to 1.024 million barrels/day, down slightly from the week prior. There were 102.6 million bushels of corn used in last week’s ethanol grind which is still slightly ahead of the pace needed to reach USDA corn usage targets. Ethanol stocks slipped to 25.8 million barrels. 
  • With the recent price rally, the market will be watching if the higher prices impact export sales totals. The USDA will release weekly export sales on Thursday morning. Expectations for new sales to range from 800,000 mt – 1.4 mmt for the current marketing year. Last week, corn export sales reached 1.109 mmt.
  • Brazil’s weather will stay a focus in the corn market. Forecasts for Brazil corn growing regions trending warmer and drier into April help support Brazilian and US corn prices. If weather conditions become less favorable, additional weather premium may be added into the corn market.
  • Managed funds are still holding a large short position in the corn market. The recent price strength has funds covering some of those short positions to take risk off the table with questionable weather forecasts for Brazil and in anticipation of the US planting of this year’s crop.

Above: On March 7th the corn market closed above the 20-day moving average for the first time since late December. If it can push through and close above the 435 – 445 resistance area it could test the January high of 452 ¼. If they fall back, and close below 421, the bottom of the recent range, then they may slide to test downside support between 400 and 410.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. Since old crop soybeans broke out of the 1290 – 1400 range in January, prices appear to have made a near term low. Managed funds have also established a record net short position for this time of year, and world carryout has dropped according to the USDA. While new lows could still be made, US planting is not far off, and the funds current short position could fuel an extended short covering rally on a smaller South American crop, lower world soybean carryout, and potential US weather concerns. Should that happen, Grain Market Insider will look at making additional sales if prices post an historically modest 30% retracement back toward the 2022 high of 1759.
  • No new action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the beginning of the year, Nov ’24 has tracked alongside the 2023 old crop contracts as South American weather stabilized and the market dealt with bourgeoning domestic supplies and slowing demand. While the decline in prices was disappointing, a near-term low may be in place. With planting season just ahead and plenty of time remaining to market this crop, many unknowns remain that can bring higher prices. Considering the amount of uncertainty that lies ahead with the 2024 soybean crop, Grain Market Insider recommended back in December buying Nov ’24 1280 and 1360 calls to give you confidence to make sales against anticipated production and to protect any sales in an extended rally. Based on our research, the possibility remains that prices could retest the upper 1300 range near the 2022 highs going into spring/summer, at which point Grain Market Insider would consider recommending additional sales.
  • 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 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 soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans finished the day mixed with the May and July contracts closing slightly higher while the deferred months were lower. Soybeans were significantly lower earlier in the day and rallied thanks to gains in soybean oil. Soybean meal closed lower.
  • The rally off today’s lows in soybeans can be mainly attributed to the support in soybean oil which is a result of reduced palm oil production in recent forecasts. Stats Canada has also cut its estimates for canola production which has been bullish for all edible oils.
  • As the Brazilian harvest presses on, soybean premiums have trended higher since January due to a lack of farmer selling at those low prices. Higher Brazilian premiums have been bullish for US prices, but they could also spark farmer selling which may bring prices back down.
  • Brazil’s soybean harvest is over 55% completed but in the main growing area of Mato Grasso, harvest is 84% complete. The nearby forecast is calling for little rain in Brazil which should see harvest continuing without issue.

Above: After posting a low of 1128 ½ on February 29, soybeans have rallied higher on short covering. The market remains oversold on the weekly chart and continues to provide underlying support. For now, resistance remains between 1190 and 1205, with the next area of heavy resistance between 1225 and 1250 if prices continue higher. Underneath, initial support remains between 1130 and 1140.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • All three US wheat classes closed with losses in tandem with Paris milling wheat futures. A lack of fresh fundamental news, along with rumors that there may be more Chinese cancellations led to a weaker trade. So far, China has cancelled 18.5 mb of US SRW wheat purchases, but some analysts think there could be an additional 10-15 mb cancelled soon.  
  • According to the USDA as of March 5, about 14% of the US winter wheat area is experiencing drought. Additionally, 30% of the spring wheat crop is in drought. As spring approaches in the northern hemisphere, dry pockets in the US may become more of an issue that, if they persist, may lead to higher commodity prices. However, cheap Russian wheat exports may limit upside potential for now.
  • On a bullish note, Indian wheat stocks have hit a seven-year low, which may make them a net importer. They are the world’s third largest wheat producer behind China and the EU. But due to weather problems and increased domestic demand they may no longer be a net exporter.
  • House democrats are attempting to circumvent the house speaker’s control to vote on a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine and Israel. Of that total, $60 billion is said to be allocated for Ukraine’s military defense. As both wars rage on, the impact on the wheat market appears to be minimal at this time; Ukraine has been very successful at exporting ag goods even without the approval of Russia.

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. 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.
  • Grain Market Insider sees a continuing opportunity to sell half of your July ‘24 590 Chicago Wheat puts. Last August Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 590 Chicago wheat puts for approximately 31 cents in premium plus commission and fees to protect the downside from potential price erosion. At the time, US export demand was very weak with lower world export prices, and July Chicago wheat had just broken through support near 610. The breaking of 610 support increased the risk of the market retreating further. Since that time July ’24 Chicago wheat has dropped about 110 cents, with the July ’24 590 Chicago wheat puts gaining about 200% in value. Though world export prices remain low, plenty of time remains to market the ’24 crop, and following this market drop, any increase in demand or threat of yield loss could rally prices. Grain Market Insider recommends selling half of the previously recommended July ’24 590 Chicago wheat puts to lock in gains and move toward a net neutral cost on the remaining position, which will continue to protect any unsold bushels if prices erode further.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. In mid-February, July ’25 Chicago wheat broke through the bottom of the long established 632 – 685 trading range to a new low just below 600. For now, that new low is holding, and the market is correcting its oversold condition. So far, Grain Market Insider’s strategy for the 2025 crop year has been to sit tight. However, if prices rally toward the mid-600s, we will consider taking advantage of the still historically good prices to make sales recommendations.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: After posting a bullish reversal on March 11, prices appear to have stalled around 555 and could retreat toward the support area near the recent low of 523 ½. Below there, further support may be found around 470 – 488. If prices regain their bullish footing, and close above 556, they then could challenge the 50 and 100-day moving averages that coincide with the 585 – 620 congestion area.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since December’s brief runup, prices have continued to erode as US exports continue to suffer from lower world export prices. Although fundamentals remain weak, considering the market is at levels not seen since spring of 2021, and funds continue to hold a considerable net short position, these factors could trigger a return to higher prices if any unforeseen risks enter the market. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices make a modest 20% retracement of the 2022 highs back toward 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. Since the beginning of the year, the July ’24 contract has been in a downtrend alongside the front month contracts, while also setting new contract lows and becoming very oversold. During this time, managed funds have maintained a net short position in the front month of around 35,000 contracts. While this net short position is about 15,000 contracts smaller than it was at the end of November, it is still large enough to trigger a short covering rally, much like the one that began in late November, and could easily translate to higher prices for July ’24 as well as the front months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside, and as the market got further extended into oversold territory, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Recently, Grain Market Insider also recommended exiting the remaining 660 puts to protect any gains that have been made. Considering bullish headwinds remain, and the equity gained from the closed July 660 put position, Grain Market Insider is prepared to consider recommending additional sales for the 2024 crop if July ‘24 retraces back toward the January highs in the mid-640s.
  • 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 may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: For now, it appears that May KC wheat has rejected the advances above the 50-day moving average and may retreat back toward support around the 551 ½ low with minor nearby support around 570. If prices can penetrate and close above the 50-day moving average, they could still make a run toward the 610 to 640 congestion area.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Minneapolis wheat. Since last summer, front month Minneapolis wheat has slowly stair-stepped lower with weaker world prices and little bullish news to move markets higher. During this time, the 50-day moving average has acted as resistance, above which the market has not been able to hold for very long. Managed funds have also established and maintained a record (or near record) short position for much of the same time. Although bullish headwinds remain, the market has become very oversold, and the large fund net short position continues to leave the market susceptible to a short-covering rally at any time here. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for a modest retracement of the July high and consider additional sales in the neighborhood of 675 – 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. Much like the front month contracts, Sep ’24 has been in a downward trend since last summer. And just as Sep ’24 has been influenced to the downside by the front months, it could be similarly influenced to the upside by the front months if a bullish impetus enters the scene and triggers an extended short covering rally due to the fund’s large short position. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside (due to their higher liquidity and correlation to Minneapolis), and as the market got further extended into oversold territory, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Recently, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting the remaining 660 puts to protect the gains that have been made. From here, Grain Market Insider is prepared to consider recommending additional sales for the 2024 crop if Sep ‘24 posts a modest 22% retracement back toward the 2022 highs of 1400.
  • 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 in the spring of next year. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After breaking out of the consolidation range, there appears to be a rounded bottom formation in May Minneapolis wheat, which suggests that prices could test the 700 – 710 area if they can close above the 50-day moving average and nearby 675 – 680 resistance. If prices turn back lower, nearby support remains near 640, with major support near 600.

Other Charts / Weather

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

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3-12 End of Day: Soybeans Close Higher on Friendly CONAB Numbers; Corn Sharply Unchanged, Wheat Mixed

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Two-sided trade in the corn market balanced a friendly CONAB forecast of Brazil’s corn production and a bearish US supply situation with little fresh market news as corn futures settled mostly unchanged across the board.
  • CONAB’s lower forecast for Brazil’s soybean crop of 146.9 mmt, compared to the USDA’s 155 mmt estimate, gave May soybeans a bullish shot in the arm to rally within 3 ½ cents of the 50-day moving average and its highest close since early February.
  • Soybean oil closed sharply higher and lent additional support to soybeans, with support coming from higher palm oil and reports that Ukraine’s sunflower crop is down 5.5% from last year. Soybean meal regained some ground from yesterday’s losses, posting a modest $2.0 gain.
  • The wheat complex settled the day mixed following yesterday’s strong closes across the board. Lower production and stocks estimates for Brazil, Ukraine, and India gave the markets an initial boost to start the day, but prices drifted off the highs in choppy trade to close mid-range in all three classes.  
  • To see the updated US 6 – 10 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, and the 2-week precipitation forecast for Brazil, courtesy of the NWS, CPC, and NOAA, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. In late February, after languishing in a downtrend that began last October and managed funds posting a record net short position exceeding 340,000 contracts, front month corn posted a bullish key reversal. Since that time, the market has rallied as the funds covered some of their short positions, though they remain heavily short the market, which could fuel an extended rally as we head into the spring planting window. As planting nears and uncertainties increase, Grain Market Insider will consider recommending additional sales if prices recover back toward the 500 level.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. After posting a bullish key reversal in late February, Dec ’24 rallied along with front month corn as funds exited some of their record net short position. As we quickly approach the spring planting window, a lot of uncertainty remains, and the near record short position that the funds continue to carry is supportive and could fuel further short covering and higher prices for Dec ’24. Given the amount of time and uncertainty that remains for the 2024 crop, Grain Market Insider will consider recommending additional sales on a retracement toward the low to mid 500 level.
  • 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 next year. It will probably be springtime of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Today was a consolidation day in the corn market as overall news remained quiet for the session. Corn futures saw two-sided trade with a 7-cent trading range as the May futures finished unchanged on the session.
  • Corn futures have traded higher and near the top of the daily trading range for the past three sessions, but today buying strength faltered. This may be an indicator that upward momentum has slowed, or farmer selling limited the market upside.
  • The bearish fundamental picture of front-end corn supplies is still a major limiting factor in the corn market rally. With today’s close, corn futures are still trading at a 4-week high, and 33 cents off the most recent low on the May futures.
  • The Brazilian Agriculture Agency, CONAB, released their March corn crop projections this morning.  CONAB lowered the expected Brazilian corn production estimate to 112.75 mmt, down nearly 1 mmt from last month and just over 19 mmt under last year on reduced planted area and dry weather in the early growing season. Total corn exports from Brazil where left unchanged from last month’s report at 32 mmt.
  • Brazil’s weather will stay a focus in the corn market. Forecasts for a ridge of heat building over central Brazil later in the week help support Brazilian and US corn prices. If weather conditions become less favorable, additional weather premium may be added into the corn market.

Above: On March 7th the corn market closed above the 20-day moving average for the first time since late December. If it can push through and close above the 435 – 445 resistance area it could test the January high of 452 ¼. If they fall back, and close below 421, the bottom of the recent range, then they may slide to test downside support between 400 and 410.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. Since old crop soybeans broke out of the 1290 – 1400 range in January, prices appear to have made a near term low. Managed funds have also established a record net short position for this time of year, and world carryout has dropped according to the USDA. While new lows could still be made, US planting is not far off, and the funds current short position could fuel an extended short covering rally on a smaller South American crop, lower world soybean carryout, and potential US weather concerns. Should that happen, Grain Market Insider will look at making additional sales if prices post an historically modest 30% retracement back toward the 2022 high of 1759.
  • No new action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the beginning of the year, Nov ’24 has tracked alongside the 2023 old crop contracts as South American weather stabilized and the market dealt with bourgeoning domestic supplies and slowing demand. While the decline in prices was disappointing, a near-term low may be in place. With planting season just ahead and plenty of time remaining to market this crop, many unknowns remain that can bring higher prices. Considering the amount of uncertainty that lies ahead with the 2024 soybean crop, Grain Market Insider recommended back in December buying Nov ’24 1280 and 1360 calls to give you confidence to make sales against anticipated production and to protect any sales in an extended rally. Based on our research, the possibility remains that prices could retest the upper 1300 range near the 2022 highs going into spring/summer, at which point Grain Market Insider would consider recommending additional sales.
  • 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 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 soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans ended the day higher with support from a rally in soybean oil and the release of CONAB numbers showing lower expected soybean production in Brazil. May soybeans have now rallied over 67 cents from the low at the end of February. Soybean meal closed higher as well.
  • Earlier today, CONAB released its estimate for the 2024 Brazilian soybean crop at 146.8 mmt. This was below the average analyst trade guess of 149 mmt and well off the estimate of 155 mmt that was just released by the USDA. The discrepancy between CONAB and the USDA has seemed to widen as harvest progresses.
  • As the Brazilian harvest presses on, soybean premiums have trended higher since January due to a lack of farmer selling at those low prices. Higher Brazilian premiums have been bullish for US prices, but they could also spark farmer selling which could bring prices back down.
  • Yesterday’s soybean inspections for the US of 26 mb brought inspections to a 23-week low with shipments down 19% from last year. Export demand will likely worsen as Brazil completes its harvest and Argentina continues its growing season.

Above: After posting a low of 1128 ½ on February 29, soybeans have rallied higher on short covering. The market remains oversold on the weekly chart and continues to provide underlying support. For now, resistance remains between 1190 and 1205, with the next area of heavy resistance between 1225 and 1250 if prices continue higher. Underneath, initial support remains between 1130 and 1140.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • Wheat was mixed to mostly lower today, though it did close within a penny or two of unchanged. By comparison, both May and September Matif wheat futures closed unchanged. After yesterday’s bullish key reversal in May Chicago wheat futures, it was somewhat disappointing that there wasn’t any strong follow through today. On a positive note though, there were no further announced cancelations of US wheat to China this morning.
  • Wheat prices in Brazil continue to weaken, despite indications that their 23/24 wheat crop supply will be below demand. It is said that in Brazil, end users are looking for high quality wheat, but supply remains low. Internationally, prices have recently moved lower as well. Russia’s cheap exports are one of the main contributing factors. Their April FOB values have fallen to $198/mt, according to Sov Econ – this keeps the US uncompetitive on exports.
  • CPI (Consumer Price Index) data this morning showed that inflation increased, with February higher than last year at 3.2% – the trade was looking for a 3.1% increase. In addition, the CPI was up 0.4% in the month of February alone, which was 0.1% higher than expectations. This indicates that the Federal Reserve may be slow to lower interest rates, affecting the US Dollar, and potentially wheat prices.
  • Due to lower planted acreage, higher costs, and labor shortages, Ukraine’s 2024 grain and oilseed harvest could be down 8% versus last year, to 76 mmt. According to Ukrainian officials, wheat specifically may be down 14.5% to 20 mmt of production.
  • CONAB released their estimates of Brazilian wheat production this morning, in which they projected a decline of 0.6 mmt to 9.6 mmt. For reference, the USDA is forecasting Brazil’s wheat production at 8.1 mmt. On a bullish note, India’s wheat stocks are said to have fallen to 9.7 mmt versus 11.7 mmt last year, which is the lowest March number in seven years.

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. 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 the early December runup, the July ’24 contract has suffered in a lower trend while going on to make new contract lows. Although the lack of any bullish information has been disappointing, the market is in a significantly oversold condition, and managed funds continue to hold a significant net short position. Either or both could fuel a short covering rally at any time as we head into the more active part of the growing season. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July ‘24 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and recently recommended exiting half of those puts to lock in gains and get closer to a net neutral cost on the remaining position. If the market receives the needed input 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 remaining July ‘24 590 put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. In mid-February, July ’25 Chicago wheat broke through the bottom of the long established 632 – 685 trading range to a new low just below 600. For now, that new low is holding, and the market is correcting its oversold condition. So far, Grain Market Insider’s strategy for the 2025 crop year has been to sit tight. However, if prices rally toward the mid-600s, we will consider taking advantage of the still historically good prices to make sales recommendations.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: With the market posting a bullish key reversal on March 11, the market may challenge the 50-day and the 100-day moving averages that coincide with the congestion area between 585 and 620. Down below the market nearby support comes in near the March 11 low of 523 ½, with further support around 470 – 488.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since December’s brief runup, prices have continued to erode as US exports continue to suffer from lower world export prices. Although fundamentals remain weak, considering the market is at levels not seen since spring of 2021, and funds continue to hold a considerable net short position, these factors could trigger a return to higher prices if any unforeseen risks enter the market. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices make a modest 20% retracement of the 2022 highs back toward 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. Since the beginning of the year, the July ’24 contract has been in a downtrend alongside the front month contracts, while also setting new contract lows and becoming very oversold. During this time, managed funds have maintained a net short position in the front month of around 35,000 contracts. While this net short position is about 15,000 contracts smaller than it was at the end of November, it is still large enough to trigger a short covering rally, much like the one that began in late November, and could easily translate to higher prices for July ’24 as well as the front months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside, and as the market got further extended into oversold territory, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Recently, Grain Market Insider also recommended exiting the remaining 660 puts to protect any gains that have been made. Considering bullish headwinds remain, and the equity gained from the closed July 660 put position, Grain Market Insider is prepared to consider recommending additional sales for the 2024 crop if July ‘24 retraces back toward the January highs in the mid-640s.
  • 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 may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: The March 6th low of 551 ½ has held so far with the market testing the 50-day moving average. If the market can close above there, it could then make a run toward the congestion range between 610 and 640. If the market does turn lower, the next major level of support below 551 ½ may come in near 530.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Minneapolis wheat. Since last summer, front month Minneapolis wheat has slowly stair-stepped lower with weaker world prices and little bullish news to move markets higher. During this time, the 50-day moving average has acted as resistance, above which the market has not been able to hold for very long. Managed funds have also established and maintained a record (or near record) short position for much of the same time. Although bullish headwinds remain, the market has become very oversold, and the large fund net short position continues to leave the market susceptible to a short-covering rally at any time here. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for a modest retracement of the July high and consider additional sales in the neighborhood of 675 – 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. Much like the front month contracts, Sep ’24 has been in a downward trend since last summer. And just as Sep ’24 has been influenced to the downside by the front months, it could be similarly influenced to the upside by the front months if a bullish impetus enters the scene and triggers an extended short covering rally due to the fund’s large short position. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside (due to their higher liquidity and correlation to Minneapolis), and as the market got further extended into oversold territory, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Recently, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting the remaining 660 puts to protect the gains that have been made. From here, Grain Market Insider is prepared to consider recommending additional sales for the 2024 crop if Sep ‘24 posts a modest 22% retracement back toward the 2022 highs of 1400.
  • 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 in the spring of next year. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After breaking out of the consolidation range, there appears to be a rounded bottom formation in May Minneapolis wheat, which suggests that prices could test the 700 – 710 area if they can close above the 50-day moving average and nearby 675 – 680 resistance. If prices turn back lower, nearby support remains near 640, with major support near 600.

Other Charts / Weather

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

Above: Brazil 2-week forecast precipitation, percent of normal, courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

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3-11 End of Day: Strength in Wheat Supports Corn Following a Weak Overnight Trade

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Carryover strength from the wheat complex and a shot of hot, dry air in Brazil helped the corn market recover from overnight losses and close above the 20-day moving average for third consecutive day.
  • Soybeans were unable to gain from the strength in the wheat and corn markets. Instead, they chopped in two-sided trade that only briefly traded in the green, weighed down by the weakness from lower soybean meal.
  • A drop in Malaysia’s palm oil inventories and exports gave support to the soybean oil market which was the strong leg of the soybean complex with a higher close in today’s trade. Soybean meal on the other hand gave back more than half of yesterday’s gains and weighed on soybeans.
  • Despite another round of Chinese cancellations of SRW wheat totaling 9.7 mb. May Chicago wheat posted a bullish key reversal after printing a fresh contract low. KC and Minneapolis both also rallied back off their respective lows to settle higher for the third day in a row.
  • To see the updated US 5-day forecast precipitation, the 6 – 10 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, and the 1 week percent of normal precipitation forecast for South America, courtesy of the NWS, CPC, and NOAA, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. In late February, after languishing in a downtrend that began last October and managed funds posting a record net short position exceeding 340,000 contracts, front month corn posted a bullish key reversal. Since that time, the market has rallied as the funds covered some of their short positions, though they remain heavily short the market, which could fuel an extended rally as we head into the spring planting window. As planting nears and uncertainties increase, Grain Market Insider will consider recommending additional sales if prices recover back toward the 500 level.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. After posting a bullish key reversal in late February, Dec ’24 rallied along with front month corn as funds exited some of their record net short position. As we quickly approach the spring planting window, a lot of uncertainty remains, and the near record short position that the funds continue to carry is supportive and could fuel further short covering and higher prices for Dec ’24. Given the amount of time and uncertainty that remains for the 2024 crop, Grain Market Insider will consider recommending additional sales on a retracement toward the low to mid 500 level.
  • 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 next year. It will probably be springtime of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • The corn market used the strength in the wheat market and South American weather concerns to finish higher on the session. May corn gained 2 cents and closed higher for the third consecutive day.
  • Technical indicators are showing some upward momentum building in the corn market. Short-term moving averages are looking to cross over, which could add additional short covering. May futures are challenging a key level of resistance around 440. 
  • Weekly export inspection for corn have remained strong in this window. Last week, US exporters shipped 44.2 mb (1.122 mmt) of corn. Corn inspections are running ahead of the pace needed to reach USDA export targets, and up 33% over last year for this time.
  • Brazilian second crop (safrinha) corn planting is progressing quickly. Ag consultant group, AgRural, estimates that 93% of the second crop corn is planted, up 6% over last week. This is well ahead of last year’s pace of 82% for this time.
  • Brazil’s weather will stay a focus in the corn market. Forecasts for a ridge of heat building over central Brazil later in the week help support Brazilian and US corn prices. If weather conditions become less favorable, additional weather premium may be added into the corn market.

Above: On March 7th the corn market closed above the 20-day moving average for the first time since late December. If it can push through and close above the 435 – 445 resistance area it could test the January high of 452 ¼. If they fall back, and close below 421, the bottom of the recent range, then they may slide to test downside support between 400 and 410.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. Old crop soybeans continue to be in a downtrend that began with the early January breakout of the 1290 – 1400 range that had been in place since last fall. While South American weather has improved, questions remain regarding the crop size, and US planting season is now not that far off with its own potential concerns that could turn prices back higher. Given the potential of a downside breakout back in December, Grain Market Insider recommended adding to sales as prices remained historically good, and Grain Market Insider will continue to look at additional sales opportunities heading into spring.
  • No new action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the beginning of the year, Nov ’24 has continued to recede alongside the 2023 old crop contracts as South American weather stabilized and the market deals with bourgeoning domestic supplies and slow demand. While this decline in prices is disappointing, planting season is not far off, and plenty of time remains to market this crop, with many unknowns that can rally prices yet ahead. Considering the amount of uncertainty that lies ahead with the 2024 soybean crop, Grain Market Insider recommended back in December buying Nov ’24 1280 and 1360 calls to give you confidence to make sales against anticipated production, and to protect any sales in an extended rally. Based on our research, the possibility remains that prices could retest the 2022 highs in the upper 1300s going into spring/summer, at which point Grain Market Insider would consider recommending additional sales.
  • 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 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 soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans ended the day lower following impressive gains from Friday’s WASDE report despite the lack of much change from last month’s report. Soybean meal ended the day lower which was the main factor that brought soybeans lower, but soybean oil closed higher.
  • The USDA refused to lower its estimate for Brazilian soybean production much on Friday and only dropped it by 1 mmt to 155 mmt despite many private analysts expecting a number closer to 149 mmt. US ending stocks were lowered by 4 mb and export sales were kept unchanged despite slow export sales recently.
  • The Brazilian soybean harvest is now estimated at 55% complete, and the country has been receiving steady scattered showers. Argentine weather has been good as well, but on Friday, the USDA reduced its estimates for total production by 1 mmt for the two countries combined.
  • As of March 5, funds sold an additional 11,346 contracts of soybeans which increased their net short position to 171,999 contracts as of Tuesday March 5. As in corn, this position is now likely much lower thanks to the higher move.

Above: After posting a low of 1128 ½ on February 29, soybeans rallied back higher on short covering. The market remains oversold on the weekly chart and continues to provide underlying support. For now, resistance above the market remains between 1190 and 1205, with initial support still just below 1130. If prices were to decline further, major support below the market may enter in around 1040 – 1050.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • All three US wheat futures classes closed higher today, with double digit gains in both Chicago and Kansas City contracts. This comes despite another cancellation announced this morning of US SRW wheat to China for 23/24 in the amount of 264,000 mt.
  • Weekly wheat inspections at 14.8 mb bring the total 23/24 inspections number to 491 mb. On last week’s USDA report, they lowered their estimate of 23/24 wheat exports by 15 mb to 710 mb. This may be due to increased Russian competition as well as the recent Chinese cancellations.
  • Wheat was also higher today, despite a higher US Dollar Index, and appeared to form a near term bottom on the chart. This is potentially the result of short covering by the funds, who were short as of last Tuesday about 105,000 contracts of Chicago and KC wheat combined. With a relatively neutral report last week, traders may be feeling more confident about buying into the market.
  • Also aiding wheat today was a higher close for Paris milling wheat futures. The Matif wheat contracts were able to rally above resistance at the 21-day moving average and were also able to close above it in September contracts forward. Chicago wheat futures remain below their respective 21-day moving averages, which may act as the next level of resistance.
  • The US plains states will see temporary warming before turning cooler again. Some snow will be possible next week in Colorado and the Dakotas. Looking at similar patterns in past years when March had colder than normal temperatures, it led to a dry summer. Although it is still too early to make a call on the weather, this is worth noting.
  • Stats Canada released data today in which they estimated all wheat acreage at 27.05 million. This is just above last year at 27.03 million, and above the average trade guess where the market was actually expecting a slight drop. Analyst estimates ranged from 26.00 to 27.40 ma. As an aside, all wheat acreage includes spring, winter, and durum wheat.

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. 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 the early December runup, the July ’24 contract has suffered in a lower trend while going on to make new contract lows. Although the lack of any bullish information has been disappointing, the market is in a significantly oversold condition, and managed funds continue to hold a significant net short position. Either or both could fuel a short covering rally at any time as we head into the more active part of the growing season. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July ‘24 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and recently recommended exiting half of those puts to lock in gains and get closer to a net neutral cost on the remaining position. If the market receives the needed input 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 remaining July ‘24 590 put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. In mid-February, July ’25 Chicago wheat broke through the bottom of the long established 632 – 685 trading range to a new low just below 600. For now, that new low is holding, and the market is correcting its oversold condition. So far, Grain Market Insider’s strategy for the 2025 crop year has been to sit tight. However, if prices rally toward the mid-600s, we will consider taking advantage of the still historically good prices to make sales recommendations.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: With the market posting a bullish key reversal on March 11, the market may challenge the 50-day and the 100-day moving averages that coincide with the congestion area between 585 and 620. Down below the market nearby support comes in near the March 11 low of 523 ½, with further support around 470 – 488.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since December’s brief runup, prices have continued to erode as US exports continue to suffer from lower world export prices. Although fundamentals remain weak, considering the market is at levels not seen since spring of 2021, and funds continue to hold a considerable net short position, these factors could trigger a return to higher prices if any unforeseen risks enter the market. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices make a modest 20% retracement of the 2022 highs back toward 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. Since the beginning of the year, the July ’24 contract has been in a downtrend alongside the front month contracts, while also setting new contract lows and becoming very oversold. During this time, managed funds have maintained a net short position in the front month of around 35,000 contracts. While this net short position is about 15,000 contracts smaller than it was at the end of November, it is still large enough to trigger a short covering rally, much like the one that began in late November, and could easily translate to higher prices for July ’24 as well as the front months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside, and as the market got further extended into oversold territory, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Recently, Grain Market Insider also recommended exiting the remaining 660 puts to protect any gains that have been made. Considering bullish headwinds remain, and the equity gained from the closed July 660 put position, Grain Market Insider is prepared to consider recommending additional sales for the 2024 crop if July ‘24 retraces back toward the January highs in the mid-640s.
  • 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 may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: The March 6th low of 551 ½ has held so far with the market testing the 50-day moving average. If the market can close above there, it could then make a run toward the congestion range between 610 and 640. If the market does turn lower, the next major level of support below 551 ½ may come in near 530.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Minneapolis wheat. Since last summer, front month Minneapolis wheat has slowly stair-stepped lower with weaker world prices and little bullish news to move markets higher. During this time, the 50-day moving average has acted as resistance, above which the market has not been able to hold for very long. Managed funds have also established and maintained a record (or near record) short position for much of the same time. Although bullish headwinds remain, the market has become very oversold, and the large fund net short position continues to leave the market susceptible to a short-covering rally at any time here. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for a modest retracement of the July high and consider additional sales in the neighborhood of 675 – 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. Much like the front month contracts, Sep ’24 has been in a downward trend since last summer. And just as Sep ’24 has been influenced to the downside by the front months, it could be similarly influenced to the upside by the front months if a bullish impetus enters the scene and triggers an extended short covering rally due to the fund’s large short position. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside (due to their higher liquidity and correlation to Minneapolis), and as the market got further extended into oversold territory, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Recently, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting the remaining 660 puts to protect the gains that have been made. From here, Grain Market Insider is prepared to consider recommending additional sales for the 2024 crop if Sep ‘24 posts a modest 22% retracement back toward the 2022 highs of 1400.
  • 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 in the spring of next year. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: May Minneapolis wheat appears to be consolidating after posting a bullish reversal on February 26. If prices continue higher, they may run into resistance around 675 – 680. If prices turn back lower, the next major support level below 640 may come in near 600.  

Other Charts / Weather

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

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

Above: Argentina 1-week forecast precipitation, percent of normal, courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

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3-8 End of Day: Markets End the Week on a Positive Note Following a Benign USDA Report

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Carryover strength from higher soybeans and wheat lent support to the corn market that settled just off the day’s high in an 8 ½ cent range, following a rather uneventful USDA report. Additional short covering from what was reported in last week’s COT report, likely added to this week’s strength.
  • Upon the USDA’s WASDE release, the soybean market was met with no changes to US ending stocks where a 4 mb rise was expected, and only a minor reduction to Brazil’s soybean production. All three markets in the soybean complex rallied after the report’s release with solid gains for both soybeans and meal. Soybean oil encountered overhead resistance near the 50-day moving average, and with weakness in the crude and heating oil markets, still settled lower on the day, but higher for the week along with soybean meal.
  • Despite another round of Chinese cancellations of US SRW and an increase to US ending stocks in today’s USDA report, the wheat complex closed the day on a positive note, and for the week, both KC and Minneapolis settled in the green, with 9 ¾ cent and 18 ¼ cent gains respectively. The strong gains on relatively neutral data could indicate a near-term bottom may be in.
  • To see the updated US 7-day forecast precipitation, the 8 – 14 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, and the 2-week precipitation forecast for South America, courtesy of the NWS, CPC, and NOAA, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. With a general lack of bullish news and an estimated US carryout nearing 2.2 billion bushels, front month corn has languished in a sideways to lower trend since printing a high last October. While the lack of a bullish catalyst has been disappointing, the market is in a significantly oversold condition, and managed funds continue to hold a substantial net short position. Either or both could trigger a short covering rally at any time heading into the spring planting window. As planting nears, and uncertainties increase, Grain Market Insider will consider recommending additional sales if prices recover back toward the 500 level. 
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. In January, Dec ’24 broke through the bottom end of the 485 ¾ to 602 range that had been in place since February ’22. While this was 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 ahead for the 2024 crop. Additionally, Dec ’24 is significantly oversold on the weekly chart, which is supportive for a technical rally to begin at any time as the spring planting window quickly approaches. Given the amount of time and uncertainty that remains for the 2024 crop, Grain Market Insider will consider recommending additional sales on a retracement toward the low to mid 500 level.
  • 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 next year. 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:

  • After a very quiet USDA March report, buying strength in wheat and soybean markets helped lift corn futures higher to end the week. May corn gained 1 ¾ cents on the session, posting its highest close since February 14. For the week, May corn futures gained 15 cents.
  • Additional fund short cover helped trigger the rally in corn futures this week. Last week on the Commitment of Trader’s Report, funds exited over 45,000 short contracts, and that path was likely again this week.
  • On the March USDA WASDE report, the USDA left the US corn balance sheet unchanged from February. The only changes were to the Argentina corn crop, raised by 1 mmt to 56 mmt, and an overall reduction in the world ending stocks to 319.63 mmt, lower than market expectations.
  • Corn charts have improved technically, and with follow through buying on the weekly chart, may help bring additional buying strength next week. May is challenging a key resistance point at 440 on the charts.
  • Brazil weather will stay a focus in the corn market. With production estimates already lowered for this season due to lower planted areas, late season dry weather could limit production further, supporting corn prices. Currently, Brazil’s second (safrinha) crop corn is being planted early and weather is supportive of good production.

Above: On March 7th the corn market closed above the 20-day moving average for the first time since late December. If it can push through and close above the 435 – 445 resistance area it could test the January high of 452 ¼. If they fall back, and close below 421, the bottom of the recent range, then they may slide to test downside support between 400 and 410.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. Old crop soybeans continue to be in a downtrend that began with the early January breakout of the 1290 – 1400 range that had been in place since last fall. While South American weather has improved, questions remain regarding the crop size, and US planting season is now not that far off with its own potential concerns that could turn prices back higher. Given the potential of a downside breakout back in December, Grain Market Insider recommended adding to sales as prices remained historically good, and Grain Market Insider will continue to look at additional sales opportunities heading into spring.
  • No new action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the beginning of the year, Nov ’24 has continued to recede alongside the 2023 old crop contracts as South American weather stabilized and the market deals with bourgeoning domestic supplies and slow demand. While this decline in prices is disappointing, planting season is not far off, and plenty of time remains to market this crop, with many unknowns that can rally prices yet ahead. Considering the amount of uncertainty that lies ahead with the 2024 soybean crop, Grain Market Insider recommended back in December buying Nov ’24 1280 and 1360 calls to give you confidence to make sales against anticipated production, and to protect any sales in an extended rally. Based on our research, the possibility remains that prices could retest the 2022 highs in the upper 1300s going into spring/summer, at which point Grain Market Insider would consider recommending additional sales.
  • 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 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 soybean recommendations:

  • The soybeans began the day on the negative side of unchanged but reversed course along with soybean meal on the release of the USDA WASDE report. May soybeans rallied into the close to post its second consecutive close above the 20-day moving average with a 33 ½ cent gain on the week. Soybean meal closed $7.0 higher on the day, while bean oil also clawed its way of the low, but still closed 0.18 cents lower on the day, with weakness from the energy sector.
  • Today the USDA released its updated WASDE report for March, and it made no changes to US soybean ending stocks. When looking at South America, they did reduce Brazil’s soybean production by only 1 mmt, where a 4 mmt drop was expected, to 155 mmt and left Argentina’s production unchanged at 50 mmt, where a minor 0.3 mmt increase was expected. The overall lack of significant changes by the USDA and the market closing higher, could indicate that a near-term low is in place.
  • Argentina’s soybean crop conditions grew from 82% “normal to excellent” to 83% for the week ending March 4th. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange cited recent rainfall in the northern areas of the country for the gain.
  • Brazil’s Trade Ministry published updated export information for the month of February that showed soybean exports for the month were up 27% from last year, with total shipments to China showing a 42.2% increase.

Above: After posting a low of 1128 ½ on February 29, soybeans rallied back higher on short covering. The market remains oversold on the weekly chart and continues to provide underlying support. For now, resistance above the market remains between 1190 and 1205, with initial support still just below 1130. If prices were to decline further, major support below the market may enter in around 1040 – 1050.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • Today’s USDA report was the focus of traders’ attention but there was not much to write home about. In general, the report was very neutral. As for wheat specifically, US ending stocks were raised to 673 mb from 658 mb in February. The world carryout was revised slightly lower to 258.8 mmt, compared to 259.4 mmt previously. The USDA did also cut US exports from 725 to 710 mb for the 23/24 season. Production estimates for Australia and Russia were both increased by 0.5 mmt apiece. Despite the relatively impartial data, wheat ended with decent session gains, potentially indicating that the market has found a bottom for the time being.
  • This morning another confirmed cancellation of US SRW wheat to China was announced. This time 110,000 mt were taken off the books. Interestingly the market didn’t seem to pay much attention to this news, possibly meaning that it was already baked into the market after the cancellation rumors and sharply lower trade on Wednesday.
  • Adding some support to the wheat market is the recent drop in the US Dollar Index. Having started the week around the 104.00 level, the past few sessions have seen it decline to a low around 102.35 today. This afternoon it is trending back towards neutral, but since it usually shares an inverse relationship with wheat prices, a continued fall may lead to some bullish sentiment for wheat.
  • Argentina announced plans to construct a new port near the Rosario area on the Parana River. Reportedly, the government will invest about $550 million into the project. The region where it will be built is already a major ag center and accounts for over 80% of their ag exports; construction is set to begin this month. Argentina is a major exporter of soybean oil & meal, along with corn, and wheat.
  • According to FranceAgriMer, the French soft wheat crop was rated 68% good to very good as of March 4. This is unchanged from last week but is well below the 95% rating at the same time last year. In addition, Paris milling wheat futures closed higher today and appear to have also put in a near-term bottom. This may have also lent some support to the US market today.
  • According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, global ’24 wheat production is expected to increase 1% year on year to 797 mmt. If true, this would still be below the record high in 2022. The FAO says that the US wheat crop could top 51.5 mmt, beating last year. However, production in the EU may fall slightly to 133 mmt due to the heavy rain and snow that affected planting in France and parts of Germany.

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. 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.
  • Grain Market Insider sees a continuing opportunity to sell half of your July ‘24 590 Chicago Wheat puts at approximately 67 cents in premium minus fees and commission. Last August Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 590 Chicago wheat puts for approximately 31 cents in premium plus commission and fees to protect the downside from potential price erosion. At the time, US export demand was very weak with lower world export prices, and July Chicago wheat had just broken through support near 610.  The breaking of 610 support increased the risk of the market retreating further. Since that time July ’24 Chicago wheat has dropped about 110 cents, with the July ’24 590 Chicago wheat puts gaining about 200% in value. Though world export prices remain low, plenty of time remains to market the ’24 crop, and following this market drop, any increase in demand or threat of yield loss could rally prices.  Grain Market Insider recommends selling half of the previously recommended July ’24 590 Chicago wheat puts to lock in gains and move toward a net neutral cost on the remaining position, which will continue to protect any unsold bushels if prices erode further.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. In mid-February, July ’25 Chicago wheat broke through the bottom of the long established 632 – 685 trading range to a new low just below 600. For now, that new low is holding, and the market is correcting its oversold condition. So far, Grain Market Insider’s strategy for the 2025 crop year has been to sit tight. However, if prices rally toward the mid-600s, we will consider taking advantage of the still historically good prices to make sales recommendations.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: With falling Russian and Black Sea export prices still pressuring the wheat market, May Chicago wheat remains in a downtrend, which is showing signs of being oversold. Assuming the current trend remains, the next major support level below the market may come in around 470 – 488. If the market does turn back higher, initial resistance may come in near 555, with heavy resistance up above around 590 – 600.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since December’s brief runup, prices have continued to erode as US exports continue to suffer from lower world export prices. Although fundamentals remain weak, considering the market is at levels not seen since spring of 2021, and funds continue to hold a considerable net short position, these factors could trigger a return to higher prices if any unforeseen risks enter the market. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices make a modest 20% retracement of the 2022 highs back toward 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. Since the beginning of the year, the July ’24 contract has been in a downtrend alongside the front month contracts, while also setting new contract lows and becoming very oversold. During this time, managed funds have maintained a net short position in the front month of around 35,000 contracts. While this net short position is about 15,000 contracts smaller than it was at the end of November, it is still large enough to trigger a short covering rally, much like the one that began in late November, and could easily translate to higher prices for July ’24 as well as the front months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside, and as the market got further extended into oversold territory, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Recently, Grain Market Insider also recommended exiting the remaining 660 puts to protect any gains that have been made. Considering bullish headwinds remain, and the equity gained from the closed July 660 put position, Grain Market Insider is prepared to consider recommending additional sales for the 2024 crop if July ‘24 retraces back toward the January highs in the mid-640s.
  • 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 may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: The March 6th low of 551 ½ has held so far with the market testing the upper end of the congestion area near 590. If the market can close above there, it could then make a run toward the 50-day moving average, and then the congestion range between 610 and 640. If the market does turn lower, the next major level of support below 551 ½ may come in near 530.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Minneapolis wheat. Since last summer, front month Minneapolis wheat has slowly stair-stepped lower with weaker world prices and little bullish news to move markets higher. During this time, the 50-day moving average has acted as resistance, above which the market has not been able to hold for very long. Managed funds have also established and maintained a record (or near record) short position for much of the same time. Although bullish headwinds remain, the market has become very oversold, and the large fund net short position continues to leave the market susceptible to a short-covering rally at any time here. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for a modest retracement of the July high and consider additional sales in the neighborhood of 675 – 700.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. Much like the front month contracts, Sep ’24 has been in a downward trend since last summer. And just as Sep ’24 has been influenced to the downside by the front months, it could be similarly influenced to the upside by the front months if a bullish impetus enters the scene and triggers an extended short covering rally due to the fund’s large short position. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside (due to their higher liquidity and correlation to Minneapolis), and as the market got further extended into oversold territory, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Recently, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting the remaining 660 puts to protect the gains that have been made. From here, Grain Market Insider is prepared to consider recommending additional sales for the 2024 crop if Sep ‘24 posts a modest 22% retracement back toward the 2022 highs of 1400.
  • 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 in the spring of next year. It may be late spring or summer before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: May Minneapolis wheat appears to be consolidating after posting a bullish reversal on February 26. If prices continue higher, they may run into resistance around 675 – 680. If prices turn back lower, the next major support level below 640 may come in near 600.  

Other Charts / Weather

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

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

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