Grain Market Insider: August 21, 2023
All prices as of 1:45 pm Central Time
| Corn | ||
| SEP ’23 | 469.25 | -10.25 |
| DEC ’23 | 482.5 | -10.5 |
| DEC ’24 | 507 | -3.75 |
| Soybeans | ||
| NOV ’23 | 1361.75 | 8.5 |
| JAN ’24 | 1371.5 | 7.75 |
| NOV ’24 | 1296.75 | 1 |
| Chicago Wheat | ||
| SEP ’23 | 599.25 | -14 |
| DEC ’23 | 625.5 | -13.5 |
| JUL ’24 | 673 | -10.25 |
| K.C. Wheat | ||
| SEP ’23 | 741 | -12.5 |
| DEC ’23 | 748.25 | -12.5 |
| JUL ’24 | 740.75 | -9 |
| Mpls Wheat | ||
| SEP ’23 | 782.25 | -20.5 |
| DEC ’23 | 799 | -18.75 |
| SEP ’24 | 810.5 | -8.75 |
| S&P 500 | ||
| SEP ’23 | 4404 | 21.25 |
| Crude Oil | ||
| OCT ’23 | 80.09 | -0.57 |
| Gold | ||
| OCT ’23 | 1905.6 | 7.5 |
Grain Market Highlights
- A lack of day session strength in wheat and soybeans helped corn erase overnight gains and shed double digits to start the week. Traders will closely watch the Pro Farmer Crop tour this week as it progresses across the Midwest.
- Soybeans closed slightly higher, but well off of their early morning highs. Some forecast models have turned wetter and cooler in the last few days of August, which should help ease crop stress.
- Soybean meal held onto early gains to close higher, while soybean oil closed lower after running into overnight resistance at the late July highs.
- The lack of new news out of the Black Sea region over the weekend pressured all three US wheat classes as they closed lower.
- To see the current U.S. 6-10 Day Temperature Outlook, and the U.S. 7-day precipitation forecast courtesy of NOAA, Weather Prediction Center, scroll down to the other Charts/Weather Section.
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Corn
Action Plan: Corn
Calls
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Cash
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Puts
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Corn Action Plan Summary
- No action is recommended for the 2023 corn crop. This year’s growing season has been marked by dry conditions and changing weather forecasts, which have swung prices nearly 150 cents from high to low. Though dry conditions remain, with a great amount of variability in crop conditions from region to region, it may not be until after harvest before we know the full effect this growing season had on yields. Just as Insider recently recommended selling half of the previously recommended DEC 580 puts to lock in gains in case the market turns higher, Insider will continue to monitor market conditions and may consider recommending selling the remaining DEC 580 puts if conditions warrant it. While many unknowns could still shock the market higher, seasonality and current trends suggest we may not see a shift to higher prices until after harvest.
- No action is currently recommended for 2024 corn. In 2012, the best pricing opportunities for Dec 2013 corn were during the 2012 summer runup. Despite the significant yield losses to the 2012 crop, and the fear of running out of corn, the Dec 2013 contract peaked in the summer of 2012, and by Jan 2 of 2013, the price was already down about 12% from the high. We continue to watch the calendar for 2024 corn as this 2023 summer volatility could provide some additional opportunities to get some good early sales on the books in the event of a 2013 type repeat. Insider recently recommended making a sale on your 2024 crop, and we’ll be watching for another opportunity to suggest adding to prior early sales levels between now and the beginning of September.
- No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. 2025 markets are very illiquid right now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.
Market Notes: Corn
- Corn futures reversed overnight strength to finish with double digit losses to start the week. The market seemed to move past the hot weather forecast to focus on the early results from Pro Farmer Crop tour and longer-range weather forecast. The lack of strength in the wheat market helped lead corn lower as well. Price action was very weak on the session.
- Pro Farmer started its annual crop tour, while no official numbers have been posted in the areas evaluated today. Social media was showing relatively good yields in those areas, which may have triggered some selling into the market.
- This week’s hot temperatures will likely stress crops, but Euro weather models are forecasting for improved rainfall and more moderate temperature to end the month. The market will be watching the gulf as a potential tropical storm could develop bring moisture into Texas. The path of that moisture will be watched next week.
- Weekly export inspections brought litter supportive news. Last week’s shipments were at 17.5 mb, which was behind the pace needed to reach the USDA target for the marketing year.
- The USDA announced a flash sale of corn as 111,770 MT were sold to Mexico for the 2023-24 marketing year.
Above: The market has been in retreat since late July and has traded through the July low 474 in the September contract, it also continues to show signs of being oversold. If bullish influences enter the market and turn prices higher, resistance above the market could be found between 495 – 516. Below the market, the next area of major support may be found near 415.
Soybeans
Action Plan: Soybeans
Calls
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Cash
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Puts
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Soybeans Action Plan Summary
- No action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. This season the market has experienced a lot of volatility, not only from USDA reports but also from the changing weather forecasts, crop conditions, and export sales. We ended the month of July experiencing hot conditions with little rainfall and weak export sales. Since then, conditions have become more favorable, and export sales have picked up. While much of the crop remains in drought conditions, which can maintain upside potential, timely rains may come and push prices lower. Much like in 2012, when July was dry, and the pattern changed in August, when decent rain fell in parts of the western Corn Belt and IL, sending Nov ’12 soybeans down 20%. For now, Insider may not consider suggesting any additional sales until after harvest. Although, we will continue to monitor the market for any upside opportunities in the coming weeks.
- No action is recommended for 2024 crop. Grain Market Insider continues to monitor any developments for the 2024 crop, though it may not be until after harvest or toward year’s end before we will consider recommending any 2024 crop sales.
- No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. 2025 markets are very illiquid right now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.
Market Notes: Soybeans
- Soybeans ended the day higher, but backed significantly off their early morning highs, which saw prices up as much as 24 cents. Both soy products were higher this morning as well, but soybean meal slipped throughout the day for a lower close.
- November soybeans gapped higher overnight filling the gap from July at 13.97, but left a new gap at 13.55. Stochastics are leaning towards overbought and prices could slip if crop conditions improve, or weather conditions turn wetter and cooler.
- While export sales have been well behind a year ago, China has been making small purchases over the past few weeks. This morning, a sale of 159,530 metric tons was reported to unknown destinations for the 23/24 year.
- Weekly export inspections for soybeans totaled 11.6 mb for the week ending Thursday, August 17, with total inspections at 1.894 bb, down 8% from the previous year.
- Polls for the weekly Crop Progress report are showing good to excellent ratings for soybeans, improving by 1 percentage point to 60% after beneficial rains fell.
Above: Since the end of April, the soybean market has been trading sideways. If nearby soybeans can break out of the range to the upside, resistance can be found near 1400 and again around 1450. If prices break to the downside, support below the market may be found between 1318 – 1300.
Wheat
Market Notes: Wheat
- Wheat inspections of 11.4 mb bring 23/24 total inspections to 134 mb. That is down 19% from last year, and the USDA is expecting 700 mb of total exports for 23/24.
- Despite some Ukraine drone attacks over the weekend in Moscow, which temporarily shut down an airport, traders didn’t have much concern. Likely the bigger item being factored in is the development of their own “corridor” in the Black Sea.
- The US dollar is still in an uptrend, and the fact that Matif wheat was also lower both added pressure to the wheat market today. US SRW wheat is now cheaper than French wheat, but as long as exports remain sluggish it will be difficult for the market to rally.
- According to the CFTC, as of last Tuesday, funds were short about 66,000 contracts of Chicago wheat. This is an increase to the short position by about 10,000 contracts.
- The European Union is considering subsiding the transport of Ukrainian grain through member nations. This is due to several of Ukraine’s neighboring countries banning imports of their grain. Estimated cost would be around 30 Euros per metric ton.
Action Plan: Chicago Wheat
Calls
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Cash
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Puts
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary
- No new action is recommended for 2023 crop. Since the end of May, the wheat market has been largely rangebound, influenced by weak demand, changing headlines from the Black Sea region, and the corn market with its own demand and weather concerns. With harvest in the rearview mirror, U.S. production has been better than expected and demand remains weak. Still, many supply questions remain unanswered from the Black Sea region, which could push prices in either direction. While Insider will continue to monitor the downside for any breach of major support, we would need to see prices pushed toward the 660 level before considering any additional sales.
- No action is currently recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Since the middle of June, price volatility has risen with updated USDA reports, changing weather forecasts, and current events in the Black Sea. While prices continue to be volatile, plenty of time remains to market the 2024 crop. The war continues in the Black Sea region, major exporting countries’ stocks are at 11-year lows, and no one knows what the weather will bring, leaving the market vulnerable to many uncertainties. For now, after recommending making a sale for the 2024 crop, and while keeping an eye on the market to see if any major support is broken, Grain Market Insider would need to see prices north of 800 before considering recommending any additional sales.
- No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. 2025 markets are very illiquid right now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.
Above: The Chicago wheat market shows signs of additional short positions entering the market with open interest rising as prices decline. Additionally, the market is showing signs of being oversold, which could be supportive if bullish news enters the market and prices turn higher. Key support remains below the market around 573, with resistance above the market between 658 – 684.
Action Plan: KC Wheat
Calls
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Cash
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Puts
2023
No Action
2024
Active
Enter(Buy) JUL ’24 KC 660 Puts ~ 30c
2025
No Action
KC Wheat Action Plan Summary
- We continue to look for better prices before making any 2023 sales. As harvest winds down and more becomes known about this year’s crop with some reports of better-than-expected yields, questions remain about the world wheat supply. The war continues in the Black Sea region, Ukraine’s export capabilities remain uncertain, and dryness continues in key production areas of the world. With world supplies currently seen at 11-year lows, we continue to target 950 – 1000 in the July futures as a potential level to suggest the next round of New Crop sales. At the same time, we continue to watch the bottom end of the range that prices have traded in since late 2022. A close below the bottom end would reduce the probability of getting to 950 – 1000 and would increase the risk of prices falling into the 600 – 650 range.
- Grain Market Insider recommends buying July ’24 660 K.C. wheat puts on a portion of your 2024 HRW wheat crop for approximately 30 cents plus commission and fees. While weather has been a dominant feature of the market this year with dry growing conditions and harvest delays, slow export demand and cheap Russian exports remain major headwinds to prices. The market has turned lower in recent weeks and July K.C. Wheat has traded through a major support area around 738. Trading below 738 support signals that the major trend may be turning down and poses the risk that prices could erode further in the weeks ahead, possibly to the next level of support, the September ’21 low of 678. If the 678 level were to fail, next support could be the 560 – 573 level. Buying July ’24 660 K.C. Wheat puts on a portion of your HRW wheat production should help protect future sales from further downside erosion, while still allowing for upside appreciation should the market turn higher.
- No Action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. 2025 markets are very illiquid right now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.
Above: September K.C. wheat has retreated following the key reversal on 7/25 and is testing the 735 – 745 support area, which coincides with this year’s lows. Additionally, the market is showing signs of being oversold, which is considered supportive if prices reverse higher. If prices do reverse to the upside, overhead resistance lies near 830, if not, the next area of major support is near the September ’21 low of 670.
Action Plan: Mpls Wheat
Calls
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Cash
2023
No Action
2024
No Action
2025
No Action
Puts
2023
No Action
2024
Active
Enter(Buy) JUL ’24 KC 660 Puts ~ 30c
2025
No Action
Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary
- No action is currently recommended for the 2023 New Crop. Weather has been a dominant feature to price volatility this growing season with continued dryness concerns in not only the U.S., but also Canada and Australia. As harvest begins, there typically isn’t a strong likelihood of higher prices until after harvest is complete, although, both weather and geopolitical events can change suddenly to move prices higher. Insider will consider making sales suggestions if prices improve, while also continuing to watch the downside for any further violations of support.
- Grain Market Insider recommends buying July ‘24 660 K.C. wheat puts on a portion of your 2024 Spring wheat crop for approximately 30 cents plus commission and fees. While weather has been a dominant feature of the market this year with a wet spring, late planting, and growing conditions that have been less than ideal, slow export demand and cheap Russian exports remain major headwinds to prices. The market has turned lower in recent weeks and July K.C. Wheat has traded through a major support area around 738. Trading below 738 support signals that the major trend may be turning down and poses the risk that prices could erode further in the weeks ahead, possibly to the next level of support, the September ’21 low of 678. If the 678 level were to fail, next support could be the 560 – 573 level. The K.C. wheat market is highly correlated to the Minneapolis wheat market and much more liquid, which makes it a better choice when employing options strategies for Spring Wheat. Buying July ’24 660 K.C. Wheat puts on a portion of your spring wheat production should help protect future sales from further downside erosion, while still allowing for upside appreciation should the market turn higher.
- No Action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. 2025 markets are very illiquid right now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.
Above: Since 7/25/23, the market has been in a down trend and is oversold. Currently, key support below the market lies near the May low of 769, with the next support level near the June ’21 low of 730. Above the market, nearby resistance could be found near 835 – 850.
Other Charts / Weather
