Good Morning,
Corn and soybeans are both slightly lower this morning with no excitement in the markets ahead of tomorrow’s USDA report. Traders appear willing to sit on their hands with most of their positions until they get confirmation of the USDA’s state by state surveys tomorrow. Producers need to keep in mind that tomorrows numbers are the first official survey of the summer row crops and often produces some serious volatility and surprising yields. The trade is anticipating record large yields, so anything below 176 bpa for corn and 50 bpa for soybeans could open the door to higher prices. Anything above these levels could mean that the highs are in and the market will trend back to the lows made in July.
Ethanol production in the week ending August 3rd was the second highest on record at 1.1 million barrels/day. Stocks were up from 923 million to 963 million gallons. This increase in stocks has resulted in margins in ethanol dropping dramatically this week.
Weekly export sales reported this morning showed old crop corn right on pace with the ten week average at 21.8 million bu. New crop export sales came in at 26 million bu. which is the lowest in the last 4 weeks, but ahead of the ten week average of 20.0 million. Corn exports are ahead of last year and the USDA’s projections for 2018 with only 4 weeks left in the marketing year. Soybeans are well below last year, but right on pace with the USDA’s projections for 2018.
My advice would be for all producers to look at making some cash sales ahead of Fridays report and look to lock in basis sales for new crop corn. (October forward) If we see the CBOT rally, we are guaranteed to see basis depreciate like it has the last two years with adequate carryout.
Have a Safe Day!
Garry Gard
920-348-6844
ggard@didionmilling.com
