The Land Online

Grain Outlook: Energy market speculation eyed
More rain for saturated areas, a lower U.S. dollar (possible interest rate increase in Europe and U.S. levels left unchanged), rising energy markets, and the upcoming crop report lit a fire under prices this week as November beans soared to a new contract high of $15.77 as of this writing.
Grain Outlook: Lieberman plans to curtail speculation
The flooding and speculation over how many acres have been lost were the catalysts for the surge higher as the week began. Later in the week, it felt like traders had had enough of trading high water and began to entertain ideas about how many bean acres may get planted or replanted.
Grain Angles: Futures, questions increasing
The questions that producers have are increasing as the market moves higher and decisions need to be made about 2009 inputs with no good way to price next year’s production. We continue to be at that crossroads with extremely high commodity prices and no certainty of higher profitability.
Grain Outlook: Flooding means soaring prices
Anytime you turned on the television this week, local and national coverage of flooding around the United States was splashed across the screen. This set the stage for soaring prices throughout the week.
Grain Outlook: $13 to $15 November beans?
Wetter weather than expected, demand and outside markets took the reins this week, propelling beans to highs not seen since March. July beans soared to $14.88, closing up 94 cents on the week; November beans were 85 cents higher on the week.
Grain Angles: Good crop but running behind
To a point rain makes grain as we head into the growing season. There are parts of the U.S. Corn Belt that are not planted and probably will not get planted to corn. Getting soybeans planted in those areas is also in question. We do know one thing and that is the weather will change.
Syngenta Seeds alerts corn growers to stress symptoms in five hybrids
While not all plantings of these hybrids have exhibited symptoms, some have shown stress following glyphosate treatment.
Grain Outlook: Energy market under microscope
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced initiatives this week to increase transparency in the energy futures markets.
Grain Outlook: Midwest planting getting caught up
The soy complex was influenced by the crude oil market this week and developments in Argentina. Weather will become a bigger issue in coming weeks. We’ll look to follow the leader (energy) for the time being.