On The Money Grain Commentary–6-30-11

Corn Outlook:       Everyone was stunned when the USDA threw a curve ball that projects planted acres of corn at 92.2 million.  This is essentially unchanged from the March Intentions Report and above the estimate in the supply-demand report earlier this month at 90.7 million.  If realized, it will be the second highest planted acreage[…]

On The Money Grain Commentary–6-23-11

Corn Outlook:      Questions abound in the grains.  Will the USDA lower corn acres on June 30th from their current estimate of 90.7 million?  Will more acres be lost because of flooding along the Missouri River?  What does Mother Nature have in store during July and August?  Does this week’s sell-off mean investors are abandoning[…]

On The Money Grain Commentary–6-16-11

Corn Outlook:       After a bullish crop report last week, corn futures have slid because of long liquidation in the July contract, improving growing conditions, and fear of a default by Greece.  However, a long season is still ahead and there are several unknowns.  One is whether the USDA will lower or raise their acreage[…]

On The Money Grain Commentary–6-9-11

Corn Outlook:      A long growing season lies ahead in corn.  Planting is winding down, but there are areas in the eastern Corn Belt that will not see a planter because of wet conditions this spring.  This was reflected in the supply-demand report when the USDA lowered planted acres 1.5 million to 90.7.  Ending stocks[…]

On The Money Grain Commentary–6-2-11

Corn Outlook:      Corn planting is winding down, but the growing season will prove to be an adventure for traders.  As of last week, 86 percent of the corn crop was planted, which is below the five-year average of 95 percent.  Ohio is behind the eight-ball with only 19 percent of their crop in the[…]

On The Money Grain Commentary–5-26-11

Corn Outlook:      Grain futures are having to cope with the sovereign debt crisis in Europe as it relates to commodities, and weather.  Recently, the debt ratings of Greece and Italy were downgraded which is bearish for commodities.  In the meantime, producers in the eastern Corn Belt are struggling to plant corn, which is bullish[…]

On The Money Grain Commentary–5-19-11

Corn Outlook:      Grain producers are still plagued with cool, wet weather and late planting.  As of last week, 63 percent of the corn crop was planted compared to 75 percent for the five-year average.  The western Corn Belt is making good progress, but North Dakota, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio are far behind.  This is[…]

On The Money Grain Commentary–5-12-11

Corn Outlook:      Corn futures have been tarred and feathered this month because of fund selling.  Estimates are that the funds took $100 million off the table during the onslaught of selling in commodities during the first week of May.  The trend following funds sold 185 MB of corn during that time reducing their long[…]

On The Money Grain Commentary–5-5-11

Corn Outlook:       News this week centered upon the death of Osama Bin Laden, the economy and weather.  The economy shows signs of slipping which caused broad based selling in commodities by the funds.  This was especially the case in the energies and metals, which lent pressure to the grains.  Meanwhile, the eastern Corn Belt[…]

On The Money Grain Commentary–4-28-11

Corn Outlook:      Grain producers have been dodging raindrops all month in an effort to plant corn.  So far, Mother Nature is winning the battle as only 9 percent of the crop is planted compared to 46 percent a year ago and 23 percent for the five-year average.  Conditions are expected to stay soggy in[…]