On The Money Grain Commentary–7-28-11

Corn Outlook:      Two issues are captivating the attention of producers and traders—weather and the debt-ceiling dilemma.  Oppressive heat has taken a toll on the corn crop during the past couple of weeks, as the ratings are ten percent below a year ago at 62 percent in good-to-excellent condition. However, conditions are expected to improve. […]

On The Money Grain Commentary–7-21-11

Corn Outlook:       The past few weeks have been exasperating for grain producers and traders.  The question regarding planted corn acres is still being debated.  Excessive heat in the Midwest is a factor.  The U.S is at risk of having its debt rating downgraded.  In addition, the debt ceiling drama among lawmakers continues, while the[…]

On The Money Grain Commentary–7-14-11

Corn Outlook:       Uncertainty prevails in the grains leaving the nerves of traders and producers frayed.  The debt ceiling negotiations in Washington are in stalemate.  Italy is the latest domino behind Greece and Portugal in the European debt crisis.  There is speculation of a QE3.  Lastly, the crops are behind in development, and the Corn[…]

On The Money Grain Commentary–7-7-2011

Corn Outlook:      The bulls mustered a bounce in corn following the July 4th holiday.  However, the bears are still holding the edge.  Since April, the trend following funds have reduced their long corn position 675 MB to 895 MB.  The longs of the index funds have fallen 130 MB to 1.890 BB.  Large institutional[…]

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[…]