Lower production estimates, rain delays for this year’s harvest, and geopolitical issues have all helped corn prices reach the highest they’ve been in three years.
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- By BARRY COLEMAN, Northern Canola Growers Association
The canola market has gained ground recently in the futures market, with nearby basis levels weakening and deferred levels remaining steady. A potentially more bullish EPA announcement on biofuels and increased long positions from traders in the entire commodity sector has been the main driv…
- Mark Conlon
For the past few months, unlike other grain commodities that have seen prices fluctuate up or down depending in part on what’s happening in other markets, durum prices have continued to be stuck in a trading range with prices between $5.25 to $5.50 catching most bids for top-end milling qual…
- Mark Conlon
All commodity markets under the watch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including the sunflower market, were waiting for new data ahead of the department’s supply and demand and crop progress reports on Sept. 11, looking for some direction.
- Mark Conlon
Harvest of the 2026 spring wheat crop is wrapping up, which continues to put pressure on the market, but geopolitical issues are also having an impact.
- Mark Conlon
In late August, conflicting yield estimates for this year’s U.S. corn crop caused a positive reaction in corn prices. Since then, prices have come down slightly but are still at a nice level.
- By BARRY COLEMAN, Northern Canola Growers Association
Uncertainty crept into the canola market recently, as an escalating U.S.-Canada trade war and a looming EPA decision on small refinery exemptions both threaten to reshape canola demand just as harvest gets underway across the region. Neither issue has been resolved, and the outcome of either…
- Mark Conlon
Unlike other grain commodities that have seen a lot of volatility in recent weeks, durum prices continue on a steady flat line.
- Mark Conlon
The development of the 2026 sunflower crop in the Northern Plains is being pushed to maturity, which could be beneficial for producers.
- Mark Conlon
With spring wheat harvest in full swing across the Northern Plains, the market has been experiencing some volatility, but there’s also been a bit of strength in the market since harvest began.
- Mark Conlon
Although early estimates indicate lower yields for the 2026 U.S. corn crop, there appears to be more support and better prices in the corn market at this time.
- By BARRY COLEMAN, Northern Canola Growers Association
Canola harvest has begun in North Dakota as the USDA reports that two percent of the crop has been harvested as of Aug. 9. Initial yield reports from growers are much lower than last year due to the intense heat over the entire region in the past month. The heat is widely reported to have ta…
- Mark Conlon
A general lack of any new fundamental news has kept durum prices locked in a trading range that’s remained steady over the past several weeks.
- Mark Conlon
While other commodity markets have been experiencing a lot of volatility with prices fluctuating up and down over the past few weeks, sunflower prices are bucking that trend and have actually risen.
- Mark Conlon
Wheat harvest is a special time of year. The sights, sounds, and smells bring a flood of memories to anyone who has spent time working long hours behind the wheel of a combine or grain truck, shoveling grain or maneuvering augers. Besides the sights, sounds and smells, there’s always pressur…
- Mark Conlon
The corn market wasn’t moving much as it was awaiting the next supply and demand report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, caught between the potential of a big corn crop and good export demand.
- By BARRY COLEMAN, Northern Canola Growers Association
Old crop canola supplies in North Dakota are indicated at very low levels as canola basis levels have improved significantly in July. Basis for current month and early August delivery at local crush plants in North Dakota ranges from $25 to $55 over the ICE canola futures prices.
- Mark Conlon
Though durum and spring wheat are both classes of wheat, fundamentally they are different. And while spring what prices have been able to rally somewhat because of recent weather conditions, durum has not followed.
- Mark Conlon
As the 2026 sunflower crop continues to develop under very hot conditions, sunflower prices also are getting hot and enjoying a nice rally.
- Mark Conlon
Many of the commodity markets have been dominated by weather lately, as well as geopolitical issues, and those have helped boost spring wheat prices in late July.
- Mark Conlon
Each growing season typically includes a period when weather is the main market factor influencing direction, creating a “weather market.” For corn, this “usually” happens in early July, but this year is different.
- By BARRY COLEMAN, Northern Canola Growers Association
Canola prices have increased in recent weeks, partly due to a war premium after the talks between the U.S. and Iran broke down again. With crude oil rising on the news, canola and soybean oil have both trended up with their link to biofuel production. News of China purchasing more soybeans h…
- Mark Conlon
Over the past few weeks there have been a lot of reports and updated numbers coming out of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Unfortunately for durum, there has been little, if any, market reaction. As a result, prices have remained the same as they’ve been the past several weeks, even as o…
- Mark Conlon
Sunflower acreage for oil-type sunflower is higher this year in North Dakota and South Dakota, according to USDA’s planted acreage report that was released at the end of June.
- Mark Conlon
Hot, dry weather has taken over the lead in providing direction to the wheat market, as well as the corn and soybean markets. As a result, prices have been moving up and down, depending on the trade’s perception of yield impact.
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