Farm Progress

Corn bulls question global production

Kevin Van Trump, Founder

September 16, 2016

3 Min Read

Corn bears are pointing to what appears to be weaker weekly export sales here in the U.S., continued global competition from cheap feed wheat, increasing competition from Ukraine, along with continued talks of increased corn acreage in both Argentina and Brazil.

The bulls are quick to remind us that last week was a shortened holiday week with Labor Day closing businesses on Sept. 6, and that U.S. exports are still running aggressively ahead of last years export pace.

The bulls are also questioning the estimates that forecast more corn acres in both Argentina and Brazil. They believe even though it makes sense on paper, the South American banks might not be as willing as some think to increase lines-of-credit to roll out more corn acres.

Remember, there's a ton of political uncertainty associated with the new governments in both Argentina and Brazil. The banking sectors inside each nation are extremely nervous. Government programs and spending are clearly on the chopping blocks and no one seems certain about the direction of what happens next. Meaning the banks might be tighter than many are currently penciling into the equation.

Hence not much change to the previous rotation and perhaps not as many corn acres as some are forecasting. We need to pay close attention to this as more acres start to get planted. Bears are also talking about the uncertainty surrounding the Chinese corn market.

There seems to be more talk that the Chinese are sitting on a lot more corn than many have been forecasting. The fear is it might take the Chinese a lot longer to chew through their domestic bushels and to then take deeper steps into the corn importing waters.

Bottom-line, the world has a massive amount of corn right now! Just the thought of a record crop here in the U.S. being harvested and increased acreage in Argentina and Brazil, along with the glut of cheap feed wheat makes it extremely difficult to mount and sustain a rally.

As both a producer and a spec I still believe there is additional downside pressure in the days ahead. Stay patient...                    

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About the Author(s)

Kevin Van Trump

Founder, Farmdirection.com

Kevin is a leading expert in Agricultural marketing and analysis, he also produces an award-winning and world-recognized daily industry Ag wire called "The Van Trump Report." With over 20 years of experience trading professionally at the CME, CBOT and KCBOT, Kevin is able to 'connect-the-dots' and simplify the complex moving parts associated with today's markets in a thought provoking yet easy to read format. With thousands of daily readers in over 40 countries, Kevin has become a sought after source for market direction, timing and macro views associated with the agricultural world. Kevin is a top featured guest on many farm radio programs and business news channels here in the United States. He also speaks internationally to hedge fund managers and industry leading agricultural executives about current market conditions and 'black swan' forecasting. Kevin is currently the acting Chairman of Farm Direction, an international organization assembled to bring the finest and most current agricultural thoughts and strategies directly to the world's top producers. The markets have dramatically changed and Kevin is trying to redefine how those in the agricultural world can better manage their risk and better understand the adversity that lies ahead. 

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