Volatility. It’s big.

Six dollar corn came and went for the May 2021 futures contract. Within two weeks, the price of May corn futures went from $6 to an astounding $7.20-1/2. Prices not seen since 2013!

As I wrote about two weeks ago, $6.00 was a major resistance point for old crop futures prices. At the time, it seemed a setback was likely for prices, unless fresh bullish news emerged. 

That new bullish news did emerge; the second crop Safrhina corn in Brazil is suffering due to extreme heat and low precipitation.

In addition, cash basis in the U.S. continues to explode higher for the months of May through August, indicating to the world exactly how tight old crop supplies actually are in the U.S. Basis looks to stay strong until the crop (which is just starting to be planted now) is harvested in the fall.

Due to old crop supplies getting tighter, and demand staying strong, the outlook for corn prices remains solid heading into summer months. Here are 5 factors to watching during the month of May, which will be critical for corn prices.

Drought monitor index

The industry is well aware of the dry conditions throughout the western U.S. What is alarming is the drought increase in the Dakotas. North Dakota is the fifth largest producer of soybeans in the United States, and a large producer of corn, spring wheat (Minneapolis wheat) and canola. With the majority of that state in drought, and spreading quickly, the industry is on high alert for production issues. Comparing current the current drought monitor to this same time of year during 2012 (the big drought) is rather alarming.

Weekly planting progress

Every Monday afternoon at 3pm CST the USDA releases the weekly Crop Progress Report. This weekly recap shows exactly what percent of the nation’s crops have been planted weekly. On the recent report, 17% of the nation’s corn crop was planted. The only year faster than that, in the past ten years, was 2012, when the crop was 26% planted. I am mindful of the drought conditions as many sub soil levels are parched, tiles that would normally be running are still, and many producers are nervous of conditions to come.

Weekly export inspections

Corn and soybean exports are at 98% to 99% of expected sales on the books. Regarding grain that has actually left the country on a boat, soybeans are at 90% of USDA projections, and corn is at 60% of USDA projections, with plenty of time remaining in the marketing year to fulfill that total goal of 2.675 billion bushels exported for the 2020/21 crop marketing year. Trade will want to continue to see the strong weekly export inspections numbers. To see them means that the USDA will likely NOT reduce corn demand for export on upcoming USDA reports.

May 12 USDA WASDE report

Traditionally the May supply/demand report from the USDA report does not have a lot of exciting twists and turns to it. This year may prove to be different as the industry will be focused on ending stocks for the 2020/21 crop year. Ending stocks for corn are at a historically tight 1.352 billion bushels with a stocks to use ratio of 9.2%. My initial thought is that the USDA may likely may little changes to this report as aggressive changes were just made in the April 2021 report. Trade will quickly focus on weather instead.

Fund positions

The funds continue to hold a hefty long position in grain markets. And depending on fundamental news, they may only be getting started on the buy side now that they have the legal ability to own nearly double the amount of contracts in year prior. For example, in 2012, when $8 corn futures occurred, the funds were long over 400,000 contracts. On the most recent CFTC report, the funds were officially long 384,000 contracts, with corn futures at the time, just approaching $7 per bu. Imagine what prices might do if the funds took advantage of their newly expanded position potential!

Corn trade for the month of May will have plenty of twists and turns.  Watching the planting progress here in the Unites States, along with weather in Brazil, and demand will keep the market volatile.

Reach Naomi Blohm: 800-334-9779 Twitter: @naomiblohm   and [email protected]

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