January soybean futures traded at the exclusive $12 technical target on November 23, 2020. Since then, January soybean futures attempted two more times to break through that $12 price point, but failed, creating a short term profit-taking setback to the downside.

Earlier this week prices lost close to $0.60 cents due to profit taking and news that South America would be receiving much needed precipitation.

Can prices turn back higher and trade above $12 per bu.?

Some historical context

If you recall this was the high price area from the summer of 2016. The news of lower U.S. production and strong export demand were the catalysts to bring soybeans futures to the $12 level. It would take another “perfect series of events” in soybean fundamentals to make soybeans climb above that level. That perfect series of events would be a combination of higher export demand on the upcoming USDA report, smaller U.S. and global soybean carryout on the upcoming USDA report, and a smaller than expected crop out of South America.

Watch next week’s USDA report

All eyes will be on USDA’s Dec. 10 report. Ending stocks for the 2020-21 season are already tight at 190 million bushels. For higher prices to occur, that ending stocks number needs to come down.

Next week’s report will shed light on one very important fundamental aspect for soybeans: export demand. Currently USDA has soybean exports pegged at 2.2 billion bushels. Looking at the strong pace of weekly export sales and shipments, many in the industry feel that export demand should reflect a higher value. Talk in the industry is that may be closer to 2.5 billion bushels.

Related:Fertilizer, fuel costs low, but for how long?

It will be very interesting to see if the USDA adjusts the balance sheet in any capacity on this report, or if the agency will wait to do any additional adjusting until the January 2021 report.

What else will the trade be looking at in next week’s report? Global ending stocks, which have been sneaking lower in recent months. Current world ending stocks for soybeans are pegged at 86.52 million tonnes. Looking at the global picture, the big question will be if USDA lowers the Brazil production number.

South America’s weather

Over the past decade, South American soybean production has increased substantially due to a combination of more acres planted and better production capabilities. Nearly every year Brazil produces a new record crop. Will that be the case this year?

Due to late planting conditions and the imperfect start to their growing season, many doubt that record production this year is possible. Yet, on the November USDA report, Brazil production was estimated at a record133 million tonnes, up from 126 million last year.

Related:A 180-degree shift for corn, soybeans – in just five months!

Yes, Brazil has planted more land to soybeans -- but will the additional acres offset the shaky start to the growing season? Recent rains have benefitted the crop. However, soil conditions overall are parched with more extreme heat on the way.

Be ready for anything

As we have learned in 2020, markets can change on a dime. The longer term outlook for grains has shifted to friendly, but remember: bull markets need to be fed daily. And for $12-plus soybeans? Another “perfect series of events” needs to occur.

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

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