While grain market fundamentals remain supportive in the bigger picture, the recent rally appears to be running out of steam.

Corn futures even signaled a topping sign on daily charts back on February 9^th, after the USDA report released that day was viewed as “not bullish enough,” sending prices lower at end of day. Soybean futures are also signaling a pause on the bullish trend, and have been trading in a sideways trading pattern for nearly two months.

While we do not feel corn and soybean futures prices will fall dramatically lower, there is little incentive for prices to rally higher in the short term.

Priced in bullish supply, demand data

Corn futures did not receive much in the way of fresh fundamental news in the February USDA report. Ending stocks were reduced to 1.502 billion bushels, with a stocks-to-use ratio now at 10.3%. While friendly, this news was largely expected and already priced into the market.

The soybean old crop fundamentals remain friendly. The stocks-to-use ratio is now tied for the tightest in history at 2.6%. Export demand is strong with export sales near 95% of USDA projections of 2.25 billion bushels. Export inspections (what has actually left the country already) is pegged at 80% of USDA projections, well ahead of the normal 5-year average pace.

Earlier this week, the NOPA crush report was released. The report was supportive, announcing that 184 million bushels of soybeans were crushed in the month of January. 184 million bushels was the second largest crush number, ever. 

So why aren’t prices higher?

Well, there isn’t much out there for new export sales, and there likely won’t be either. Remember, this is a seasonally normal pattern for export sales to dwindle in the months ahead as the South American crop is being harvested, and ready to be shipped around the world. The next USDA report is not until March 9^th.

Quite frankly there likely won’t be much fresh bullish news announced between now and then.

Larger acreage expected

The USDA Outlook Forum will likely show expected larger corn and soybean acres to be planted in the United States this spring. This perception will likely keep a lid on any type of new crop corn or soybean rally for a few weeks until the March 31 perspective plantings report announces the official government data. One thing to keep in mind, because the old crop corn and soybean story is so friendly, new crop prices likely won’t fall apart either. A sideways trading range seems likely to develop in the weeks ahead.

Potential bullish signs

A surprise move for this market would be if China made any large export purchases in the next few weeks. Trade is expecting China to shift their attention to South American supplies, so any fresh announced export sales would be a welcomed bullish announcement.

Also, that second crop corn in Brazil is very slow to get planted because the soybean harvest is behind schedule. The longer it takes for that second crop corn to get into the ground, the more it is at risk of key development during the traditional dry season in Brazil. Remember, 70% of the corn that is grown in Brazil is from the second crop corn production.

If you’re thinking of making any additional old or new crop sales, this might be your best opportunity in the short term. While futures prices could have potential to explode higher this summer depending on U.S. weather, don’t lose sight of the opportunity in front of you.

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

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