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Dry August Weather Expected to Lower Corn and Soybean Yields in Upcoming USDA Report

  • Analysts expect lower corn and soybean yield estimates in the upcoming USDA report due to exceptionally dry weather in mid-August.

  • Larger harvested acreage is expected for corn and soybeans, but analysts have pulled back on the biggest acreage increase theories.

  • The range of analyst yield guesses is narrow, with corn from 171.5 to 175 bpa and soybeans from 49.6 to 51 bpa.

  • Over the last decade, final harvested acres have often been lower than USDA's August estimates, especially for soybeans.

  • Karen Braun is a Reuters market analyst who provides context on agriculture market trends and data.

reuters.com
Relevant topic timeline:
The recent heat wave may contribute to increased volatility in commodity markets, particularly affecting soybeans which are in the reproductive stage and could lead to higher prices, while corn is expected to require deeper yield reductions to see significant price increases, and wheat prices are expected to continue struggling.
The USDA report release on August 11th caused significant changes in commodity markets, with soybean and cotton prices increasing while corn prices had a more mixed reaction.
Crop Tour shows best corn, but soybean pods remain a concern as extreme heat affects Midwest crops.
Farmers in the Corn Belt and Delta Region are experiencing extreme summer heat, which could benefit corn but be stressful for soybeans and cattle, affecting crop yields and market prices.
Scouts on the Pro Farmer Crop Tour are concerned about the impact of high heat and limited moisture on the corn crop in Nebraska, while corn yields in Ohio and South Dakota are estimated to be higher than last year.
Extreme heat and drought conditions in Nebraska have led to record amounts of irrigation for crops, while in Indiana the soybean crop is facing moisture deficiencies and deep-rooted plants due to a dry spell in June.
Scouts on the 2023 Pro Farmer Crop Tour reported high temperatures and varying crop conditions, with some regions seeing improvements from last year's drought while others suffered from lack of moisture and heat stress. Diseases such as tar spot and sudden death syndrome were also concerns, but overall soybeans performed well despite the challenges.
Soybeans and meal are firm, while wheat and corn are trading lower due to a lack of market-moving news and lower than expected wheat sales.
Wheat prices decrease due to increased production estimates out of Russia and hot dry conditions, while corn and soybeans increase with support from weather forecasts projecting hot dry conditions.
Soybeans were the strongest performer in the grain market this week, while corn prices faced disappointment and struggled to break through resistance levels. The Pro Farmer Crop Tour indicated lower yields for both corn and soybeans compared to USDA estimates, potentially leading to higher prices if adjustments are made in the September WASDE report.
Extreme heat and drought have caused damage to soybeans and corn crops, leading to lower yield and production estimates by Pro Farmer and potential higher prices in the future.
The farmers' crop outlook remains uncertain as they are unsure of the damage caused by previous dry conditions and the upcoming heat, leading to low corn prices and high soybean prices; farmers are advised to be cautious in selling beans and consider taking advantage of early shipment premiums. Additionally, it is recommended to finish fall fertilizer purchases and potentially start purchasing for spring. The USDA may lower their yield estimate due to abnormal weather patterns, and once the harvest is complete, the market will have a clearer picture of the crop's size, potentially leading to price fluctuations.
Dry weather and unfavorable growing conditions in Iowa and Illinois have led to reduced yield expectations for soybeans and corn, with the latest dry spell preventing maximization of yields and causing some crops to shut down.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has increased its estimate for harvested corn area, resulting in hopes of a near-record harvest despite weaker yields, as corn plantings reach a 10-year high.
Yield potential for Crop Watch corn and soybeans in the U.S. has slightly improved after weeks of decline due to drought conditions, but yields are still expected to be below last year's levels.