Weekly Crop Commentary - 03/27/2026
Mar 27, 2026
Briana Holtzman
Grain Merchandiser, Kenton (Region 1)
This week, grain markets traded cautiously amid domestic and global pressures. Corn futures were mostly range-bound, pressured by higher fertilizer and fuel costs as well as expectations of slightly lower U.S. corn acreage for 2026, though ethanol policy support provided some stability.
Soybeans held a firmer tone, supported by some export demand and favorable soymeal and soy oil markets off of the back of crude oil. Planting surveys suggest soybean acreage could rise as farmers shift away from higher-input crops, adding to market optimism.
Wheat outperformed, driven by solid export demand and ongoing dryness in U.S. Plains winter wheat regions, which has heightened tightness concerns despite relatively high global stocks.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a stronger U.S. dollar added further market pressure. Traders are now focused on upcoming USDA reports, the final RVO biofuel policy regulations, and weather developments, which could shape the direction of the spring planting season.
Zane Robison
Grain Merchandiser, Urbana (Region 3)
It was quite the storm last night, with rainfall totals ranging from 1.5 to 3 inches across the area.
On the geopolitical front, President Trump has extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to 8 p.m. Eastern on April 6. He noted that peace talks with Iran are “going very well,” although Iran continues to deny that any negotiations are taking place. While not discounting the president’s comments, it’s worth noting that oil markets appear skeptical; April crude futures remain near $96 per barrel. Given the situation, you might expect some added excitement in the grain markets, but that hasn’t been the case. Corn has been relatively quiet this week, with May futures essentially unchanged. Attention now shifts to Tuesday’s acreage report, where average trade estimates are calling for around 94.3 million corn acres.
Soybeans have followed a similarly slow pattern. However, markets did react to the release of Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for domestic refineries. May soybean futures moved from down a couple cents to roughly 15¢ lower following the announcement. President Trump also announced that the EPA finalized the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “Set 2” rule during the White House Great American Agriculture Celebration. This rule sets record-high renewable fuel volume requirements for 2026 and 2027. According to the EPA, biodiesel and renewable diesel production and use will need to increase by more than 60% from 2025 levels. What does this mean for farm prices long term? At this point, it’s unclear. Many of the 2025 RVO expectations were already priced into the market, so there were no major surprises in this release.
While markets have softened slightly over the past few days, prices remain well above last year’s levels. It’s still a great opportunity to review your marketing plan ahead of planting season. Please let us know if you’d like to have a conversation.
Have a great weekend.
Lisa Warne
Grain Merchandiser, Marysville (Region 4)
Here we are at the end of March already! There are some soybeans in the ground in this vicinity, so at least one of you can say planting started in March. I know some wheat got sprayed this week as well. However, with last night’s rain (1.7” to 2.5” range) and next week’s forecast, it will be a while before we see field activity again.
As for the markets this week, corn and soybeans were steady to better until today. Midday Friday, the White House had its Celebration of Agriculture event. Any announcements made were either nothing new or did not increase current demand, which the market translated as bearish information. Outside of unexpected headlines, the next big day for the markets will be Tuesday, 3/31, when quarterly stocks and prospective planting intentions are released. There may be opportunities to seize with knee-jerk reactions, so having target offers in place to meet your pricing goals is recommended.
Don’t forget that the enrollment deadline for the Corn Average Price program is Thursday, April 2nd. Get in touch with your local grain merchandiser for more information!
Have a great weekend.
Have a great weekend.
Morgan Hefner
Grain Merchandiser, Nashport (Region 5)
The markets did not show much action this week. We didn’t see much in the way of fresh news to significantly trigger a move one way or the other. Ongoing geopolitical tensions linger and have added a layer of uncertainty, but they did not impact the markets much this week.There is some potential for headline-driven movement as we wrap up the week. Today, President Trump is set to announce news at the White House’s Celebration of Ag event, which could generate some market reaction. The EPA is expected to release its final RVO guidelines today as well.
Looking ahead, there is anticipation surrounding next Tuesday, March 31st, when the USDA Prospective Planting and Grain Stocks reports will be released. Additionally, President Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi in mid-May, later than originally planned.
Just a reminder that the average price program enrollment deadlines for corn and beans are approaching. The corn deadline is April 2nd, and the bean deadline is April 16th. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have on the program or get bushels enrolled for you!