Weekly Crop Commentary - 07/18/2025

Zane Robison
Grain Merchandiser, Urbana (Region 3)

Another week of summer has flown by! Good luck to all 4-H and FFA exhibitors heading to the Clark County Fair.

Markets had a much-needed rebound this week, which was a welcome change after last week’s downturn.

Corn posted gains on weather-related news. Severe storms, followed by forecasted heat, have given the bulls some renewed optimism. Major funds have started buying back portions of their prominent short positions. News of an export deal with Indonesia and growing optimism around a potential deal with China supported the rebound. That said, $4.00 remains a key harvest target.

Soybeans were the standout this week, with multiple days of double-digit gains. Soybean oil helped lead the rally, closing near a two-year high. With the same trade optimism, soybeans saw strong momentum into the week’s close. One interesting note on domestic demand: USDA increased crush estimates by 120 million bushels for 2025/26, the exact amount they lowered from export demand (with China still noticeably absent).

With continued market volatility, take advantage of potential opportunities in the overnight trade by placing offers.

Have a great weekend!

Ralph Wince
Grain Merchandiser. Canfield (Region 5)

Good afternoon. The grain markets are showing some life today. As I write this, corn, beans, and wheat are all in the green. What a difference two weeks can make. Most of the corn and beans have turned around their appearance in the fields. Almost everyone is getting rain; the amount that you're getting is the variable, but it has made a difference. Not every field looks great, but there are more good-looking crops than bad. We still need to continue with timely rains because the root systems on both corn & beans are not deep.

As far as the markets are concerned, there has been very little reason for them to rally as we have progressed through this growing season. The bean market has been driven most recently by the oil side of the market. The renewable diesel standard, with some assistance from the EPA program, has helped push oil and soy oil prices higher in the future, which has also benefited soybeans as a whole. The question going forward is what we will do with all the meal. The market has yet to figure that out.

As we head into the key month of August, we all know this is the month we need rain for the bean crop. Today, we don’t see any issues or problems on the horizon, but that can change quickly if beans break off and have a rally that could drag corn along. The funds (speculators) will soon jump back in if something arises, which could also drag corn & beans with it. Make sure you have some targets in with us. Have a great weekend, everyone.

Morgan Hefner
Grain Merchandiser, Nashport (Region 5)

This year’s wheat harvest has mostly wrapped up. Vomitoxin was not widespread or a significant issue, with the exception of occasional higher results. Test weights were slightly lower than ideal, but this harvest could have been worse overall.

Corn and soybean crop condition ratings in Ohio showed a slight decline, with corn rated 56% good-to-excellent and soybeans at 53%, both below their five-year averages. However, the crop outlook remains nationally stronger, with U.S. corn rated 74% good-to-excellent, 9% above the five-year average, and soybeans at 70%, 8% above the average.

The grain markets this week were sending mixed signals. Early in the week, market activity was relatively flat. By midweek, momentum picked up slightly, particularly for soybeans. Soybean oil prices reached highs this week, driving beans up slightly, as well. So far today, we are seeing a lot of positive movement across the board, especially with wheat gaining around 15 cents by lunchtime. It looks like we will end the week on a high note.

Have a great weekend, everyone!