Weekly Crop Commentary - 08/29/2025

Zach Dennis
Grain Merchandiser, Upper Sandusky (Region 2)

Another month has flown by! Crops are looking really good in the area. Anticipated record corn yields across the U.S. Corn Belt. This is both positive and negative. Production is high, causing an oversupply in the marketplace, which is driving the price of corn down. Here locally, there is some fear that if we do not get any more rain in the next week or so, the bean crop isn’t going to finish the pods out.

Worldwide, there were a few key trade deals struck with some Southeast Asia countries. Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand are all committing to expanding imports of U.S. grain products. However, China still hasn't agreed to any U.S. soybeans. Hopefully, that will change soon with the ongoing trade negotiations. The uncertainty in the global market is causing a weak demand for soybeans.

I hope you enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

Zane Robison
Grain Merchandiser, Urbana (Region 3)

Markets were mixed this week as soybeans pulled back after last week’s strong finish. Corn traded in a relatively tight range between the 20- and 50-day moving averages, but continues to hold up better than expected given the bearish carryout numbers. In fact, corn added a couple of cents on the week, supported by stronger export demand as buyers stepped in at lower prices. On the positive side, Vietnam has submitted a proposal to switch to E10 gasoline. While the impact may be limited, it’s encouraging to see positive headlines.

Soybeans have slipped 15–20¢ after last week’s late rally. Export sales remain soft—down 28% from last year and well below the 5-year average. $10.15 remains a solid target for unpriced harvest beans.

Go Bucks, and enjoy the long weekend!

Morgan Hefner
Grain Merchandiser, Nashport (Region 5)

After a scorching hot summer, it’s finally starting to feel like fall. Just in time for September to roll in after the weekend and for some Buckeye football. While there are a few drier pockets across Ohio, conditions don’t seem too widespread at this point.

As for the grain markets, it was a fairly quiet week with not much movement to note. The most exciting thing we saw was corn gaining around 10¢ midday today. It is important to remember that even small gains are worth capturing. Getting some bushels locked in when the market gives us a chance can make a big difference down the road.

Good/excellent Ohio corn conditions this week were up 8% from last week, putting us at 63%. The U.S. corn rating is sitting at 71% good/excellent, unchanged from last week but 6% above the 5-year average. As for soybeans in Ohio, they are currently at 62% good/excellent, up 6% from last week. U.S. beans are at 69% good/excellent, 8% above the 5-year average.

This weekend I’ll be spending my time with family and cheering on the Buckeyes! Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!