A roller coaster of a week in markets, punctuated by weather and geo-political news. After a huge week and weekend of planting progress, benign weather forecasts could mean less acreage switching from corn to beans. This sparked a mild rally in beans early in the week while corn mainly held steady in a narrow range. On Wednesday night, while most of us were dodging thunderstorms, Brazil was just learning of a potential corruption scandal involving the current President. News of the scandal sharply devalued the Brazilian Real by 7 to 8%, making crops prices much more attractive. The South American producer which had been holding grain, quickly rewarded the changing currency by selling large volumes of soybeans and corn. With more grain out of the farmers’ hands, more supply hit the world market. Brazil’s devalued currency quickly made their product more competitive when compared to US supplies. This combination put a double whammy on the US farmer, a sharply lower board and lower basis values.
Locally, basis levels were decidedly mixed. Bean basis at the river terminals were lower with the newly engaged South American producer. The domestic processor market, however, was steady to slightly better. The falling board is more apt to influence the processor market as they work to keep the supply pipeline full. Corn basis was also mixed. Terminal values for corn were slightly better, while the ethanol plants tried to weaken, paying pushes only for near-term supplies. Overall, we still face a huge supply of corn sitting in the country unpriced, which will ultimately push basis values lower. The only question is, when?
CHS – Rochester Grain Team
Kasson: 507-634-7545 ext 7
Ostrander: 507-657-2234
This Material has been prepared by a sales or trading employee or agent of CHS and should be considered a solicitation. The information contained in this presentation is taken from sources which we believe to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by us as to accuracy or completeness and is sent to you for information purposes only. There is a risk of loss when trading commodity futures and options. CHS bases its recommendations solely on the judgment of CHS personnel.