Hay bales in a row

Grain markets continued to see support last week, with CBOT wheat (Dec’ 20) break-ing through key technical resistance of 600¢/bu. The strength of the rally is being driven by on-going weather concerns in the Black Sea region, parts of the US Plains (HRW) and South America. Corn is similarly lending support as unabated demand from China has driven corn futures to their highest level since this time last year (wet harvest in the US).

In the US, useful rains are forecast through the key wheat-producing states of Kansas and Oklahoma, albeit centered in the Eastern regions. The following 7-10 day period appears dry.  Temperatures will also start dropping as we move into November, throwing more emphasis on this week’s forecasts.

Southern Russia also looks to pick up some useful showers this week, but totals appear far less than what is required to catch up on seasonal deficits.  FOB prices in Russia and Ukraine continue to rally and are now above $250/t and up 27% since August. Russia is expected to export ~40mmt this year out of their production of 84mmt.  With domestic prices soaring, consumers are getting a little anxious and will be watching whether the Russian Gov’t set export quota’s as a means of keeping inflation under control.

Good rains are expected across Brazil and Argentina later this week.  After a prolonged dry period where Argentine estimates were dropped from 21mmt to 17mmt, stabilising rains will be welcomed. 

Similarly, in Brazil, the soybean crop is at 6% planted, well behind the average sowing pace of 20%.  These rains should see the soybean crop catch up and be well established.  It may see harvest getting pushed out to February due to the delay in planting. 

The week ahead….

It feels like the market is getting a little top heavy, so don’t be surprised to see some profit-taking happen.  

Have any questions or comments?

We love to hear from you!

Click on graph to expand

Click on graph to expand

Click on graph to expand

Data sources: CRM Agri, AHDB, Next Level Grain Marketing, Mecardo

Make decisions with confidence- ask about our board packs, bespoke forecasting and risk management services

Have any questions or comments?

We love to hear from you!
NSW harvesting wheat crop
Grains & Oilseeds

Russia, USDA and a Rock wall

Picture if you will, a rock climber, gradually, step by step, grasp by grasp, pulling themselves up the face of a sheer rock wall. This

Read More »
US wheat field rain
Grains & Oilseeds

Contrasting crop production

The seasons in the north and south couldn’t be more different in terms of rainfall and crop progression. While somewhat overshadowed by market movements, the

Read More »
Canola field
Grains & Oilseeds

China’s canola curve ball

The wheat market has enjoyed something of a bounce this week. Having briefly touched multi-year lows of 525c/bu for the Dec ’24 contract last week,

Read More »

Want market insights delivered straight to your inbox?

Sign up to the mailing list to get regular updates to new analysis and market outlooks

Independent analysis and outlook for wool, livestock and grain markets delivered to you as it’s published

Commodity conversations podcast cover image, a illustration of a sheep standing on a cow's back with grain either side
Listen to the podcast

Join the Mecardo team for the Commodity Conversations podcast, where we provide short weekly market recaps and longer conversations with guests to discuss the drivers and trends in livestock, grain and fibre markets.

Photo of a farmer surrounded by Merino sheep in dusty yards
Research: Analysis of the Australian sheep flock

In this report for LiveCorp and MLA, we analysed the historical trends in the demographics of the Australian sheep flock, examining domestic factors that influence farm-level enterprise decision making. 

Image of harvested grain pouring into a chaser bin
SERVICES AND CAPABILITIES STATEMENT BROCHURE

We don’t just bring you the most up to date market insights. Find out more about Mecardo’s services including risk management advisory, modelling, benchmarking, research & consultancy.