To analyst Tom Lilja of Progressive Ag in Fargo, N.D., there’s a difference in the commodity markets currently with the Middle East war and four years ago when Russia invaded Ukraine.
Corn
CBOT Weekly: Gains in commodities amidst Iran conflict differ from Ukraine war
Agriculture Canada makes small balance sheet adjustments
Updated supply/demand estimates from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, released March 18, included only minor adjustments, as the agency incorporated the latest acreage forecasts from Statistics Canada released earlier in the month.
Pay more attention to South American corn
Brazil’s massive soybean crop may be grabbing the headlines, but there should be more attention on the difficulties with the country’s corn crop, said analyst Michael Cordonnier of Soybean and Corn Advisor Inc.
U.S. farmers rush to sell crops as Iran war fuels rally
U.S. grain prices have surged since the Iran war began, triggering a flurry of corn and soybean sales by farmers who squirreled away last year’s harvests due to weak prices.
CBOT Weekly: Middle East conflict continues to rattle markets
The conflict in the Middle East is raising crop prices and plenty of price instability in the markets.
USDA makes few changes in domestic figures
Few changes were made to domestic balance sheets in the USDA’s monthly supply/demand estimates released on March 10.
Neutral conditions drive 2026 weather as La Niña subsides
A meandering jet stream and warmer oceans signal a unpredictable growing season with potential spring wheat risks
U.S. government meteorologist expects there will be neutral ENSO conditions for the 2026 farm growing season.
Canadian farmers intend to plant more canola, less wheat in 2026
Canadian farmers expect to plant more canola and less wheat in 2026 compared to the previous year, according to the first planting intentions report from Statistics Canada released March 5. Barley, soybeans and corn area are also expected to increase, while oats, lentils and dry peas are forecast to decrease.
CBOT weekly: Planted area in focus
The seasonal fight for acres between soybeans and corn is in full swing in the United States as markets wait to get a clearer picture on planting intentions for the 2026 growing season.
VIDEO: THROWBACK: Targeting your fertilizer needs using the 4Rs
Synchronizing nutrient uptake and 4R principles for optimal crop results
Marla Riekman with Manitoba Agriculture talks about the 4Rs and the effective use of fertilizers when growing crops.