U.S and the World

Its that time of year when farmers are extremely busy in the fields. However, this year Mother Nature did not follow that script. As of May 5th only 23% of US corn has been planted compared to 36% last year and 46% over the last five years. Wet weather in the Eastern Corn Belt has held planting up and of course this is extended into Ontario and Québec. The market has not shown much concern regarding this as US producers have proved time and again how quickly they can get the crop in. With Mother’s Day behind us, planting concerns will be an increasingly decisive factor within the grain market.

Philip Shaw

Philip Shaw farms near Dresden, Ontario. He is the author of the Grain Farmers of Ontario Market Trends Report published 14 times per year. He speaks on grain prices across Canada and his commodity commentary can be read regularly in several publications.

http://www.philipshaw.ca

April 23, 2019April 23, 2019

Market Trends Commentary for April/May 2019

U.S. and the World

In the United States planters are rolling, but mainly still in the southern states of Texas, North Carolina and Tennessee. As of April 14, 3% of U.S. corn had been planted, with the five-year average being 5%. It’s early, for sure, as inclement spring weather has planters at bay. Planting progress is less of an issue as it used to be, as modern technology helps get this crop in quickly once the weather breaks. Also too, Mother’s Day in May is traditionally a litmus test for when the market might notice planting progress. With ending stocks onerous for both corn and soybeans, prices have been moving down. However, there is a world of production risk in front of us.

Philip Shaw

http://www.philipshaw.ca

April 1, 2019April 1, 2019

Market Trends Commentary for April 2019

U.S. and the World

Planters are starting to roll in the southern U.S. American Midwest as it that time of year again. Interestingly enough, its not all-full speed ahead with much of the western corn belt under water dealing with flooding. Inclement weather with heavy rains and snow in mid to late March led many rivers to flood in Nebraska and Iowa, causing much angst regarding planting dates. However, it is a long road to payday, one fraught with many pitfalls. The March 29 prospective plantings report is another benchmark always important in this planning window.

Philip Shaw

http://www.philipshaw.ca