Researchers estimate that China’s anti-sparrow campaign in the 1950s caused nearly 20% of the fall in crop production during the famine of the Great Leap Forward. Billions of birds and millions of people died as a result https://t.co/Ip80h367oD ...

Core Insights - Corn futures experienced a strong close on Friday, with contracts increasing by 10 to 11 cents in the front months, and December closing with a 12 cent gain for the week [1] - The USDA's monthly Crop Production report indicated a yield of 186.7 bushels per acre (bpa), a decrease of 2.1 bpa from August, while acreage was raised by 1.47 million acres planted and 1.356 million acres harvested, leading to a production increase of 73 million bushels (mbu) to 16.814 billion bushels (bbu) [2] - The WASDE report showed a 20 mbu increase in 2024/25 US stocks to 1.325 bbu, with new crop carryout down 7 mbu to 2.11 bbu, and demand raised by 100 mbu due to increased exports [2] Market Data - The USDA raised the old crop number by 1.07 million metric tons (MMT) to 284.18 MMT, attributed to a 3 MMT increase in Brazil's output, while new crop world stocks decreased by 1.14 MMT to 281.4 MMT [3] - CFTC data revealed an addition of 8,442 contracts to the speculative fund in corn futures and options, resulting in a net short position of 99,929 contracts as of September 9 [3] - Closing prices for corn on September 25 included: $3.99 for September, $3.85 1/2 for nearby cash (up 10 1/2 cents), $4.30 for December (up 10 1/4 cents), and $4.47 1/4 for March [3]

Group 1 - Soybeans have gained 9 to 10 cents following an increase in production and stocks reported by the USDA, with the national average cash bean price rising to $9.66 1/4 [1] - The USDA's monthly Crop Production report indicated a slight reduction in US soybean yield to 53.5 bushels per acre (bpa), while production increased by 8 million bushels (mbu) to 4.3 billion bushels (bbu) [3] - World soybean stocks decreased by 1.61 million metric tons (MMT) to 123.58 MMT, primarily due to a reduction in old crop stocks from Argentina [4] Group 2 - A private export sale of 22,000 metric tons of soybean oil was reported by the USDA, sold to South Korea for shipment in 2025/26 [2] - The USDA projected old crop ending stocks at 330 million bushels, with the 2024/25 marketing year expected to see an increase of 10 million bushels to 300 million bushels [3] - Nearby cash soybeans are priced at $9.66 1/4, reflecting a gain of 9 cents, while September futures are set to expire today [1][4]

Core Insights - Corn futures are experiencing slight gains, attributed to an increase in acreage to a record level [1] - The USDA's Crop Production report indicates a decrease in yield but an increase in both planted and harvested acreage, leading to higher production figures [2] Group 1: Production and Acreage - The USDA reported a yield of 186.7 bushels per acre (bpa), a decrease of 2.1 bpa from August [2] - Planted acreage increased by 1.47 million acres to a record 98.728 million acres, while harvested acreage rose by 1.356 million acres [2] - Total production increased by 73 million bushels (mbu) to 16.814 billion bushels (bbu) [2] Group 2: Stocks and Demand - The 2024/25 US stocks were revised up by 20 mbu to 1.325 bbu, exceeding estimates for a 6 mbu increase [2] - New crop carryout decreased by 7 mbu to 2.11 bbu, with demand raised by 100 mbu due to increased exports [2] Group 3: Global Context - On the global front, the USDA raised the old crop number by 1.07 million metric tons (MMT) to 284.18 MMT, driven by a 3 MMT increase in Brazil's output [3] - New crop world stocks decreased by 1.14 MMT to 281.4 MMT [3]

Europe’s scorching temperatures are curbing corn crop production, putting the EU on track for its highest imports in three seasons https://t.co/XBxzCsGUOD ...