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Commentary
Corn and soybean markets are lower again today as dry weather allows for harvest to rapidly move forward in the U.S. Favorable rains are finally falling on many dry areas in Brazil adding to the downward pressure as South America is in the early stages of planting. Weather forecasts in Brazil are forecasting new systems moving in which in my view is starting to slowly lower risk models there. Brazil’s 24/25 planting progress is at 11% planted vs 18% the same week a year ago. Last Friday, the USDA raised its corn yield estimate by 0.2 bushels per acre on Friday to 183.8. If realized, this will beat the previous US record corn yield by 6.5 bushels per acre set in 2023 at 177.3 BPA. New records are expected in many main corn producing states including Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. Illinois’ 2024 corn yield is estimated at 222 bushels per acre vs. the previous record of 214 set in 2022. Iowa is pegged at 214 vs. 204 BPA set in 2021 and Nebraska at 196 vs. 194 previously set in 2021 as well. The 2024 US soybean crop is expected to yield 53.1 BPA according to the October Crop Production report. This is 0.1 bushel lower than the September report. This will be a new record for the US beating the previous high of 51.9 BPA set in 2016. So far, the last two WASDE reports did not show any stress from a hot and dry September. In summation, you have an eroding weather premium in Brazil coupled with a huge crop being harvested amid a sizable 550-million-bushel carry. For those putting beans in the bin, please consider the following trade.
Trade Ideas
Futures-N/A
Options-Buy the March 25 10.00 puts. Sell the Sep 25, 1160, calls for even money minus commissions and fees.
Risk/Reward
Futures-N/A
Options-Unlimited risk here and this trade should only be used for those who have unpriced beans in the bin. We are using the 10.00 puts as a level of protection in case prices trade to the mid to low 9s on too much supply/weak demand in the weeks and months to come.
Sean Lusk
Vice President Commercial Hedging Division
Walsh Trading
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