Grain markets were on the defensive heading into the next round of USDA data, with reports indicating corn futures were pressing toward recent lows while traders waited for fresh government numbers. For Montana producers, this isn’t just a Chicago story. Grain prices ripple into feed costs, backgrounding budgets, and even hay demand—especially when drought and […]
New federal renewable fuel volume targets are back in the spotlight after a recent announcement on Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The details matter most in the Corn Belt, but Montana ranchers and farmers feel the ripple effects through feed prices, distillers grains availability, and broader grain market sentiment. Reports indicate […]
Monday’s board trade ended with a split tone across the ag complex: corn futures weakened, soybeans and wheat edged higher, and cattle futures posted gains. Reports indicate May corn settled around $4.55 3/4, down about 6 1/4 cents; May soybeans near $11.59 3/4, up a fraction; and May Chicago wheat around $6.07, up slightly. On […]
Reports from national market analysts indicate the USDA’s spring acreage outlook could show more soybean ground and a different mix for corn than many expected earlier this winter. The idea isn’t that every region suddenly wants to plant beans—it’s that price signals and input costs have been shifting, and growers respond when the math changes. […]
Corn and soybean futures finished lower at the end of the week, with market watchers pointing to a familiar mix of uncertainty: shifting export expectations, ongoing sensitivity to trade headlines, and fresh attention on biofuel policy. Reports indicate soybeans gave back some earlier gains, while corn also moved down as traders positioned ahead of upcoming […]
Corn and soybean futures finished lower to end the week, according to market reports, giving back some earlier gains and keeping a cautious tone in the broader grain complex. For Montana, the day-to-day moves in Chicago aren’t the whole story—local basis, freight, and regional supplies often matter more—but futures direction still sets the table for […]
Friday’s board action sent a split message to the countryside: cattle futures pushed higher while key feed grains moved lower. Reports indicate the April live cattle contract settled near $238.50, up $3.40, and April feeder cattle ended around $361.45, up $6.37. On the grain side, May corn reportedly finished about 5 cents lower near $4.62, […]
Reports from national farm surveys indicate a possible shift in 2026 U.S. planting intentions: fewer corn acres than last year, but not as low as some earlier forecasts, and a notable jump in soybean acres. Montana isn’t a major corn-and-soy state compared to the Midwest, but what happens in the Corn Belt still reaches Montana […]
Friday’s closing board action leaned in two directions: cattle futures strengthened while most major feed grains and oilseeds moved lower. Reports indicate nearby live cattle and feeder cattle contracts posted solid gains, while corn and soybeans ended the day down. Wheat was roughly steady. For Montana, the immediate takeaway isn’t just “up” or “down.” It’s […]
USDA export “flash sales” don’t mention Montana, but they can still move the numbers that matter here: feed costs, basis levels, and the mood of the cattle market. Reports indicate USDA logged another round of export business late March tied to the 2025-26 marketing year, which for corn and soybeans starts Sept. 1. When those […]