Corn Futures Hold Firm

2026-05-13 01:56 By Joshua Ferrer 1 min. read

Corn futures held above $4.60 per bushel, sustaining early gains near one-year highs even as USDA signaled ample supplies into 2027.

The agency projected corn production at 15.995 billion bushels, down 6% from a record harvest but still the second-largest on record, while ending stocks were forecast at 1.957 billion bushels, down 185 million year-on-year but slightly above market expectations.

Exports are expected to ease to 3.15 billion bushels, while domestic use remains broadly steady.

Even with ample overall supply, USDA projections reinforced a gradually tightening longer-term outlook alongside strong biofuel demand tied to elevated crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions.

The season-average farm price was lifted to $4.40 per bushel, offering some relief to producers after several years of weak margins, high input costs, and trade disruptions.

Corn has already risen about 9% year-to-date, with further gains potentially helping lift cash prices closer to breakeven levels.



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Corn Futures Hold Firm
Corn futures held above $4.60 per bushel, sustaining early gains near one-year highs even as USDA signaled ample supplies into 2027. The agency projected corn production at 15.995 billion bushels, down 6% from a record harvest but still the second-largest on record, while ending stocks were forecast at 1.957 billion bushels, down 185 million year-on-year but slightly above market expectations. Exports are expected to ease to 3.15 billion bushels, while domestic use remains broadly steady. Even with ample overall supply, USDA projections reinforced a gradually tightening longer-term outlook alongside strong biofuel demand tied to elevated crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions. The season-average farm price was lifted to $4.40 per bushel, offering some relief to producers after several years of weak margins, high input costs, and trade disruptions. Corn has already risen about 9% year-to-date, with further gains potentially helping lift cash prices closer to breakeven levels.
2026-05-13
Corn Rebounds from 3-Week Lows
Corn futures rose to around $4.6 per bushel, rebounding from three-week lows as rising fertilizer and energy costs driven by the intensifying Middle East conflict increased pressure on production. Oil prices climbed as the US and Iran continue to struggle toward a diplomatic resolution in the conflict, while the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. Higher input costs, including fertilizers, chemicals and diesel for irrigation, are squeezing margins and threatening yields for the nutrient-intensive crop. In response, farmers are expected to reduce corn acreage and shift to less input-heavy crops to manage costs. Meanwhile, the US finalized record Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2026–2027, maintaining a 15 billion gallon ethanol mandate, supporting steady corn demand from the biofuels sector. Faster-than-average US planting pace also limited price gains, with USDA crop progress data showing nationwide planting at 38% complete, ahead of five-year average.
2026-05-11
Corn Futures Stay at 3-Week Low
Corn futures held around $4.5 per bushel, trading near a three-week low as faster US planting progress outweighed production pressure from elevated global energy prices. Renewed clashes between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz heightened concerns over prolonged energy supply disruptions, pushing global oil prices higher. Elevated input costs, including fertilizers, chemicals and diesel for irrigation, are squeezing margins and threatening yields for the nutrient-intensive crop. In response, farmers in key regions from the US to Europe are reducing corn acreage and shifting to less input-heavy crops to manage costs. However, faster-than-average US planting pace weighed on prices, with USDA crop progress report showing nationwide planting at 38% complete, ahead of the five-year average of 34%. Recent weather across the US Corn Belt has improved, with forecasts pointing to drier conditions that eased earlier concerns about planting delays following Midwest storms.
2026-05-08