How Reliable Are These USDA Acreage Numbers??

03/31/25 • 13 min

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0:00 Acreage Report Reliability
3:32 Wheat Collapse
7:44 China Grain News
9:24 China Cash Injection
10:19 The Funds
11:09 Trump/Canada Talks
USDA Report to Release Key Data on Plantings and Grain Stocks
The USDA will release its highly anticipated Prospective Plantings and quarterly Grain Stocks report today. Traders expect to see a significant increase in U.S. corn plantings compared to last year, while a notable decline in soybean plantings is anticipated. U.S. corn stocks as of March 1st are expected to be down 2.4% from the same time last year, while soybean stocks are expected to be up by 3%. Wheat stocks are forecasted to rise by 11.6%.
Chicago Wheat Futures Drop to 8-Month Low
Wheat futures on the Chicago Board of Trade dropped to their lowest level in nearly eight months on Friday, with the May25 contract losing almost 4 cents, closing near $5.28 per bushel. Prices have been pressured by ongoing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as well as ample global supplies. Weak export demand and beneficial rainfall across the U.S. Plains also contributed to the market's decline. Traders are positioning ahead of today's USDA reports.
China’s Focus on Agricultural Self-Sufficiency
China is investing heavily in improving agricultural land to strengthen national food security. The nation aims to transform 200 million acres into high-standard farmland by 2030, utilizing technology to improve soil quality, crop management, and disaster resilience. By 2035, all basic farmland is expected to meet high-standard criteria. China is prioritizing food self-sufficiency and diversifying its agricultural supply chains amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
China Boosts Economy with Investment in State Banks
China has invested $69 billion into four state-owned banks to bolster their financial stability and support economic growth. The government’s move will help these banks expand, strengthen their capital reserves, and invest in emerging industries. This investment also aims to address pressure from narrowing profit margins due to interest rate cuts.
Funds Reduce Corn Market Exposure
CFTC data shows that "The Funds" reduced their net-long position in the corn market last week, with large money managers selling 31k corn contracts. Since mid-February, the funds have slashed their net-long position by 286k contracts. The funds were also net sellers of soybean and SRW wheat contracts.
President Trump and Canadian PM Discuss Tariffs and Trade Framework
President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a productive phone call on Friday, though Canada remains set to impose retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. this week in response to Trump's planned reciprocal tariffs. Carney criticized the tariff threats as a betrayal of the USMCA agreement. Going forward, the two leaders plan to negotiate a new economic and security framework after Canada’s upcoming election.

Previous Episode

Soybeans Rally on TikTok News. Wait...What??

President Trump Considering Lowering Tariffs on China for TikTok Agreement 🇨🇳📉
President Trump is reportedly considering reducing tariffs on Chinese imports as part of efforts to secure a deal with TikTok's parent company, ByteDance. This comes after President Biden's law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. operations by January 19. Trump extended the deadline to April 5 to allow more time for negotiations. If no deal is reached by then, Trump is open to further extensions. The move is being considered amid talks with four potential buyers. Additionally, Trump is set to announce reciprocal tariffs next week. Soybean futures rallied yesterday, possibly influenced by these developments and concerns about low U.S. soybean acreage. 🌱💼
USDA Report to Release Prospective Plantings & Quarterly Grain Stocks 📊🌾
The USDA will release its Prospective Plantings and quarterly Grain Stocks report on Monday, which traders are closely watching. Expectations include a significant rise in U.S. corn plantings compared to last year, while soybean acreage is anticipated to decline. Corn stocks as of March 1st are expected to be down 2.4% from last year, while soybean stocks are expected to rise by 3%, and wheat stocks are forecasted to increase by 11.6%. These reports will provide key insights into market trends. 📉📈
President Trump Encourages Collaboration on U.S. Biofuels Policy 🚗🌱
President Trump has directed the U.S. fuel and oil industries to work together on shaping future biofuels policy. Two meetings have taken place, with discussions focusing on biofuel blending requirements, small refiner exemptions, and biofuel tax policies. The industry also discussed the 45Z tax credit and the potential for increasing the renewable diesel and biodiesel mandate. The new mandate range could be between 4.75 billion and 5.5 billion gallons, compared to the current 3.35 billion gallons. ⚡🚗
USDA Weekly Drought Monitor: Corn Belt Sees Improvement 🌧️🌽
The USDA's latest drought monitor showed improvements in large portions of the Corn Belt, with snow and rainfall benefiting areas like Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois. However, conditions worsened in Missouri, and dry weather in South Dakota, Kansas, and Oklahoma has led to deteriorating drought conditions in those areas. Drought is impacting 44% of U.S. corn, 36% of soybeans, and 38% of winter wheat. 🌧️📊
US Corn Export Sales Decline 📉
US corn export sales were reported at 1 million metric tons (41 million bushels) last week, down 31% from the previous week but in line with the 4-week average. The largest buyer was Japan. Soybean sales were below expectations at 338,500 metric tons (12 million bushels), down 4% from the prior week and 28% from the 4-week average. Wheat sales also came in lower than expected at 100,300 metric tons (4 million bushels), down 65% from the previous week. 🌍📉

Next Episode

MORE "Trump Bucks" are Probably Headed to Farm Country

0:00 More Cash 4 Farmers
5:11 USDA Report
9:44 Heavy Rains
11:00 Russia Wheat Update
11:47 Strong Grain Shipments
Trump Administration Considers Financial Aid Package for Farmers Amid Trade War 🏦🌾
The Trump administration is preparing a financial aid package for farmers as reciprocal tariffs are set to be imposed on all U.S. trading partners tomorrow. This move is expected to trigger retaliatory tariffs that could severely impact U.S. agriculture. The new aid package could be larger than the $23 billion bailout from the 2018 trade war with China. In that previous conflict, U.S. agriculture suffered a $27 billion loss in exports. The current situation with tariffs targeting multiple countries could result in a higher cost for the aid package. 🌍💸
US Farmers Set to Plant Most Corn Acres in 12 Years 🌽📈
The USDA's Prospective Plantings report shows that U.S. farmers intend to plant the highest number of corn acres in 12 years, with an estimated 95.3 million acres—up 5% from last season. Soybean plantings are projected at 83.5 million acres, marking a 4% decline from last year, while wheat plantings are forecast at 45.4 million acres, down nearly 2%. The USDA's quarterly grain stocks report revealed a decrease in U.S. corn stocks, but an increase in soybean and wheat stocks compared to the previous year. 🌾🌱
Heavy Rains Expected Across Central US 🌧️🌾
Heavy rainfall is predicted to impact areas from eastern Texas through Ohio, with some regions potentially receiving up to 15 inches of rain over the next 10 days. The excessive rainfall could cause flooding and delay the planting of corn and soybeans in affected areas. Farmers in the wettest regions typically aim to plant early corn by today, so the heavy rains could hinder their ability to do so. 🌧️🚜
Russia's Wheat Crop Forecast Revised Down 📉🌾
Russia's wheat crop forecast for 2025/2026 has been lowered to 80.3 million metric tons, down from the November estimate of 81.5 million metric tons. Dry conditions earlier in the season, particularly for spring wheat, have negatively impacted crop prospects. However, recent improvements in winter wheat conditions and expected rain could provide some relief to the crop. 🌧️🌾
US Corn Shipments Strong, Soybean Shipments Surge 📦🌽
U.S. corn shipments exceeded expectations last week, with 1.6 million metric tons (64 million bushels) inspected for export. This represents a 5% increase compared to the previous week and a 9.7% rise from the same week last year. Soybean shipments also surpassed expectations at 793,250 metric tons (29 million bushels), up 54% from the same week last year. Wheat shipments, though down from the previous week, were still close to expectations. 📦🌾