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soybeans

Basis Gains Slow as Historically Suggested Volatility Looms

Corn and soybean basis strengthened across much of the Eastern Corn Belt through late April and early May, though gains slowed significantly in recent weeks. Purdue’s May 2026 Basis Update examines regional basis differences, historical trends, and what producers may expect as volatility potentially increases heading into June.

Cutting Herbicide Costs? Here’s the Risk Farmers Miss

Herbicide program costs across Indiana vary widely due to differences in geography, weed pressure, and resistance management. In this Purdue Commercial AgBrief, Madisen Carns and Chad Fiechter explain how farmers are adapting weed control strategies across northern, central, and southern Indiana. The video highlights the growing importance of residual herbicides, layered programs, and long-term resistance management in protecting profitability and reducing operational risk.

Corn & Soybean Grain Markets: Basis Is Shifting Across Cash Markets

Corn and soybean basis strengthened across the Eastern Corn Belt in April, with gains exceeding historical trends in several regions. However, persistent regional differences remain, particularly between stronger Ohio basis levels and weaker Iowa conditions. These shifts—especially along the Ohio River—highlight changing cash market signals heading into May.

Broad Strengthening Across the Eastern Corn Belt

Corn and soybean basis strengthened faster than expected across the Eastern Corn Belt, with Ohio and Indiana showing standout gains. Historical trends suggest volatility ahead—making it critical for producers to monitor local basis closely.

Corn and Soybean Outlook

This article examines the corn and soybean near-term outlook, taking into consideration the stocks, global competition, and current profitability of both crops.

Brazil Heads for a Record Soybean Harvest as Farm Margins Approach Breakeven

Brazil is projected to produce a record 6.5 billion bushels of soybeans in the 2025-26 crop season, but farm margins are expected to fall to their lowest level in nearly two decades. Lower soybean prices, elevated production costs, and weak port premiums are compressing profitability for Brazilian farmers, raising questions about whether the country’s rapid soybean acreage expansion can continue.

Indiana and Ohio Set the Benchmark for Soybean and Corn Basis, Respectively

Corn basis across the Eastern Corn Belt has remained relatively stable compared to last month, but regional differences remain significant. Ohio currently sets the benchmark for corn basis, with positive levels in parts of the state, while Iowa continues to post the weakest levels. Soybean basis has been more volatile, with strengthening through late February followed by recent declines across most districts. Indiana continues to lead the region with the strongest soybean basis levels. While historical patterns suggest basis should strengthen into spring, recent week-to-week volatility highlights the importance of monitoring local markets closely. Producers can track conditions using Purdue’s Crop Basis Tool.

Why Brazil’s Soybean Costs Are Lower Than in the U.S.

Brazil has gained a significant cost advantage in global soybean production — and farm-level data helps explain why. In this Purdue Commercial AgBrief, Joana Colussi compares soybean production costs, revenues, and profitability between a typical farm in Iowa and one in Mato Grosso, Brazil using standardized agri benchmark data from 2020–2024.

U.S. and Brazil Soybean Competitiveness: Farm-Level Costs and Returns

This article compares farm-level soybean costs and profitability in Iowa and Mato Grosso from 2020–2024. Brazilian farms face higher direct input costs, while U.S. farms carry heavier land-related overhead. Structural cost differences help explain Brazil’s sustained profitability and ongoing competitiveness in global soybean markets.

Corn Basis is Stable Across the Eastern Corn Belt, but Soybean Basis Varies

Corn basis remains steady across much of the Eastern Corn Belt as markets transition to May futures contracts, with particularly strong local basis levels in central Ohio and northern Indiana. Meanwhile, soybean basis shows significantly more volatility, with widening spreads across districts and notable weakness in Iowa. Ethanol plants continue to offer firm premiums relative to local delivery points, while soybean crush plant basis has softened in several states. Producers can use the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture’s Crop Basis Tool to compare local ethanol and crush plant basis levels and evaluate current pricing opportunities against historical averages.

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