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corn

Comparing Corn Production Costs and Returns in the United States and Brazil

Brazil’s rise in corn production is reshaping global competition for U.S. producers. This analysis compares corn production costs, revenues, and profitability between Iowa and Mato Grosso farms from 2020–2024, highlighting how Brazil’s second-crop corn system lowers fixed costs while exposing farmers to greater fertilizer dependence and weather risk.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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What 2026 Crop Budgets Mean for Profitability and Cash Rent Decisions

Margins remain tight for 2026. Purdue’s latest crop budget estimates show soybean rotations maintaining a contribution margin advantage over corn, while breakeven prices for both crops remain well above expected market prices. Negative projected earnings could slow machinery purchases and put pressure on cash rents, making careful cost management and crop budgeting essential.

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The Right Way to Cut Costs

Tight margins often trigger cost-cutting decisions, but not all cuts improve profitability. This article explains how marginal analysis can help producers evaluate fertilizer, seed, and seeding rate decisions to protect returns when prices are low.

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Corn Basis Shows Volatility While Soybean Basis Stabilizes

Local corn basis across the Eastern Corn Belt has become more volatile, with regions like Indiana and Ohio showing continued strength to March futures, while parts of Illinois have seen weakening. In contrast, soybean basis has stabilized and remains below recent averages in much of the region. Historical patterns suggest basis volatility may ease as we head into the new year — but mixed signals from certain areas warrant close monitoring. Full regional breakdowns and charts are available in the complete article.

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