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Crops
Corn and soybean basis strengthened across much of the Eastern Corn Belt over the past month — a surprising shift from the typical seasonal pattern of basis weakening heading into June. Josh Strine breaks down the latest corn and soybean basis trends, how current basis levels compare with historical averages, and what strengthening basis could mean for grain marketing decisions heading into July.
Read MoreBrazil, the world’s largest soybean producer and a major corn exporter, is facing a more complicated production outlook for the 2027 crop year. Low commodity prices, high fertilizer costs, tighter credit conditions, and El Niño conditions, already present and expected to strengthen later this year, are all weighing production prospects. In this Purdue Commercial AgBrief, Joana Colussi looks at the key factors that could influence Brazil’s next crop season, and what it could mean for U.S. corn and soybean producers.
Read MoreCorn and soybean basis strengthened broadly across the Eastern Corn Belt over the past month, breaking from typical seasonal trends. Indiana and Ohio continue to show some of the strongest basis levels in the region, while recent gains in Iowa have narrowed historical gaps. Use the Purdue Crop Basis Tool to monitor local opportunities as summer marketing decisions approach.
Read MoreHigher prices don’t always guarantee higher profits. New Purdue research examines the tradeoffs between organic and conventional crop production, including yield differences, cost structures, and the factors driving farm-level profitability.
Read MoreU.S. corn production costs remain structurally higher than Brazil’s, driven largely by higher land expenses. Meanwhile, Brazil’s second-crop system allows producers to spread fixed costs across soybeans and corn, reinforcing its competitive position in global markets. Using standardized economic data from the agribenchmark network, we compare corn production costs and returns in Iowa and Mato Grosso from 2020 to 2024.
Read MoreCover crops offer measurable soil health benefits, but their financial impact varies depending on yield performance and input cost savings. This article uses scenario analysis to examine how producers can evaluate conservation practices alongside profitability and other farm goals.
Read MoreCorn and soybean basis strengthened across much of the Eastern Corn Belt, especially in Ohio and Indiana. Josh Strine breaks down the latest basis trends, regional differences, Ohio River demand, and what farmers should watch heading into June grain markets.
Read MoreCorn 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.
Read MoreHerbicide program costs across Indiana vary significantly by region, ranging from approximately $49 to over $62 per acre. These differences are driven by geographic variation in weed pressure, herbicide resistance, and environmental conditions. Northern Indiana faces higher resistance pressure, leading to more intensive and costly programs, while central and southern regions balance flexibility, emergence patterns, and operational risk. Understanding these regional dynamics is critical for managing both short-term costs and long-term weed control effectiveness.
Read MoreWith renewed tensions in the Middle East and concerns over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, fertilizer markets are once again under pressure. In this episode of Commercial AgBriefs, Joana Colussi compares fertilizer supply and demand trends in the U.S. and Brazil over the past five years and explains how dependent each country remains on imported nitrogen, phosphate, and potash.
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