By: NATHAN STUEDLE
GRAINS:
December corn closed down 5 cents and March corn was down 4 3/4 cents. November soybeans closed down 9 1/2 cents and January soybeans were down 9 1/2 cents. December KC wheat closed down 1 cent, December Chicago wheat was down 6 1/4 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was down 1 1/4 cents.
U.S. crop prices were under pressure again Wednesday following a prominent advisory firm unveiling the results of their August yield survey, similar to USDA and others which found corn and soybean yields both above trend. Despite a challenging August for weather in some areas and declining crop conditions in Tuesday's update from USDA, traders are currently seeing very little supply risk as 2025 harvest grows nearer each day. Outside markets on Wednesday were mixed, with equities again on the retreat from last week's highs ahead of what is typically a tough month of September. Meanwhile, energy markets were lower on rumors of another OPEC+ production increase coming in October, which weighed on soybean oil prices which headed to their sixth loss in the past seven sessions.
LIVESTOCK:
Live cattle futures moved lower during the session on Wednesday, although compared to the rest of the livestock market, the live cattle complex seemed to be hold the best of all markets. October futures were leading the downward shift in morning losses, but it is important to remember that just because prices are not continuing the aggressive rocket-like shift higher, this does not mean that the market is at or near its top. As of last week, traders continue to maintain a strong net long position in the cattle market in general, and specifically live cattle futures point to continued optimism and positive expectations for price levels in the days and weeks to come. More focus is shifting to the ability to continue to move wholesale and retail beef levels and maintain current or higher price levels now that the summer grilling season is wrapping up. Cash cattle activity has been sluggish once again, with a slow start to the day; bids and asking prices are not established.
Feeder cattle futures lead the market lower midweek, with triple-digit losses seen in all nearby and most deferred contract months. October futures posted the most aggressive pressure with prices over $2 per cwt lower at times during morning trade. The combination of widespread pressure in most ag markets and most commodity markets Wednesday is causing buyer apathy at this point. It is important to remember that a down day in the market does not indicate a lower-moving market in general, as the tone of the market still remains extremely aggressive with prices near all-time highs. Although it is never comfortable to watch, light to moderate corrections within a market are part of a healthy moving market, and many times are needed in order to draw additional buyers to the market over the coming days and weeks. Cash markets remain active with the USDA National feeder cattle summary released Tuesday reporting steers and heifers selling 5.00 to 10.00 higher compared to the previous week.
Lean hog futures were under pressure Wednesday, with outside market softness becoming a larger focus midweek in the hog complex. October futures continued to lead the market lower with triple-digit losses as traders continue to adjust to the current market shifts, with a portion becoming more aggressive in rolling to the December contracts. Even though prices have fluctuated over the past few weeks, and uncertainty about long-term export demand remains a significant concern, prices are still well above the 40-day moving average, which is helping add technical support to the entire complex.