After the Bell | November 14, 2022

Corn, soybean futures lower on demand concerns, U.S. dollar surge; wheat futures firmer.

Pro Farmer's After the Bell
Pro Farmer’s After the Bell
(Farm Journal)

Corn: December corn fell 3/4 of a cent to $6.57 1/4, after earlier dropping to the lowest intraday price since Aug. 26. Corn took pressure as the U.S. dollar rebounded sharply following last week’s steep drop, crude oil futures plunged over $3 and rising Covid cases in China stirred concerns over demand. USDA late today reported 93% of the U.S. corn crop was harvested as of Sunday, up from 87% a week earlier and ahead of the 85% average for that date the previous five years.

Soybeans: January soybeans fell 9 1/2 cents to $14.40 1/2, at the lower end of today’s range. December soymeal fell $1.40 to $406.00. December soyoil fell 69 points to 76.28 cents. The soy complex posted broad declines amid pressure from weakness in global vegoils, concerns over Chinese demand and a mostly favorable crop outlook in South America. USDA said 96% of the soybean crop was harvested as of Sunday, up from 94% a week earlier and ahead of the 91% five-year average for that date.

Wheat: December SRW wheat rose 3 cents to $8.38 1/4. December HRW wheat gained 12 3/4 cents to $9.56 1/4. December spring wheat rose 17 1/4 cents to $9.63, a two-week high. Wheat futures disregarded weakness in corn and soybeans and posted gains amid signs of improved export demand spurred short covering and corrective buying in the wake of last week’s losses. USDA late today reported 32% of the U.S. winter wheat crop in “good” or “excellent” condition as of Sunday, up from 30% a week earlier and slightly better than analysts’ expectations for 31%. Wheat rated poor-to-very poor totaled 32%, down from 34% a week earlier.

Cotton: December cotton fell 292 points to 85.28 cents, the lowest close since Nov. 3. Cotton took pressure as the U.S. dollar turned stronger, while crude oil futures tumbled over $3 amid heightened concern over global demand as Covid cases in China continue to rise.

Cattle: December live cattle rose 5 cents to $151.575, after earlier falling to $151.25, the lowest intraday price since Nov. 3. January feeder cattle rose 87.5 cents to $179.45. Nearby December live cattle was supported by expectations cash prices will extend recent strength. Live steers last week averaged $152.71, up 73 cents from the previous week’s average and the sixth consecutive weekly gain. Choice beef cutout values fell 96 cents to $257.98 on strong movement of 139 loads.

Hogs: December lean hog futures rose 52.5 cents to $84.875. Hog futures gained on short covering and technical buying after last week’s stronger close, though buying interest was limited by a slumping cash market. The CME lean hog index fell 33 cents to a nine-month low of $88.63 (as of Nov. 10). Pork cutout values fell $1.33 to $96.56 on slower movement of about 298 loads.