August Weather Forecast: Make or Break for Corn and Soybean Yields

The corn and soybean crops are entering a critical stage in their development, and the weather conditions in August will play a significant role in determining their yields.

In a typical year, most of the Corn Belt is well on its way to determining crop size by the third and fourth week of July. However, adverse weather during this period could reduce yield, resulting in a poor crop.

For soybeans, early planting has become more common in recent years, making late July weather more important for crop development than it was 10 years ago. Early August is a crucial time for soybean crops, as it's where the pods are filled with moisture, either enough to produce a good yield or not.

The price of corn futures has reached its yearly low in August in recent years, including in 2024 and 2025, when it dropped below $5. However, this year's June 30 low was at $4.25¾, which may be an indication that the current prices are already factoring in the seasonal aspects of supply and demand.

Farmers should consider a balanced marketing approach to manage price volatility, including taking advantage of recent price rallies and being prepared for potential downward momentum if crop prospects improve.