Corn Futures Rise as Traders Anticipate Record US Stockpiles
Corn futures have risen in Chicago as traders prepare for the upcoming USDA stocks report. The report is expected to reveal the country's corn inventories as of September 1, which could significantly impact market expectations.
Analysts surveyed by Reuters expect US corn stocks to reach around 1.918 billion bushels, a six-year high. This would still be slightly below the USDA's latest estimate for 2025/26 ending stocks of 1.922 billion bushels.
The expected figure has led to a modest advance in December corn futures on the Chicago Board of Trade, gaining 2.75 cents to $5.2475 per bushel. Traders are positioning themselves ahead of the report, which can trigger sharp swings in agricultural markets.
Rain delays across the US Corn Belt have also provided some support to prices. Wet conditions can prevent farmers from operating heavy harvesting equipment efficiently, temporarily slowing the flow of newly harvested corn into the market.