Crop Tour Wraps Up First Day Amid Weather Concerns and Rising Demand
The first day of the 2026 Pro Farmer Crop Tour has come to a close, and scouts have reported varied results from the western leg. Drought conditions appeared to take a toll on corn in the west, while historic rains and flooding have raised concerns for soybean crops.
November beans saw a significant rally of 23 ½ cents, finishing at $12.16, as expectations of crop damage due to excess moisture and flooding were met with optimism. China demand and strength across the soy complex, coupled with surging diesel prices driving up demand for soybean oil, also contributed to the increase.
December corn rose by 6 ¼ cents to finish at $4.89 ½, its highest level in three weeks, boosted by weather concerns and a surge in corn export inspections. Wheat saw a mixed performance, with September soft red winter wheat ending unchanged at $6.74 ¾, while September hard red winter wheat gained 4 ½ cents.
The USDA's weekly Crop Progress and Condition report showed a slight decline in both corn and soybean conditions, with the Pro Farmer Crop Condition Index experiencing a significant drop of 2.67 points for the U.S. corn crop and 1.89 points for the soybean CCI.