Harvest Risk Rises as Corn and Soybean Prices Hit Multi-Year Highs

Market advisers Austin Schroeder of Brugler Marketing and Ross Baldwin of John Stewart & Associates warned producers to be cautious as they navigate the current market conditions. With corn and soybean prices at multi-year highs, producers have a good opportunity to price their grain, but this comes with significant risk.

Schroeder noted that the market recently reached three-year highs, giving producers a better chance to sell their grain at favorable prices. However, he emphasized that daily price swings remain wide, making it essential for producers with limited storage or bushels that must move at harvest to consider cash sales or hedges.

Baldwin agreed with Schroeder's assessment, adding that production costs have increased due to inflation. He pointed out that corn near $5.50 offers levels that could support sales, and advised farmers to use current values to manage their bottom line and mitigate risk.

The market is also waiting for more details from the trade discussions between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Schroeder said an announcement from U.S. Trade Representative Greer was expected on Monday, although the content remained uncertain. He noted that traders would be looking for firm numbers, specific commodities, or other details connected to prospective Chinese purchases.