A raging winter storm that began in the western US but really took on a new life in the Southeast is closing some federal offices in Washington D.C., today.\r\n   The USDA appears to be open, however, with weekly export sales already released.  Its long-term Baseline figures are scheduled for later this morning.  Federal Reserve … Read More

The US House of Representatives Tuesday voted to raise the debt ceiling until 2015 without conditions, a major change in strategy, sending a sigh of relief among equities traders around the world.\r\n   Stock market futures rose in overnight trading, and part of the strength may be tied to relief over the debt ceiling issue. … Read More

The cost of protein in our diets is likely to go up this year amid tight supplies of red meats, the USDA said Monday.\r\n   In its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, the USDA said it expected a little more beef production, but this would be more than offset by lower pork, … Read More

Grain and soybean futures prices are mixed in overnight trading ahead of the noon ET release of the USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.  \r\n   The report is expected to show lower ending stocks for corn, soybeans and wheat, but subsequent USDA estimates are expected to show good planting intentions and the prospect … Read More

CBOT Oats futures closed above corn for the first time in nearly 12 years, sparking examinations of correlations among traders as to what it means.  \r\n   The Powerline Group took this up in their newsletter Thursday, citing an old saying that “Oats Knows,” implying that oats often is a leading indicator of upcoming price … Read More

Grain, soybean and livestock futures are up in overnight trading as harsh, wintry weather and technical indicators lend support.\r\n   Livestock futures also are getting support from ideas of weather-related stress and reduced slaughter weights, along with oversold technical conditions and a weaker US Dollar, market analysts said.\r\n   Country grain movement slowed again Wednesday, … Read More

Grain futures are lower in overnight trading amid what appears to be profit taking after Tuesday’s rally.  Soybeans are up a little as dry weather continues in eastern Brazil and estimates of Argentina’s crop size fade.\r\n   Adding even more pressure to the corn market was increased hede selling as farmer selling picked up on … Read More