Market Trends and Trade Talks Shaping Farm Decisions

Political Headlines, Trade Speculation, and Shifting Commodity Markets - A Typical Week for Commodity Markets

The past week was marked by political headlines, trade speculation, and shifting commodity markets. On the weekly Ag Commodity Corner+ Podcast, Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino and Commodity Strategist Abhinesh Gopal discussed the key market drivers influencing agriculture during the week of October 20 to 24, 2025.

Corn prices held firm despite ongoing uncertainty. Soybeans were the strongest performers, supported by speculation that China may return to the U.S. market ahead of a potential diplomatic meeting between U.S. and Chinese leaders. Although a final agreement is not guaranteed, even goodwill purchases could support short-term gains in soybean futures, potentially lifting prices toward the $11.00 to $11.10 range.

Cattle markets saw notable pressure. Recent talk of increasing beef imports from Argentina and Brazil, and possibly reopening the Mexican border for cattle imports triggered concerns about domestic supply competition. Weather challenges, drought, and long-term herd decline have been key drivers of stronger cattle prices, and that continues to be the fundamental reality. However, short-term policy shifts and trade discussions created uncertainty, causing feeder and live cattle futures to correct lower.

Crude oil markets reacted to new geopolitical tensions as sanctions were placed on major Russian energy companies. While oil futures moved higher temporarily, analysts cautioned that long-term supply dynamics still suggest downward pressure later in the season.

Crop yield discussions also gained traction. With government reporting delayed, private surveys indicated U.S. corn yields may fall below earlier expectations due to heat stress and disease during key growth periods. Weather in northern China and central Brazil raised questions about global grain supplies moving into winter.

Agostino and Gopal emphasized that farmers should remain flexible and consider strategic marketing to balance risk and opportunity. Watching trade developments, weather models, and price trend signals remains essential for planning sales ahead of the U.S. Thanksgiving marketing window.

For daily information and updates on agriculture commodity marketing and price risk management for North American farmers, producers, and agribusiness visit things; Farms.com Risk Management Website to subscribe to the program.

Podcast lover who already has a YouTube.com account? To receive notifications when the Ag Commodity Corner+ Podcast is posted each week, be sure to Subscribe to the Farms.com channel, and ensure you have and ensure you have "All" selected. This way you will be notified whenever we post a new video. But remember, you have to be logged in to receive the notifications on YouTube.