By DTN Staff
Here are the Top 5 things the DTN Newsroom is tracking for the week of July 23. Watch for coverage of these and other topics through the week on our subscription platforms as well as on DTNPF.com.
1. Missiles Fall, Temperatures Climb: The drivers in grain markets short-term are the oncoming heat (see below) and Vladimir Putin's ongoing onslaught of Ukraine grain ports. That puts pressure on overland movement of grain out of Ukraine through neighboring countries, and the storage backlog will eventually influence how much farmers there can plant. For our most recent update on Ukraine, see Lead Analyst Todd Hultman's Todd's Take: https://www.dtnpf.com/…, and Ag Policy Editor Chris Clayton's look at Ukraine challenges at https://www.dtnpf.com/….
2. Weather Patterns Quiet, Hot: Recent rain systems, and the active weather pattern that spawned them, have improved soil moisture conditions in a lot of areas. But the patterns, they are a changing, says our Ag Meteorologist John Baranick. A high-pressure dome and less active patterns will bring heat and dryness. The critical question is did rains bring enough soil moisture reserves to help crops get through the coming heat, which could generally last through the end of July and into August? There is a lot of pollination, grain fill and pod set going on as things heat up. Baranick notes the predicted conditions are pushing the boundaries of current weather models; some have spit out temperature possibilities above 110 Fahrenheit in the western and central Corn Belt. It's unlikely temps will get that high in any sustained way, Baranick adds, but it will be unpleasant. Stay hydrated, take breaks out of the sun and heat, and pay special attention to livestock and those that can't take care of themselves. For our latest thoughts on weather and markets, see the In The News video here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….