According to our analysis corn (ZC) futures prices moved around 40 ticks on USDA WASDE (World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates) and USDA Grain Stocks data on 12 July 2024.

The JULY WASDE Report: Implications for Global Agriculture Markets

The recently released World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report for July 2024 provides crucial insights into the agricultural sector, forecasting trends for commodities like wheat, coarse grains, and oilseeds. These projections not only shape farming strategies but also have significant implications for traders, policymakers, and global markets. Let's delve into the key points from the report and their potential impact.

Wheat: Surplus Production with Lower Prices

The 2024/25 outlook for U.S. wheat indicates an increase in supplies, exports, and ending stocks. Production is expected to rise substantially, with all wheat production increasing by 134 million bushels to 2,008 million. This increase is attributed to larger harvested areas and higher yields, with significant rises noted in both spring wheat and winter wheat production.

Globally, the wheat supply is set to increase by 6.9 million tons, driven by higher production in the United States, Pakistan, and Canada. Pakistan’s wheat production is forecasted to reach a record 31.4 million tons. This surplus in production is likely to push down prices; the season-average farm price for wheat is projected to decrease by $0.80 per bushel to $5.70.

Coarse Grains: Corn Leads with Strong Production

The U.S. corn market is also looking robust with projections indicating larger supplies and increased domestic use and exports, although ending stocks are slightly lower. Corn production is expected to rise by 240 million bushels, with total use increasing by 100 million bushels due to greater feed and residual use and exports. This is likely to decrease the season-average farm price by 10 cents to $4.30 per bushel.

On the international front, the coarse grain outlook is mixed, with reductions in foreign corn production in the EU, Canada, and Russia due to challenging weather conditions. However, global corn exports for 2024/25 have shifted, favoring the United States, while imports are up for Canada and Mexico.

Oilseeds: A Slight Downturn with a Steady Outlook

The U.S. oilseed production for 2024/25 is projected at 131.5 million tons, with minor adjustments across various seeds. Soybean production is down by 15 million bushels due to a lower harvested area, which might lead to a slight decrease in ending stocks. The season-average soybean price is forecasted at $11.10 per bushel, a slight decrease from previous estimates.

Globally, soybean stocks are slightly down by 0.1 million tons, with notable decreases in Argentina, Brazil, and the EU. This is contrasted by increased soybean imports for China, suggesting a larger demand within the Asian markets.

Market Implications and Strategic Moves

• Farmers and Agricultural Producers: The increased production in both wheat and corn suggests that farmers might benefit from expanding their acreage or investing in technologies to enhance yield. However, they must also prepare for potential price drops due to higher supply.

• Traders and Investors: The shifts in global supply and demand provide trading opportunities, particularly in commodities with significant changes in stock levels or production forecasts. Diversifying portfolios to include commodities with expected price increases or stable markets could be beneficial.

• Policymakers and Economic Planners: Ensuring stability in local markets despite global fluctuations will be crucial. Policies aimed at supporting domestic agriculture during times of excess global supply could help mitigate adverse effects on local farmers.

Conclusion

The July WASDE report paints a complex picture of the global agricultural landscape, characterized by increased production and varying market dynamics across different commodities. Stakeholders across the spectrum, from farmers to policymakers, must stay informed and agile to navigate these changes effectively. As always, the key to success in agriculture lies in strategic planning and adaptability to ever-changing market conditions.

Source: https://www.usda.gov/oce/commodity/wasde/wasde0724.pdf

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