July 15, 2026

Mid-Co Morning Comments:
 

• Wheat futures are the upside leader this morning on reports that Russia has escalated attacks on the port system in Odessa, which handles the majority of grain exports in Ukraine. Corn and soybeans are also firmer, drawn higher by strength in wheat and outside markets. 
• Bean CIF values held steady yesterday, while CIF corn had a softer tone. Barge freight continues to climb across all river segments through fall, with a large export program expected to keep demand firm.
• December 26 corn futures touched the 200-day moving average in the session, and a move above this level could indicate an upward trajectory.
• NOPA crush for June will be released later this morning, and traders are expecting to see crush for the month at 203.989 million bushels. This would be down 2% from May but still up 10% from June of last year. 
• Midwest weather continues to be hot and dry this week, but forecasts for next week have shifted to cooler temperatures and normal rains. Extreme heat across the central U.S. should ease by the middle of next week.
• Outside markets are trading mixed: nearby crude oil futures are up $.30-.40/bbl, the Dow Jones index is up 110-120 points, and the U.S. dollar index is down 4-10 points. 
• Today's reports include EIA Weekly Ethanol Production/Energy Stocks and NOPA Soybean Crush.