Markets anticipating weekly export report Thursday morning

Corn futures were mixed early Thursday morning. There was little fresh news, with the highlights being the exclusion of U.S. corn from a major South Korean purchase and a modest switch toward increased short-term Argentine precipitation by the U.S. weather model. However, traders may have been covering short positions ahead of the 7:30 AM (CST) release of weekly USDA Export Sales report, since a large total spark a bullish reaction. March corn edged 0.75 cent higher, to $6.9625/bushel in early morning action, while December inched upward by 0.75 cent to $5.65.

The modest improvement in the precipitation forecast for the driest areas of Argentina seemingly depressed soybean futures Wednesday night. Otherwise there was not a lot of news concerning the soybean complex either. News that palm oil prices slipped in Asia overnight may have weighed upon soybean oil futures as well. That might also help explain the relative firmness exhibited by soymeal. Of course, the USDA Export Sales reports later this morning could spark a significant move in the soy complex. March beans dipped 1.75 cents to $14.2125 cents/pound in pre-dawn trading, while March soyoil fell 0.15 cents to 51.50 cents/pound, and March meal rose $0.2 to $408.1/ton.

Despite the negative influence spilling over from the corn and soy markets, wheat futures rose modestly Wednesday night. There were apparently few changes to weather forecasts for the wheat fields of the U.S. Southern Plains, but European news may have supported American prices somewhat. A French firm reportedly cut its 2013 wheat production forecast by 1.1 million tonnes. Talk of poor crop conditions in Southern Russia may have encouraged bulls as well. March CBOT wheat futures rose 3.0 cents to 7.3825/bushel early Thursday morning, while March KCBT wheat gained 4.75 cents to $7.85, and March MGE futures climbed 4.25 cents to $8.2725.

CME live cattle continued their recent decline Wednesday night despite a slight rise in beef cutout values and news that the delivery notices posted Tuesday afternoon were quickly demanded. Ongoing cash market losses are almost surely weighing upon the Chicago market, especially with packer margins remaining deep in the red. Futures are somewhat oversold from a technical standpoint, but that is no assurance that prices will not move even lower. April cattle tumbled 0.55 cents to 128.85 cents/pound in early Thursday trading, while August sank 0.27 cents to 125.00. Meanwhile, March feeder cattle lost 0.45 cents to 140.90 cents/pound, and August dropped 0.65 cents to 153.95.

1. Burger King continues to invade delivery territory
2. Corn futures relapse in wake of Wednesday's rally
3. Commentary: Kiwi controversy
4. Cattle Markets: Cattle prices up with seasonal rates
5. NASA backs 3D food printer to feed growing population
6. Some South Dakota livestock auctions entering the digital world

1. Former Eastern Livestock CEO, CFO sentenced for federal crimes
2. Post-tornado composting a solution for disposal of dead livestock
3. Michigan hay buyers should plan purchases early
4. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
5. New animal identification rules aid disease traceability
6. More beef cows in worst drought regions than a year ago

1. Commentary: GMOs: How do I hate thee?
2. Commentary: In praise of animal foods
3. Meat and climate change: How significant is the impact?
4. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
5. What’s on America’s grill this weekend?
6. Survey reveals most Americans in favor of COOL