Market Notes
Updated: 2/20/2026
USDA Outlook Forum has harvested corn acres down 5.2 million. It shows 26-27 carryover at 1.837 million bushel and drops 26-27 demand 400 million bushels.
The USDA at today’s Outlook Forum said harvested acres will be done 5.2 million from the February WASDE report of 91.3. At the same time, they said exports would be down 200 million bushels next year with feed and residual usage down 200 million which cuts total demand 400 million bushels. They left ethanol usage unchanged at 5.6 billion bushels which suggests they see a hard road ahead for E15 year-round. They also said the average farm price would be $4.20 which is up only 10 cents from the current 5-26 estimate.
The market remains in a sideways pattern with neutral conditions as the choppy action continues. Technical resistance is from $4.33 up to $4.36 while support is from $4.25 down to $4.21 in March. The lack of fresh bullish news is keeping the market in its tight sideways trend.
The USDA at the Outlook Forum said harvested acres for beans is up 3.6 million acres from the current February WASDE report of 80.4 million. They also said exports would be up 125 million bushels as they add back some China demand. Total usage is up 207 million bushels in today’s estimates. Crush is up 85 million bushels which is up 210 million form the 24-25 crop year as biofuel demand ramps up. Ending stocks were still put 5 million higher than the February WASDE as supplies increase more than demand but just marginally
The overall bean technical picture remains unchanged as we show an uptrend while short-term indicators are balanced after correcting minor overbought conditions. The market closed at its highest level for this move as it tests resistance which runs from $11.34 up to $11.50 with today’s high at 11.42. Support remains from $11.15 down to $11.00.
John R. Anderson, Vice President of Grain
Updated: 2/13/2026
USDA wire announces sale of 230K MT to unknown. USDA did increase demand in the WASDE. Weather in South America still being watched closely. No change technically as the market holds to a neutral leaning with the market range bound between $4.24 and $4.36.
Technical buying noted today as China in beans. South American weather remains favorable next two weeks. The technicals remain strong with the trend flags still showing an uptrend as fund buying was noted again after a neutral WASDE report. The market has closed above $11.15 and is now taking aim at the resistance window which runs from $11.34 up to $11.50. Support is now from $11.15 down to $11.00.
The United States and China are preparing to extend their current trade truce by up to a year, and this extension may include rolling back certain tariffs for as long as twelve months. Negotiators are aiming to finalize the plan at an early‑April 2026 summit in Beijing, where Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to meet. The has expectedly triggered a flurry of fund buying overnight.
John R. Anderson, Vice President of Grain
Managing Risk to Optimize Price
Grain and oilseed markets can be complex and fluid, and the best opportunity one minute can change in the next. The grain team at Farmers Union Cooperative is here to provide a strategic, forward-thinking approach to marketing that will help you manage volatility and realize a better overall outcome from your grain sales.
Because of our geographic location, we have several choices in where we sell grain. This provides us with unique opportunities to market your grain and diversify your portfolio to manage risk.
We often work with our farmer-members to put together sales to achieve a better price. Whether you sell to us, a processor, or a river terminal, we’ll help you capture a better price with delivery terms that work for you (whether you deliver or utilize our services).
Our facilities
We have facilities in Ossian, Fort Atkinson, Postville, Waucoma and Manchester that receive corn, soybeans and oats. Our New Albin location handles corn only.
Grain delivered to our feed mills is used in the area as livestock feed. You can also utilize our grain bank service for your own feed needs.
We make regular investments in our facilities to ensure a smooth unloading process, and we have storage of around 6.5 million bushels.
During the busy fall season, we flex our hours to keep grain moving and get you back to the field as soon as possible.
Farmers Union Grain Contacts
For more information on any of our grain services, contact Farmers Union’s grain team:
John Anderson
VP of Grain
David Schneiter
Location Manager-Fort Atkinson/Waucoma
Farmers Union Grain Locations
Cash Bids
Futures
Grain Programs
We offer numerous specialized marketing contracts that help spread risk and take advantage of opportunities when they arise. Please talk to us about your objectives, and we’ll work with you to choose contracts that fit your risk tolerance and profit goals.
In addition to grain contracts, we offer services such as discounted drying at the beginning of the fall season. We also can do on-farm pickup with our trucks, and we can deliver to direct-ship locations at your request.