CBOT March 2020 soybeans with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. grains: Soybeans hit highest price since June 2018

Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — The most actively traded U.S. soybean futures contract rose on Thursday, touching its highest price since June 2018 on optimism about U.S.-China trade. Traders and farmers hope China, the world’s biggest soybean importer, will ramp up U.S. purchases following a recently struck Phase 1 trade deal, which includes a commitment by […] Read more



Grain markets are cautious ahead of the holidays despite recent positive trade news between the U.S. and China.  Photo: iStock/Getty Images

U.S. grains: Markets remain cautious, rangebound ahead of holiday

Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters – U.S. soybean futures were mixed on Tuesday, slipping at one point from a six-week high hit in the previous session, as grain markets remained cautious and positive trade news with China weighed against disappointing export sales data, traders said. The market has high expectations of top-consumer China ramping up soy purchases […] Read more


Photo: Getty Images

U.S. grains: Soy futures hit six-week high on U.S.-China trade hopes

Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters – U.S. soybean futures touched a six-week high on Monday on optimism that China would ramp up purchases of U.S. soy following this month’s announcement of a “Phase 1” trade deal, analysts said. Corn futures firmed, following strength in soybeans, while wheat turned lower in thin technical trade ahead of this week’s […] Read more




(File photo by Dave Bedard)

Teamsters seek charges against CP to cap working hours

Reading Time: 3 minutes Montreal/Toronto | Reuters — A union is taking the unusual step of pursuing contempt of court charges against Canada’s second-largest railroad, in a previously unreported case that escalates the debate over working hours for railroad employees, according to two sources and legal documents. The Teamsters union argued in court filings that Canadian Pacific Railway should […] Read more


CBOT March 2020 corn, with 20- and 50-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. grains: Soybeans, corn rise as traders adjust positions

Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — U.S. soybean and corn futures ticked higher on Friday as traders adjusted positions ahead of the year-end holidays. Lingering uncertainty over demand prospects created by a U.S.-China trade deal hung over the markets. Crop prices increased after Washington and Beijing last week struck a ‘Phase One’ trade deal that includes a […] Read more

CME February 2020 live cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. livestock: Cattle placements top estimates

Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — U.S. cattle producers placed more animals than expected into feedlots last month, U.S. Department of Agriculture data showed on Friday, raising expectations for big supplies next summer. The increase in placements will likely pressure futures prices on Monday, brokers said. Meat producers and buyers are keeping a close watch on herd […] Read more