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Soybean Futures Dip Overnight Amid Weak Export Sales and Favorable South American Weather; Cash Receipts to Decline Slightly as Direct Payments Surge in 2025.
Soybean Futures Slide in Overnight Trading
Soybean futures faced downward pressure overnight, driven by lackluster export sales data and improved weather conditions in key soybean-producing regions of South America.
According to a report released late yesterday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), soybean export sales for the week ending January 30 totaled 387,700 metric tons, marking a 12% decline from the previous week and a 40% drop from the prior four-week average. China led the buying with 208,700 tons, followed by the Netherlands (125,200 tons) and Egypt (107,900 tons). Mexico and South Korea also purchased 63,700 tons and 60,900 tons, respectively. However, the overall figures were dampened by significant order cancellations, including 262,800 tons by an unnamed country and 53,800 tons by Spain.
Adding to the bearish sentiment, favorable weather in Brazil and Argentina has eased concerns over crop stress. Commodity Weather Group noted that drier conditions in Brazil’s center-west region are aiding fieldwork, while dry spells in southern growing areas are expected to ease in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, recent rainfall in Argentina has alleviated stress on approximately 25% of the country’s soybean and corn crops.
On the Chicago Board of Trade, March soybean futures fell 4.5 cents to 10.56perbushel.Soymealfuturesdropped1.60 to 304.80pershortton,whilesoyoilslipped0.13centsto45.27centsperpound.Cornfuturesalsoedgedlower,falling2centsto4.93¼ per bushel, and wheat futures dipped 1.75 cents to 5.86perbushel.KansasCitywheatfutures,however,sawaslightuptick,risingto6.07¾ per bushel.
U.S. Farm Cash Receipts to Dip Slightly in 2025, Direct Payments to Soar
The USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) projects a modest decline in U.S. agricultural cash receipts for 2025, offset by a significant surge in direct government payments to farmers.
Cash receipts from agricultural commodity sales are expected to fall 0.3% to $515 billion this year, driven by a 2.3% year-over-year decline in crop receipts. Lower soybean and corn income will be partially offset by a 1.4% increase in receipts for livestock and animal products.
In contrast, direct government payments are forecast to skyrocket by more than 354% to 42.4billion,largelyduetosupplementalandadhocdisasterassistanceprogramsaimedatsupportingfarmersandranchers.Productionexpenses,meanwhile,areexpectedtodecreaseby0.6450.4 billion, with notable declines in feed, fertilizer, and pesticide costs.
The average net cash income per farm is projected to rise 11% to $128,900, with all nine USDA ERS Farm Resource Regions anticipated to see gains in 2025.
Red Flag Warnings Issued for Southern Plains Amid Extreme Dry Conditions
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued red flag warnings for parts of the southern Plains, citing extremely dry weather and strong winds.
In the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles, sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph are expected this afternoon, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Relative humidity levels are forecast to plummet to around 6%, creating high fire risk conditions. The warnings are in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Further north, winter weather advisories have been issued across a broad swath of the northern Plains, stretching from Oregon to Lake Michigan. Southern North Dakota and northern South Dakota could see up to 5 inches of snow tomorrow, leading to slippery roads and reduced visibility due to blowing snow. Central and northern Wisconsin are also bracing for 3 to 6 inches of snow, beginning overnight and continuing into Saturday.
