Podcast: Acreage Gains Prove Hard to Make

In the wake of the USDA’s June Acreage and Stocks Reports, we discuss the likely impacts on G&O and cotton markets given the USDA’s latest estimates. Expectations for acreage gains were high given higher prices during plantings this season, but mixed weather across the US and stiff competition for acres between crops meant those gains were hard to achieve, especially in corn and soybeans. US June grain stocks also declined to a six-year low. With tighter stocks and lower-than-expected aggregate acreage for corn and soybeans, the pressure is on for good yields and good weather this season in the US.