1. Wheat and Soybeans Surge Following USDA Report

Wheat and soybean futures have shown positive movements ahead of the USDA’s 2026/2027 estimates for acreage, yield, and carryout released recently.

According to the USDA, U.S. farmers are expected to significantly increase soybean acreage to 85 million acres for the upcoming marketing year beginning on August 1, 2026. This marks an increase from the 81.2 million acres planted in the current season.

The anticipated yield for soybeans remains stable at 53 bushels per acre, while carryout is projected at 355 million bushels, slightly up from the previous year’s estimate of 350 million bushels.

For corn, a different picture emerges, with the USDA forecasting a planted area of 94 million acres—a reduction from the 98.8 million acres planted this year. Yield for corn is projected to drop to 183 bushels per acre, down from 186.5 bushels estimated for the 2025/2026 year.

Ending stocks for corn are likely to decrease to 1.837 billion bushels, a notable drop from 2.127 billion this year.

The wheat area is expected to reach around 45 million acres, a slight reduction from 45.3 million this season. Yield estimates for wheat are forecast at 50.8 bushels per acre, down from 53.3 bushels last year. Ending stocks for wheat are projected to be stable at around 933 million bushels, which is marginally higher than the 931 million estimated for the current year.

Following the announcement, wheat futures for March delivery rose by 9¢, reaching $5.61½ per bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). Similarly, Kansas City futures also saw a gain of 9¢, reaching $5.70¾ per bushel. Soybean futures increased by 3¢, trading at $11.52 per bushel, while corn futures gained ¾¢, trading at $4.37½ per bushel.

2. Hatcheries Increase Egg and Chick Placements

In a follow-up report, U.S. hatcheries have increased their placements of eggs and chicks. In the week ending February 14, 254 million eggs were set in incubators, reflecting a 2% increase year-over-year, according to USDA data.

The average hatchability rate has been reported at 79.1%, indicating strong productivity. Notably, broiler placements totaled 196 million chicks, also up by 2% compared to last year.

From January 10 to February 14, placements totaled 1.18 billion, marking a steady progress over the past year. Georgia continues to lead the pack with the highest number of broiler-type eggs set at 36.3 billion, followed closely by Alabama and Arkansas.

3. Winter Storm Warnings for Corn Belt States

Currently, winter storm warnings and advisories have been issued across parts of Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming, as forecasted by the National Weather Service.

Central Nebraska is expected to receive 4 to 8 inches of snow, accompanied by windy conditions with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Similar forecasts for central Iowa include up to six inches of snow, warning residents to prepare for slippery conditions on the roads.

In contrast, dry weather has been projected for the U.S. Southern Plains, where red flag warnings have been issued due to low humidity levels dropping to 7%, resulting in a high risk of fire spread.