Grain Comments: 04-17-2026

Good morning.

Markets are mixed this morning, with corn and wheat slightly higher, while soybeans are down almost a nickel. Planting progress across the Midwest has been mixed—some areas are off to a solid start, while others remain disrupted by recent rains. Corn spreads are firmer, with CK/CN tightening to -8 ½ overnight. Crude oil futures are roughly $4 lower, trading near $91 per barrel.

Basis was mostly quiet across the country yesterday. Soybean processor basis was slightly firmer in the West as crush margins continue to improve. Nearby soybean board crush margins pushed to new contract highs, approaching $3.31 per bushel.

Wheat futures have found some strength on ongoing drought concerns across the Western Plains. Kansas City wheat is nearing recent highs, while Chicago wheat continues to hold above key moving averages. While extended forecasts are starting to introduce some rain chances, longer-range outlooks have remained unfavorable for the Plains.

President Trump signaled progress in U.S.–Iran talks, noting Iran appears more willing to make concessions and hinting a potential deal could come together as soon as this weekend; the Strait of Hormuz blockade remains in place, and failure to reach an agreement could lead to renewed hostilities.

Forecasts call for scattered rain across the Midwest over the next 7 days, with heavier totals expected in Missouri and eastern Kansas. Cooler weather is set to move in over the weekend, along with the potential for storms.

CIF bids remain strong for April, with CIF corn bid at +96K. River basis continues to hold competitive, with solid values trading into terminals for April and May. Soybeans have strengthened as well, with May CIF bids at +95K—up 12 cents from the start of the month.

Have a great day.