Commodity Week
Established 1988 Commodity Week is a weekly wrap-up of the CME Group grain markets with analysis and guest interviews. The program is generally recorded Thursday afternoons and posted online by 7:00 p.m. central. It airs on WILL AM580 during the 2:00 p.m. hour each Friday. Commodity Week is a production of University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Public Media. Like the daily Closing Market Report, it is hosted by University of Illinois Extension Farm Broadcaster Todd Gleason. website: willag.org twitter: @commodityweek
Jul 30 | Commodity Week
The July 30 edition of Commodity Week features agricultural market analysis from panelists Matt Bennett, Chip Nellinger, and Jason Winter. The discussion centers on the immediate threat of severe heat and dry weather to crop yields in the Dakotas, alongside a sustained regional shift from wheat to corn and soybean acreage. Jason Winter highlights strong ongoing corn demand from the Pacific Northwest and intensified local soybean competition driven by newly constructed processing plants in North Dakota. The analysts concur that while short-term market movements will be dictated by impending weather forecasts, long-term prices will likely remain supported by shrinking global...
Jul 23 | Commodity Week
The July 23 edition of Commodity Week, hosted by Todd Gleason, features agricultural market analysis from panelists Greg Johnson, Dave Chatterton, Curt Kimmel, and emeritus guest Wayne Nelson. The central theme of the program revolves around recent price rallies in the grain markets, with soybeans reaching the $12 range and corn nearing $5. The panelists strongly encourage farmers to focus on securing profitability through incremental, scale-up sales rather than trying to perfectly time the absolute top of the market. Key drivers of these market dynamics include highly variable Midwestern crop conditions—stemming from a wet planting season and localized dry spells—alongside sign...
Jul 16 | Commodity Week
The July 16 edition of Commodity Week, hosted by Todd Gleason from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Summer Showcase in Kansas City, Missouri, features agricultural analysts Mike Zuzolo of GlobalCommResearch.com and Arlan Suderman of StoneX. The program delves into deep macroeconomic and geopolitical parallels between the current market environment and the 1980s, highlighting how shifts in Chinese demand and escalating global conflicts, particularly new drone-driven disruptions in the Black Sea, are altering international grain and energy trade. The panel examines the operational complexities of domestic biofuel policies, such as the 45Z tax credit and RVO programs, noting...
Jul 09 | a note from Todd
Jul 02 | Commodity Week
In the July 2 edition of Commodity Week, host Todd Gleason and panelists Shane Holtorf, Naomi Blohm, and Matt Bennett review regional disparities in crop conditions, highlighting strong growth in Iowa and Wisconsin against waterlogged, disease-threatened fields in East Central Illinois. Analyzing the USDA Grain Stocks report, the panel notes that while a brief market rally occurred, old crop corn stocks remain near an eight-year high, advising producers to sell before seasonal pressure mounts. New crop corn carryout is projected between 1.80 and 1.90 billion bushels, with prices likely to test harvest lows unless major weather disruptions occur or WASDE reports introduce...
Jun 25 | Commodity Week
The June 25 edition of Commodity Week featured analysis from Arlan Suderman of StoneX, Curt Kimmel of AgMarket .net, and Greg Johnson of Total Grain Marketing. The panel evaluated the impending June 30 USDA acreage and quarterly grain stocks reports, noting that these figures, alongside developing weather patterns, will establish the primary direction for the markets. Expectations for corn acreage generally reflect a slight decrease from March intentions, while soybean acreage is anticipated to be marginally higher.
Weather remains a dominant factor as the corn crop approaches its critical July pollination window. Elevated temperatures will accelerate growing degree days...
Jun 18 | Commodity Week
The June 18, 2026, Commodity Week panel analyzed current agricultural market fundamentals, prioritizing export demand, domestic crop conditions, and macroeconomic shifts. China recently purchased 4.8 million bushels of U.S. soybeans, yet long-term fulfillment of their 25-million-metric-ton commitment remains uncertain pending tariff adjustments and sustained export competition from Brazil. Domestically, the market is bracing for upcoming USDA acreage and grain stocks reports, with analysts anticipating slight increases in soybean acreage and noting discrepancies in feed and residual data driven by heavier cattle slaughter weights. The recent Cattle on Feed report indicated a 102% year-over-year inventory, though overall beef production projections remain inexplicably low...
Jun 11 | Commodity Week
The June 11, 2026 edition of Commodity Week, hosted by Todd Gleason, evaluated the contrasting environmental and structural shifts altering the global agricultural landscape. Ellen Dearden highlighted severe weather disparities across the US Midwest, where central Illinois recently faced excessive rain and wind damage, while portions of South Dakota and Nebraska continue to suffer from severe drought and expanding wildfires. Ted Seifried analyzed the subtle domestic demand adjustments and global production updates in the June USDA WASDE report, noting that while US ending stocks remained relatively flat, surprise production increases for corn crops in Brazil and Argentina present long-term competitive threats...
Jun 04 | Commodity Week
In the June 4 edition of Commodity Week, host Todd Gleason and panelists Logan Kimmel, Sherman Newlin, and Shane Holtorf analyze the recent, severe sell-offs across the agricultural grain markets. The discussion highlights a 12-day consecutive drop in wheat futures—exacerbated by fund liquidations and crude oil market trends—that consequently dragged down corn and soybean prices. While domestic crush capacity provides a baseline of support for soybeans, the panel emphasizes that renewed export demand from China is critical for a sustained price recovery. Looking ahead to the late June acreage report and the potential for summer weather volatility, the anal...
May 29 | Commodity Week
The May 28, 2026 edition of Commodity Week centers on the volatility and risk management challenges currently facing the agricultural sector. Analysts Naomi Blohm and Arlan Suderman emphasize that geopolitical tensions, specifically the conflict involving Iran and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, are creating significant headline risk that could drastically impact crude oil and fertilizer prices for the 2027 crop year. Domestically and globally, unpredictable weather patterns—including hot and dry forecasts in the United States and potential production struggles in Brazil and India—are adding uncertainty to crop yields and input costs.
With December corn and Novem...
May 21 | Closing Market Report
The May 21st episode of Commodity Week featured a panel discussion with Todd Gleason, Curt Kimmel, Dave Chatterton, and Collin Watters regarding the current state of agricultural markets. The discussion focused on several key drivers, including weather, the potential for significant Chinese agricultural purchases, and the impact of renewable fuel policies like renewable diesel on the grain market. While the panel expressed optimism for a strong market, they noted that geopolitics and international relations, particularly with China, continue to create uncertainty and volatility for producers. Panelists emphasized the need for producers to remain flexible and opportunistic in their marketing...
May 14 | Commodity Week
Panelist
- Greg Johnson, TGM Total Grain Marketing
- Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing
- Brian Stark, The Andersons
The May 14 edition of Commodity Week, hosted by Todd Gleason, features panelists Greg Johnson, Chip Nellinger, and Brian Stark analyzing several critical agricultural market drivers. The panel extensively reviews the latest USDA WASDE report, highlighting a projected 3-million-acre reduction in corn plantings and emphasizing a slim margin for error in global crop supplies. They also note an unexpected decrease in total corn demand alongside an increase in soybean demand. Geopolitical tensions factor heavily into the...
May 07 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Garrett Toay, AgTraderTalk.com
- Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com
The May 7 edition of Commodity Week features analysts Mike Zuzolo and Garrett Toay discussing current agricultural and energy market conditions. The panel notes that while recent rains have aided corn and soybean planting in parts of Kansas and Illinois, dry conditions have led to significant abandonment of hard red winter wheat in states like Kansas and Nebraska. The analysts draw parallels between tightening supplies in the wheat and crude oil markets, attributing the latter to macroeconomic factors such as geopolitical conflicts, military actions affecting...
Apr 30 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Ellen Dearden, AgReview
- Logan Kimmel, Roach Ag
- Arlan Suderman, StoneX
The April 30 broadcast of Commodity Week examines agricultural marketing strategies amid geopolitical and economic volatility. Panelists urge producers to utilize current market rallies to execute incremental grain sales for the 2026 and 2027 crop years. The market is currently heavily influenced by speculative fund investments maintaining long positions in grains and cattle, which elevates price floors but increases market volatility.
Geopolitical factors, such as the ongoing Iranian war and high global energy costs, are driving inflation and creating long-term concerns r...
Apr 23 | Commodity Week
Panelist
- Brian Stark, AndersonsGrain.com
- Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net
- Dave Chatterton, SFarmMarketing.com
Apr 16 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Naomi Blohm, TotalFarmMarketing.com
- Greg Johnson, TGM TotalGrainMarketing.com
- Jim McCormick, AgMarket.net
The April 16 edition of Commodity Week, hosted by Todd Gleason, featured panelists Naomi Blohm, Greg Johnson, and Jim McCormick analyzing the current agricultural market landscape and the geopolitical factors influencing it. A primary focus was the potential shift in planting acres from corn to soybeans across the Midwest, driven by elevated input costs—specifically diesel and fertilizer—and compounded by heavy spring rainfall delaying field work. These fertilizer price spikes are being exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Mi...
Apr 09 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Shane Holtorf, Logic Ag Marketing
- Chuck Shelby, RMCommodities a Div of Zaner
- Ted Seifried, Zaner Ag Hedge
Apr 02 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net
- Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing
- Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com
Mar 26 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Dave Chatterton, SFarmMarketing.com
- Greg Johnson, TGM TotalFarmMarketing.com
- Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net
The March 26 edition of Commodity Week features host Todd Gleason with analysts Dave Chatterton, Curt Kimmel, and Greg Johnson.
The panel identifies the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East, specifically involving Iran, as the primary driver of current market volatility. This "headline risk" is dictating money flow, inflating energy markets, and elevating fertilizer costs. The analysts note that if the conflict is prolonged, as expected, high input costs will persist into the 2027 crop year.
R...
Mar 19 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Greg Johnson, TGM Total Grain Marketing
- Seth Vander Weide, Logic Ag Marketing
- Sherman Newlin, Risk Management Commodities Zaner Financial
Mar 12 | Commodity Week
All Day Ag Outlook Corn Panel
- Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net
- Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net
- Brian Stark, AndersonsGrain.com
- Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com
Mar 05 | Commodity Week
...from the All Day Ag Outlook
- Ellen Dearden, AgReview
- Greg Johnson, TGM Total Grain Marketing
- Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing
Feb 26 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net
- Dave Chatterton, SFarmMarketing.com
Feb 19 | Commodity Week
All Day Ag Outlook Tuesday, March 3
The Beef House in Covington, Indiana
$40 @ go.illinois.edu/alldayagoutlook
Panelists
- Jim McCormick, AgMarket.net
- Logan Kimmel, RoachAg.com
Feb 12 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Ellen Dearden, AgReview
- Arlan Suderman, StoneX.com
- Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com
Feb 05 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net
- Greg John, TotalGrainMarket.com
- Sherman Newlin, RMCommodities.com
Jan 22 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing
- Brian Stark, The Andersons
- Arlan Suderman, StoneX
Jan 15 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Logan Kimmel, RoachAg.com
- Jim McCormick, AgMraket.net
- Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com
Jan 08 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Naomi Blohm, TotalFarmMarketing.com
- Ellen Dearden, AgReview
- Chuck Shelby, RMCommodities.com
Dec 18 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Dave Chatterton, SFarmMarketing.com
- Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net
- Greg Johnson, TGM TotalGrainMarketing.com
Dec 11 | Commodity Week
- Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com
- Eric Snodgrass, NutrienAgSolutions
- Logan Kimmel, RoachAg.com
Dec 05 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net
- Ellen Dearden, AgReview
Nov 26 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Aaron Curtis, MID-CO
- Matt Darragh, Kpler
- Mike Zuzolo, Global Commodity Analytics
Nov 20 | Commodity Week
Panelist
- Naomi Blohm, TotalFarmMarketing.com
- Jim McCormick, AgMarket.net
- Arlan Suderman, StoneX.com
Nov 13 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Shane Holtorf, LogicAg.com
- Chip Nellinger, BlueReefInc.com
- Brian Stark, AndersonsGrain.com
Nov 06 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Greg Johnson, TGM TotalGrainMarketing.com
- Logan Kimmel, RoachAg.com
- Sherman Newlin, RMCommodities.com
Oct 30 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net
- Dave Chatterton, SFarmMarketing.com
- Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net
Oct 23 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Naomi Blohm, TotalFarmMarketing.com
- Ellen Dearden, AgReview
- Ted Seifried, Zaner.com
Oct 16 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Aaron Curtis, MID-CO.com
- Arlan Suderman, StoneX.com
- John Zanker, RMCommodities.com
Oct 09 | Commodity Week
Panelists
- Shane Holtorf, LogicAg.com
- Collin Watters, ILCorn.org
- Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com
