Planted Acreage Report Shows More Corn, Fewer Soybeans

The USDA’s Planted Acreage report shows more corn and fewer soybeans, wheat, and cotton acres. Corn planted area is estimated at 95.2 million acres in 2025, up by five percent or 4.61 million acres from 2024. That’s the third-highest planted acres in the U.S. since 1944. The area harvested for grain is expected to be five percent higher than last year at 86.8 million acres. Soybean planted area for 2025 is estimated at 83.4 million acres, down four percent from last year. The all-wheat planted area this year is estimated at 45.5 million acres, down one percent from 2024. The winter wheat planted area, at 33.3 million acres, is down less than one percent from last year but up slightly from the prior estimate. The all-cotton planted area for this year is estimated at 10.1 million acres, down ten percent from last year. The upland area is down nine percent from 2024.

USDA Releases Grain Stocks Report

The USDA’s Grain Stocks Report shows less corn and more soybeans and wheat in storage. Corn stocks in all positions on June 1, 2025, totaled 4.64 billion bushels, down seven percent from June 1, 2024. Of the total, 2.56 billion are on farms, 16 percent lower than in 2024. Off-farm stocks, at 2.09 billion, are up six percent from last year. Soybeans stored in all positions on June 1 were at 1.01 billion bushels, four percent above last year. On-farm stocks were at 412 million bushels, 12 percent lower than last year. Off-farm stocks, at 596 million bushels, are up 18 percent from last year. Old crop all wheat stored in all positions totaled 851 million bushels, up 22 percent from last year. On-farm stocks were estimated at 184 million bushels, up 32 percent from last year. Off-farm stocks, at 667 million bushels, are 20 percent higher than last year. 

Corn Farming is an Economic Engine for the U.S. Economy

The U.S. is the world’s largest producer and exporter of corn. Corn farmers are bolstering the U.S. economy and building strong communities. That’s according to a new study released by the National Corn Growers Association. Corn grower leaders say they could make an even bigger contribution to the U.S. economy through increased sales of ethanol and the cultivation of new foreign markets. The study says the contribution of corn farming and its upstream linkages extended across 506 different industry sectors in all 50 states, generating an estimated $123 billion in total economic output in 2024. The report also shows that corn farming supported over 440,000 jobs and provided $29 billion in wages, strengthening communities in rural America and across the entire nation. “These findings show that the corn industry is an essential contributor to the nation’s agricultural and economic value chains,” said National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson.

Summer E15 Waiver Will Save Billions of Dollars

Growth Energy says Americans will potentially save over $10.1 billion in fuel costs this summer thanks to an emergency waiver issued this year by the Environmental Protection Agency. The waiver allowed for the continued sale of E15 throughout the summer. An analysis from Growth Energy says if American drivers choose E15 instead of the standard E10 this summer, they could collectively save more than 10.1 billion dollars. “Access to E15 is a win for American drivers and for American energy dominance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This summer, up to $10.1 billion dollars is money that could go back into the pockets of working families, and we should never put those savings on hold.” Now that the waiver is in place, Growth Energy is pushing for Congress to make unrestricted access to E15 available year-round. Those savings will deliver relief for working families while creating jobs and economic growth. 

Food Safety Tips for Fourth of July Barbecues

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service reminds Americans to declare their independence from foodborne illness during the holiday weekend. “Summer barbecues are a favorite tradition, but they also present unique food safety challenges when cooking outdoors and away from the safety of a kitchen,” says FSIS Administrator Dr. Denise Eblen. FSIS tips include handling frozen food properly. Before the barbecue, thaw out frozen beef, poultry, or fish safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or a microwave. If frozen products appear pre-cooked, cook them thoroughly anyway. Always marinate food in the refrigerator, never at room temperature, because bacteria multiply rapidly in warm environments. When cooking food, don’t cook it partially ahead of time and finish later. Cook it thoroughly the first time. Avoid the danger zone as bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses grow between 40 F and 140 F. 

AccuWeather Forecast Calls for Midwest Storms, Western Heat

As the Fourth of July approaches, very warm to hot conditions are expected across much of the West. Typical summer warmth is in the AccuWeather Independence Day forecast from the Great Lakes to the Northeast. Humid conditions with showers and thunderstorms are expected for New Mexico and parts of the Southeast, including Florida, Southern Georgia, and the Coastal Carolinas. “Parts of the Midwest, Southeast, and interior Southwest stand the most likely chance for some disruptive downpours and potent thunderstorm activity on July 4,” said Paul Pastelok, long-range meteorologist for AccuWeather. An area of clouds, showers, and thunderstorms is forecast to evolve from the northeastern Gulf Coast to the Southern Atlantic coast and linger through the first part of July. AccuWeather hurricane experts say it’s possible the broad area of low pressure could organize into one or more tropical rainstorms during this time. Mid-America could see some storms too.

Tuesday Watch List

Markets

Fed Chair Jerome Powell Press Conference at 8:30 a.m. CDT

Job Openings and Labor Turnover at 9 a.m. CDT

ISM Manufacturing Index at 9 a.m. CDT

USDA Fats and Oils Report at 2 p.m. CDT

USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Report at 2 p.m. CDT

Weather

A front continues to make its way both south and east on Tuesday, bringing scattered showers from the Southern Plains east to the Carolinas and up the coast. Another disturbance will move into the Northern Plains with a few showers as well.