Moe Agostino and Abhinesh Gopal Review Crude, Metals, Grains, Livestock, and Policy the Week of January 26 to 30, 2026.
On the weekly Ag Commodity Corner+ Podcast, experts Moe Agostino and Abhinesh Gopal reviewed major market movements during the week of January 26 to 30, by pointing to two drivers: a jump in crude oil tied to US-Iran tensions and a sudden plunge in precious metals.
Wheat finished the week higher, while several other grains met chart resistance and ended the month slightly lower.
Agostino also highlighted livestock challenges and opportunities. Hog futures are near contract highs, but he urged producers to manage risk because the market may be ahead of normal seasonal timing and thus prices could soften into the Easter period.
They acknowledged that some traders believe seasonal trends no longer matter due to headline-driven markets. However, Agostino and Gopal emphasized that seasonal patterns and risk management rules remain important in agriculture commodities, especially to maintain profit margins.
On the topic of energy, Agostino said crude is at its highest since August of last year. The renewed focus on Iran’s nuclear program combined with warnings from the U.S. administration to Iran have increased geopolitical risk.
They added that China depends on Iranian oil and that geopolitical headlines can quickly add premium to prices. Even so, Agostino warned farmers to remain cautious longer-term, because earlier weakness was driven by a global supply glut and softer demand.
The metals story turned bearish at the end of the week. Agostino and Gopal described heavy selling after midweek highs, blaming overbought charts, month end liquidation, and higher CME margins.
They also discussed President Trump's choice for US Fed chair, Kevin Walsh, who is seen as more hawkish (may not lower U.S. interest rates as aggressive as some think) than expected.
Agostino and Gopal believe that gave the market an excuse to sell crowded long positions. They repeated their warnings that when prices sit far above the 200-day moving average, a correction often happens quickly.
Agostino and Gopal also reviewed the headlines that Bitcoin is testing 80,000 support, stronger natural gas prices could come to an end soon from the Arctic Blast, E15 debate continues, and concerns about a U.S. government shutdown have eased.
The commodity experts shared that extreme heat and fires in Australia and Tonga volcano concerns could impact the 2026 growing season. They also shared that the USDA provided a slightly positive cattle inventory update.
Agostino reminded farmers that disciplined decision-making remains essential when navigating changing market conditions. Emotions need to be checked.
For daily information and updates on agriculture commodity marketing and price risk management for North American farmers, producers, and agribusiness visit things; Farms.com Risk Management Website to subscribe to the program.
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