Chicago Close: Dollar Weakness Supports Corn, Soys

Oct 04, 2022

Weakness in the US dollar helped to push corn and soybean futures to gains on Tuesday, while wheat managed just a mixed close.

The greenback fell farther from two-decade highs set last month amid easing fears about global recession, said reports today. Gains in crude oil and broad-based strength in outside equity markets added to the upside in corn and soybeans.

Corn futures were further supported as Monday’s USDA crop progress report showed the US corn harvest at 20% complete as of Sunday, falling short of trade expectations. December corn was up 2 ¼ cents at $6.83 and March was 2 ½ cents higher at $6.90.

Soybeans were also underpinned by expectations OPEC will likely announce that they are cutting oil production at their meeting tomorrow. The crop progress report put the soybean harvest at 22% complete as of Sunday, a couple of points ahead of expectations. November beans gained 9 ½ cents to $13.83 ½, and January was up 9 ½ cents at $13.93 ½.

Wheat was mostly lower on a mix of profit taking and a lack of fresh news. Kansas City wheat was unchanged amid some support from dry conditions on the US central Plains. December Chicago wheat lost 9 cents to $9.03, December Kansas City was steady at $9.88 ¾, and December Minneapolis fell 3 ¾ cents to $9.76 ¼.

Source : Syngenta.ca

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.