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Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Questions (or gossip  if you want to call it that) about what was happening with the Claas contract in the Red River Valley was buzzing several times this spring after the conclusion of the wholegoods contract previously held by Butler Equipment. 

Claas’ North American headquarters in Omaha, meanwhile, remained “all quiet on the western front.” That is, until Ag Equipment Intelligence (AEI) staff – on its way to Sioux Falls, S.D., saw 3 Claas executives from Omaha waiting at a Minneapolis Delta gate bound for Fargo. The surprised execs admitted a new arrangement was in the final hours and to expect a forthcoming news release. 

Still mum, AEI pushed Claas for an announcement several times throughout the month of May. Finally, as Claas acknowledged that the “whispers have started,” AEI received a release embargoed until June 2.  

A Quick Turn of Events

In 2024, Ohio Ag, Ziegler Equipment and Butler Equipment each separated from Claas. 

Ziegler’s exit from the Claas contract in its Wisconsin and Missouri locations  — described by one observer as “too quick” to properly accommodate  all concerns — was regarded as “clumsy” by many in the industry. Butler Equipment, instead opted to work with Claas on a longer arrangement. In the August 2024 announcement, it reported that it would maintain the wholegoods contract for another 6 months (January 2025) and parts and service support through the end of 2026.

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US “Flash Drought” Worst in 133-160 Years + Disease taking a Bite out of US 2025 Corn/Soybean Crops

Video: US “Flash Drought” Worst in 133-160 Years + Disease taking a Bite out of US 2025 Corn/Soybean Crops


A dry August and a “flash drought” in the ECB (Eastern Corn Belt) the driest top 10 to 15 years in 150 to 160 years (Ohio the driest in 133 years) plus disease is taking a bite out of the 2025 U.S. corn and soybean crops.
It's going to be an early harvest. This could be the start of the 89-year drought cycle that may have been delayed until 2026 as La Nina maybe returning.
The USDA September crop report is all about record corn ears and record soybean counts but the October USDA crop report will be about pod and ear weights.
Stats Canada reported higher forecasts for the 2025 Canadian Prairies all wheat and canola crops vs. last year based on satellite imagery but are they overestimating production?
The 2025 Great ON Yield Tour and Quebec crop tours are projecting corn and soybean crops below the 10-year average.
China's Vice Commerce Ministry Li Chenggang visits Washington this week as we continue to connect the dots is a positive sign towards a China/U.S. trade deal. But will U.S. farmers have a winter without China as they buy more soybeans from Uruguay/Argentina? U.S. Northern Plain soybean farmers are seeing red with flat prices at $8.97/bu!
U.S. corn exports on record pace up 99% vs. last year.
Fund short covering continues in corn futures bottom is in!