The seasonal fight for acres between soybeans and corn is in full swing in the United States as markets wait to get a clearer picture on planting intentions for the 2026 growing season.
There are a number of unknowns that could affect where soy, corn and wheat prices go on the Chicago Board of Trade, said Sean Lusk, vice-president of Walsh Commercial Hedging Services.
Updated supply demand estimates from the United States Department of Agriculture, released Feb. 10, included only minor adjustments and provided little direction for the corn and soybean markets headed through the slow February trading period.
A severe winter storm in the United States and a weakened greenback helped raise prices on the Chicago Board of Trade during the week ended Jan. 28, 2026.
Soybean futures at the Chicago Board of Trade moved off nearby lows during the week ended Jan. 21, as solid export sales and talk of movement on biofuel blending requirements in the United States provided support. However, the advancing South American harvest may limit further gains.
Look for trading of soybeans, corn and wheat at the Chicago Board of Trade remain sideways for the balance of January, perhaps longer, said Ryan Ettner, broker with Allendale Inc. in McHenry, Ill.
Tom Lilja, an analyst from Progressive Ag in Fargo, N.D., expects corn and soybeans yields to be trimmed ahead of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s monthly supply/demand estimates release on Jan. 12, 2026.