Oklahoma State University agricultural economist Dr. John Michael Riley says the markets have been unusually stagnant due to the ongoing government shutdown. “We’re still in the midst of a shutdown with the government,” he explains, noting that critical USDA data is unavailable. “About this time of the month is when we receive our monthly crop report and world ag supply and demand estimates report. We’re not getting that right now.” Riley expects the agencies will “just skip October and roll right into November, unless something changes pretty quickly.”
In the absence of those reports, the markets have been uneasy. Riley says, “Most were expecting bigger supplies for our summer crops… There was some of that angst and anticipation.” Without the usual data, “markets are kind of trying to find their way right now.” He describes the tone as “sour,” adding that “trade talks fizzled out,” leading to a “roller coaster” few days before the cancellation of a meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping.
The price declines have been significant. “Since the start of the month, we’ve seen prices decline,” Riley notes. Corn prices are down “about 20 cents per bushel,” soybeans “about 50 cents,” and wheat “about 40 cents.” For Oklahoma producers, that translates to steep losses: “That 20 cent per bushel decline in corn is about $26 per acre… that 50 cent per bushel decline in soybeans results in a $14.50 per acre decline and wheat about $15.20 per acre.” He adds that while “there are some talks of potential farm payments,” those too are on hold due to the shutdown.
This week on SUNUP:
- Amanda De Oliveira Silva, OSU Extension small grains specialist, discusses the progress of planting Oklahoma’s winter wheat crop and says producers should continue scouting for fall armyworms. Dr. Silva also mentions the OSU wheat text group, where producers can get regular updates and reach out with issues or questions this growing season.
- Dave Lalman, OSU Extension beef cattle specialist, continues his series on how much it costs to raise a cow. This week, Dr. Lalman analyzes how feed can make or break a production.
- In the Mesonet Weather Report, Emma White, OSU Extension agricultural meteorologist, says cooler weather is on its way this weekend. State climatologist Gary McManus shows pictures of just how dry it is around the state.
- SUNUP viewers are invited to take part in two upcoming OSU Extension programs:
- Rancher’s Thursday Lunchtime Series
- Beginning Farmer Workshop: Tools & Strategies for Oklahoma Vegetable Producers
- John Michael Riley, an OSU agricultural economist, discusses the recent price declines in crop markets and explains how they are impacting Oklahoma prices.
- In Cow-Calf Corner, Mark Johnson, OSU Extension beef cattle breeding specialist, addresses follow-up questions to carcass weights, quality grades and consumer demand.
- Finally, SUNUP learns what makes Shannon Angle a 2025 OSU Ferguson College of Agriculture Distinguished Alumna.
