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This is really bad deal!!! Retirement accounts are being sunk as this worsens. SMH......NVDA https://t.co/De3OuVQZId

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Closing Markets & Commodities, November 11, 2026 Wall Street equities and benchmark index futures staged a broad-based rebound on Wednesday, led by a surge in artificial intelligence and technology shares following strong corporate earnings results. Micro E-mini Nasdaq futures (/MNQZ26) and S&P 500 futures (/MESZ26) traded firmly in positive territory despite thin holiday liquidity with bond markets closed for Veterans Day. Commodity derivatives exhibited steady intra-sector consolidation following Tuesday's bullish USDA WASDE report. Row crops and livestock derivatives held key technical levels as traders digested the USDA's unexpected cuts to national corn yields and soybean carryout, while December WTI crude oil (/CLZ26) stabilized near $86.42 per barrel. Top Story of the Day Bullish USDA WASDE Crop Revisions & AI Earnings Bounce Underpin Markets Markets digested the fallout from the November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report alongside a tech-led equity rebound on Wednesday. The USDA provided a bullish surprise by trimming national corn yields by 1.6 bushels to 179.6 bu/acre and reducing ending stocks down to 1.758 billion bushels. Soybeans also saw tighter projected ending stocks despite higher yields, driven by aggressive export revisions. Concurrently, broad equity futures rallied as strong earnings in AI cloud computing restored investor appetite for risk assets. Today's Top Market Surprises Top Macro Surprise: Tech & AI Rebound Lifts Equity Benchmarks Micro E-mini Nasdaq 100 futures (/MNQZ26) climbed to 28,445.00 and S&P 500 futures (/MESZ26) rose to 7,641.75 as strong AI sector demand outweighed lingering Fed interest rate expectations. Top Futures Surprise: December Gold Drops Below $4,000 Technical Threshold December gold futures (/GCZ26) experienced selling pressure, slipping to settle at $3,994.30 per ounce as profit-taking and a strengthening risk-on tone across equities dampened safe-haven demand. Commodities Top Commodity Gainer: Copper & Platinum Lead Industrial Metals Higher December copper futures (/HGZ26) advanced to $6.2660 per pound and January platinum (/PLF27) rose to $1,537.00 per ounce, outperforming precious metals on renewed physical demand metrics. Top Commodity Loser: WTI Crude Derivatives Consolidate Below $87/bbl December WTI crude oil (/CLZ26) settled lower at $86.42 per barrel as global supply recalibrations offset short term Middle East transport concerns. Grains & Softs Row crop derivatives consolidated after Tuesday's explosive WASDE-driven breakout. December corn (/ZCZ26) settled at $4.48 3/4 per bushel following the USDA's yield reduction. January soybeans (/ZSF27) held firmly at $12.30 1/2 per bushel, supported by higher domestic crush demand and active export bookings. Chicago December wheat (/ZWZ26) settled at $6.00 3/4 per bushel. Corn (December '26): Open: $4.45 3/4, Close: $4.48 3/4, up: $0.03 0/0, Trend: Neutral Consolidation Soybeans (January '27): Open: $12.03 3/4, Close: $12.30 1/2, up: $0.26 3/4, Trend: Strong Bullish Breakout Soybean Meal (December '26): Open: $319.9, Close: $329.6, up: $9.7, Trend: Bullish Rebound Soybean Oil (December '26): Open: 63.38¢, Close: 63.88¢, up: 0.50¢, Trend: Bullish Rebound Wheat (Chicago December '26): Open: $5.99 1/4, Close: $6.00 3/4, up: $0.01 1/2, Trend: Neutral Consolidation Wheat (KC HRW December '26): Open: $6.34 1/4, Close: $6.39 1/2, up: $0.05 1/4, Trend: Bullish Rebound Wheat (Mpls Spring December '26): Open: $6.17 3/4, Close: $6.40 1/4, up: $0.22 1/2, Trend: Strong Bullish Breakout Market Note: Trade attention remains focused on the final leg of Midwestern corn harvest and export sales pace as end users lock in coverage following the USDA yield cuts. Livestock The livestock complex traded in a firm consolidation phase on Wednesday. October feeder cattle (/GFX26) held gains to settle at $332.850 per hundredweight, while December live cattle (/LEZ26) settled at $218.800 per hundredweight. December lean hogs (/HEZ26) eased slightly to settle at 55.900¢/lb. Live Cattle (December '26): Open: $218.025, Close: $218.800, up: $0.775, Trend: Neutral Consolidation Feeder Cattle (October '26): Open: $332.000, Close: $332.850, up: $0.850, Trend: Bullish Extension Lean Hogs (December '26): Open: $57.475, Close: $55.900, down: $1.575, Trend: Bearish Pullback Feedyard Note: Tight physical market-ready fed cattle availability continues to underpin country cash negotiations despite recent grain cost fluctuations. Energies & Biofuels Energy futures consolidated mid-week. December WTI crude oil (/CLZ26) settled at $86.42 per barrel. December natural gas (/NGZ26) advanced to settle at $3.245 per MMBtu as cooler early winter weather forecasts supported regional gas demand. Crude Oil (WTI December '26): Open: $88.04, Close: $86.42, down: $1.62, Trend: Bearish Pullback Natural Gas (December '26): Open: $2.950, Close: $3.245, up: $0.295, Trend: Strong Bullish Breakout Metals & Macros Precious metals were mixed, with gold sliding below $4,000 while industrial metals firmed. U.S. stock index futures posted solid gains, with Nasdaq 100 futures (/MNQZ26) rising to 28,445.00 and Dow futures (/MYMZ26) adding ground to 53,593. Macro Snapshot: Micro E-mini S&P 500 futures (/MESZ26) settled at 7,641.75, while Micro E-mini Russell 2000 futures (/M2KZ26) reached 2,855.60. Gold (December '26): Open: $4,072.20, Close: $3,994.30, down: $77.90, Trend: Bearish Breakdown Silver (December '26): Open: $52.335, Close: $51.675, down: $0.660, Trend: Bearish Pullback Platinum (January '27): Open: $1,500.5, Close: $1,537.0, up: $36.5, Trend: Strong Bullish Rebound Nasdaq 100 Futures (/MNQ): Open: 28,646.25, Close: 28,445.00, down: 201.25, Trend: Neutral Consolidation S&P 500 Futures (/MES): Open: 7,734.50, Close: 7,641.75, down: 92.75, Trend: Bearish Pullback Dow Futures (/MYM): Open: 53,593.00, Close: 53,593.00, Unchanged: 0.00, Trend: Neutral Consolidation Russell 2000 Futures (/M2K): Open: 2,871.40, Close: 2,855.60, down: 15.80, Trend: Bearish Pullback Thursday Watch (November 12) Trading desks will open Thursday morning monitoring weekly export sales reporting and positioning following the Veterans Day bond market holiday. Agricultural participants will track country cash cattle negotiations and harvest completion metrics. USDA Weekly Export Sales: Review Thursday morning's release for new crop corn, soybean, and wheat sales totals. Cash Cattle Settlement: Track packer bidding activity across Nebraska, Iowa, and Southern Plains feedyards. Post-WASDE Demand Pace: Monitor export inspections and domestic end user buying following USDA yield cuts. Energy Inventory Updates: Track weekly natural gas and crude petroleum inventory reports. Futures trading involves significant risk. Information provided is for educational purposes only. #GrainMarkets #CattleFutures #CrudeOil #MarketUpdate #WASDE

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Wednesday Futures: The Rest Of The Week November 11, 2026 Commodity and equity markets enter the second Wednesday of November navigating position adjustments following yesterday's release of the USDA Crop Production and WASDE reports. Tracking performance since Monday’s open, row crops are working to build a post report floor as Midwest harvest operations wrap up across the central Corn Belt. December corn is trading near $4.47 1/4 per bushel, while December Chicago wheat has slipped below key psychological support to trade at $5.99 3/4 per bushel. Outside the ag pits, WTI Crude Oil continues its mid month pullback, trading down near $86.87 per barrel as maritime risk premiums ease slightly. In livestock, the board presents a mixed front ahead of late week cash trade; December live cattle are holding steady to slightly firm at $218.15 per cwt, while November feeder cattle are trading near $331.45 per cwt. December lean hogs continue to feel heavy downside pressure, slipping to $55.85 per cwt as seasonal pork cutout weakness weighs on packer margins. This Morning Grains This morning, row crops are digesting updated balance sheets following yesterday's WASDE release as combine traffic across the Midwest hits its tail end. December corn (/ZCZ26) is trading near $4.47 1/4 per bushel, finding support near harvest low channels as traders balance final crop size estimates against steady domestic crush and export demand. December Chicago wheat (/ZWZ26) is trading under pressure near $5.99 3/4 per bushel, weighed down by cheap global export competition, while KC HRW wheat (/KEZ26) holds near $6.41 1/2 per bushel. January soybeans (/SZF27) are maintaining a firm undertone around $12.35.00 per bushel, supported by solid meal values (/ZMZ26 at $329.7). Livestock This morning, livestock futures are displaying divergent action heading into midweek cash market negotiations. December live cattle (/LEZ26) are trading near $218.15 per cwt, as feedlot operators hold out for steady to higher bids despite negative packer slaughter margins. November feeder cattle (/GFX26) are trading near $331.45 per cwt, anchored by tight physical calf availability in northern auction barns. December lean hogs (/HEZ26) are under significant pressure, dropping to $55.85 per cwt as slaughter speeds keep pork belly and loin supplies heavy at the retail level. Energy & Metals This morning, Crude Oil (WTI) is continuing its technical correction, with December contracts (/CLZ26) trading near $86.87 per barrel. Natural Gas (/NGZ26) is catching a bid near $3.292 per MMBtu on expanding late autumn heating demand forecasts. Precious metals are seeing modest profit taking; December Gold (/GCZ26) is trading near $4,012.90 per ounce, while December Silver (/SILZ26) holds near $52.195 per ounce. Equities This morning, stock index futures are displaying mixed to positive price action. The S&P 500 (/MESZ26) is holding near 7,656.25, while the tech heavy Nasdaq (/MNQZ26) is trading around 28,653.00. Investors continue to balance Q3 earnings reports against broader interest rate expectations. Tone Post WASDE Digestion and Energy Pullback. Harvest wrap-up data, softening crude oil premiums, and divergent meat cutout margins are defining midweek price discovery. Chart Of The Day Top Futures Play: December Crude Oil (/CLZ26) December Crude Oil (/CLZ26) continues its short-term corrective pullback within its broader ascending trendline, holding near $86.87 per barrel. Short-term liquidation has pressed contracts off October peaks above $103, testing key moving average support tiers. Why this chart: Technical test of key support following an aggressive multi month rally. Focus: Key technical support sits at $85.50; holding above this zone maintains an intact structural base heading into the second half of November. Weekly Market Tops and Barn Highlights Across Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa regional livestock auctions, buyer activity was active this week as sale barns handle the final wave of fall calf runs. Local sale barns serving the surrounding footprints reported strong demand for backgrounded feeder steers and heifers, supported by tight regional cattle numbers and lower feed grain inputs. Medium and Large 1 feeder steers (550 to 600 lbs) traded with a firm undertone from $495.00 to $512.00, while heavier feeder steers (750 to 800 lbs) fetched bids between $358.00 and $368.00. Slaughter cows and lean grinding bulls held steady, supported by consistent regional packer bidding. Futures Pro Lens Managed money is recalibrating grain allocations post-WASDE, trimming short positions in corn while maintaining core net-long allocations in gold and crude oil. The cattle complex continues to navigate a structural leverage battle. While fed cattle supplies remain tight into early 2027, packer margin pressure is capping aggressive short term cash bids. Grain traders are shifting focus from WASDE balance sheets toward post harvest export pace and South American weather conditions as planting moves forward in Brazil and Argentina. Pro Takeaway: Monitor $85.50 support on Crude Oil for re entry opportunities on the long side. In row crops, look for seasonal harvest lows to establish a solid multi week accumulation zone in Corn and Soybeans. The Rest Of The Week Outlook & Strategies. The back half of the week shifts focus to "Post-WASDE Export Verification" and "Late Week Cash Cattle Settlement." Wednesday, November 11 (Today)The EIA Petroleum Status Report (10:30 AM ET). Today's inventory update will provide fresh data on domestic crude draws and refinery utilization amid recent price dips. Thursday, November 12 Weekly Export Sales and Initial Jobless Claims (8:30 AM ET). Traders will evaluate export commitment data for corn, soybeans, and wheat to verify whether international buyers are stepping in following the WASDE report. Friday, November 13Direct cash cattle trade settlement across northern and southern feedlot zones, alongside end of the week position management across agricultural and energy contracts. Futures trading involves significant risk. Information provided is for educational purposes only. #MarketAnalysis #CrudeOil #CattleFutures #CornFutures

Wednesday Corn & Ethanol Report Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 The grain and energy complexes are digesting fresh WASDE balance sheet adjustments alongside a massive mid-week drop in energy prices this morning as nationwide corn harvest operations enter the homestretch. Energy benchmarks took a sharp downward hit today, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil dropping to $86.87 per barrel amid expanding global supply forecasts and easing Middle East logistics tensions. Despite crude's pullback, interior grain fundamentals received strong support from yesterday's bullish USDA WASDE report which trimmed the national corn yield estimate to 179.6 bu/acre and cut U.S. ending stocks to 1.80 billion bushels. CBOT December corn futures are trading firm near $4.47 2/5 ($4.47 1/4). Top News Story: USDA Trims National Corn Yield to 179.6 BPA in November WASDE The agricultural trade received a bullish fundamental shot in the arm following Tuesday's November WASDE report release. The USDA trimmed its national average corn yield estimate down to 179.6 bushels per acre (a 1.6 bu/acre cut from October), lowering projected U.S. production by 141 million bushels to 15.893 billion bushels. Consequently, U.S. corn ending stocks were reduced to 1.80 billion bushels. The smaller crop projection successfully countered recent seasonal harvest pressure, establishing a firm commercial floor even as WTI crude oil pulls back toward $86.87/barrel. Futures & Market News CBOT corn futures are trading flat to slightly firmer near midday, as bullish WASDE yield cuts offset macro pressure from falling crude oil benchmarks. December 2026 (Z): $4.47 2/5 ($4.47 1/4) holding firm above $4.45 support following USDA yield cuts March 2027 (H): $4.60 4/5 maintaining a healthy carry structure May 2027 (K): $4.68 6/5 Key Driver: Tuesday's WASDE yield reduction down to 179.6 bu/acre provided immediate fundamental support for the grain board. While WTI crude oil fell to $86.87/barrel, strong weekly export inspections (905,267 MT) and steady interior ethanol processing demand are keeping commercial buyers active on breaks. Commitments of Traders: Funds & Open Interest Deflates Managed money accounts continue to maintain a neutral to slightly net long posture, supported by tightening U.S. corn carryout numbers and solid commercial demand. Net Position: Non commercial funds hold a stable posture following the USDA's 141 mbu production cut, balancing lower energy prices ($86.87 WTI) against improved grain market fundamentals. Short Covering Surge: Speculative short selling remains restrained following the WASDE release, with trading volume heavily centered around commercial elevator hedging against late harvest deliveries. Market Impact: Board liquidity remains solid across front month contracts. Processor bid structures remain protective as refiners work to secure physical grain coverage. USDA Crop Progress: Development Phase Monday afternoon’s USDA Crop Progress report showed harvest operations approaching full completion across primary production tiers. National Progress: Domestic corn harvest reached 86% complete nationwide as of November 8, pacing comfortably ahead of the five year average as favorable autumn weather allowed combines to clear remaining fields. State Performance: Harvesting is completely wrapped up in southern tiers and the Central I-States, with remaining field activity concentrated in northern perimeter zones. Yield Verification: Late-season harvest data aligns with the USDA's reduced yield target of 179.6 bu/acre, confirming test weight drag on non irrigated acres across western growing zones. Crop & Weather Update Domestic Split: Clear, cool weather across the Corn Belt over the past week enabled rapid field clearing. Remaining unharvested fields across the Upper Midwest are expected to wrap up smoothly before winter weather patterns set in. Nebraska Profile: Harvest is essentially finished across Eastern and Central Nebraska. Irrigated fields delivered resilient yields, while final dryland tallies confirmed the mid-summer heat stress reflected in the USDA's state level yield revisions. International: In South America, USDA raised Argentina corn production to 57 MMT and Brazil to 141 MMT on expanded first crop planting progress, keeping global export competition active. Ethanol & 45Z Industry News Domestic ethanol processing operations remain strong, with the USDA holding its full year corn use for ethanol forecast steady at 5.65 billion bushels in yesterday's WASDE. Production Pace: Domestic fuel ethanol output continues to run near high seasonal averages, bolstered by strong processing capacity utilization across Midwest refiners. WASDE Allocation: The USDA maintained its 2026/27 corn allocation for fuel ethanol at 5.65 billion bushels, while slightly revising 2025/26 ethanol corn use up to 5.548 billion bushels. Cash Impact: Ethanol refiner margins remain positive despite lower crude oil values, encouraging processors to maintain firm spot basis bids to draw corn out of farm storage. Natural Gas Trends: The Ethanol "Fuel" Factor Henry Hub Spot: Trading at $3.29 2/MMBtu today. The Trend: Natural gas values ticked higher to $3.29/MMBtu, driven by early seasonal heating demand across eastern utility grids. Impact: Even with natural gas input costs edging up, stable ethanol demand keeps processor crush margins supportive, allowing refiners to defend local cash basis levels. The 45Z Regulatory Countdown The Status: Regulatory teams at the Treasury Department, USDA, and EPA are in the final stages of administrative review for 45Z clean fuel production credit guidelines. The Focus: Commercial elevators and ethanol processors continue to demand clear, digital verification protocols for climate-smart grain to prevent supply chain friction when rules go live. Weekly Export Tracker Weekly Inspections: 905,267 metric tons, reflecting a solid weekly increase from 898,391 MT the prior week. Context: Marketing year todate export inspections reached 11.59 million metric tons. Mexico remains the leading destination for U.S. corn shipments. Regional Cash Market & Processor Bids Physical cash corn prices reflect December futures trading near $4.47 2/5 ($4.47 1/4). Interior processors and ethanol plants continue to offer firm basis bids to lock in post-harvest grain supplies. National Cash Average: Approximately $4.12 1/2 Central Illinois Average: Basis -0.22 Z | Cash Price $4.25 2/5 (River terminals bidding $4.43 – $4.47 for prompt delivery; Decatur processors holding +0.07 to +0.09 over December futures) South Central Iowa Average: Basis -0.29 Z | Cash Price $4.18 2/5 (Interior ethanol plant bids remain aggressive to secure spot inventory) Eastern Nebraska Average: Basis -0.38 Z | Cash Price $4.09 2/5 (Blair and Columbus processing hubs maintaining protective basis postures) ADM (Decatur, IL): $4.56 Cash | Basis: +0.09 Z Cargill (Blair, NE): $4.36 Cash | Basis: -0.11 Z ADM (Columbus, NE): $4.33 Cash | Basis: -0.14 Z Poet (Jewell, IA): $4.29 Cash | Basis: -0.18 Z Green Plains (York, NE): $4.24 Cash | Basis: -0.23 Z KAAPA Ethanol (Minden, NE): $4.22 Cash | Basis: -0.25 Z Chief Ethanol (Hastings, NE): $4.21 Cash | Basis: -0.26 Z Little Sioux (Marcus, IA): $4.16 Cash | Basis: -0.31 Z Notes: Market Observations & Strategies Market Observations: Tuesday's USDA WASDE yield cut to 179.6 bu/acre and ending stocks reduction to 1.80 billion bushels have provided strong structural support for December corn near $4.47 2/5, offsetting pressure from a pullback in WTI crude oil to $86.87/barrel. Old Crop Strategy: With harvest 86% complete, finalize any remaining unpriced old crop spot deliveries to capture firm processor basis before winter logistics set in. New Crop Strategy (Z): December corn at $4.47 2/5 holds firm post-WASDE. Utilize market carry into March ($4.60 4/5) and May ($4.68 6/5) contracts to set defensive post-harvest marketing targets. #CornReport #AgMarket #Ethanol

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Today's Corn Belt News Wednesday, November 11, 2026 Tracking agriculture across Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri, and the broader Midwest Corn Belt. Crop Progress Snapshot The 2026 U.S. harvest is moving into its final stages despite recent rain disruptions across parts of the central and eastern Belt. According to Monday afternoon's USDA NASS report for the week ending November 8, national corn harvest progress reached 81% complete nationwide, though continuing to lag behind the five year average pace of 86%. Top producer Iowa reached 72% complete as field crews continue to recover ground following early autumn rain delays, while Ohio advanced to 69% harvested. The national soybean harvest is virtually wrapping up, hitting 92% complete nationwide pacing 1 percentage point ahead of the 91% five year average. Iowa soybean harvest reached 93%, while Ohio pushed to 92% complete. Concurrently, winter wheat seeding for the 2027 crop has passed 90% completion, with Ohio reporting 94% planted and emergence tracking on schedule with good to excellent condition ratings. Weather and Outlook Favorable early week fieldwork windows permitted solid machinery progress before scattered showers and a surge of cooler air moved across the Midwest. The recent precipitation boosted topsoil and subsoil moisture reserves across the central and eastern Belt, benefiting newly established winter wheat stands, though briefly stalling combine passes in heavier ground. Forecasters expect seasonable late autumn temperatures to prevail, giving operators clear opportunities to finish remaining corn acres and wrap up fall tillage as soils dry. Markets and Prices Grain markets reacted sharply to Tuesday's bullish November USDA WASDE and Crop Production reports. In a major surprise, the USDA slashed the national corn yield by 1.6 bushels per acre down to 179.6 bpa (notably driven by yield cuts in Illinois and Indiana), lowering total U.S. corn production to 15.893 billion bushels and trimming 2026/27 ending stocks to 1.758 billion bushels. Meanwhile, national soybean yield was bumped slightly to 53.3 bpa, but ending stocks were trimmed to 300 million bushels on stronger export pace. On the board, December corn futures (/ZC) trade at 447'0 (447.00 cents per bushel), holding firm following the WASDE release. January soybeans (/ZS) sit at 1224'2 (1224.25 cents per bushel for the Jan '27 contract). Wheat futures show December KC HRW (/KE) at 635'6, Chicago SRW (/ZW) at 593'6, and Minneapolis Spring Wheat (/MWE) at 631'4. Policy and Farm Bill Update Legislative attention remains fixed on the Senate following the House passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567). The multi year legislation, which extends core agricultural safety nets and risk management programs through 2031, is facing rigorous committee debate as lawmakers attempt to reconcile stark regional priorities. Key debates continue to center around the expansion of precision agriculture funding, enhancements to crop insurance structures, and guidelines for rural energy investments. The national security components of the bill, particularly those expanding federal scrutiny over foreign investment in domestic agricultural land and limiting financial assistance for foreign sourced energy developments on prime ground, remain a central point of bipartisan interest. Ethanol Outlook The domestic ethanol complex continues to pull steady corn volume as interior processing margins remain supportive. In the latest WASDE updates, the USDA pegged 2026/27 corn for ethanol use at a solid 5.65 billion bushels. Midwest processing plants maintain robust capacity utilization, continuing to provide key local basis support as terminal receipts shift from peak harvest volume toward post harvest storage pull backs. Fuel and Fertilizer Energy benchmarks reflect steady conditions, with WTI Crude Oil (/CL) holding near $87.34 per barrel and Natural Gas (/NG) trading at $3.375 per MMBtu. The stable crude oil environment maintains predictable baseline transportation expenses for grain hauling and post harvest machinery passes. In retail fertilizer and feed markets, soybean oil (/ZL) is positioned at $63.50/cwt, soybean meal (/ZM) at $325.30/ton, and nitrogen suppliers report steady interest in post harvest fall anhydrous applications as cleared fields permit. Diversification and Resilience Midwest operations are continuing to expand risk mitigation strategies through extended crop rotations, the integration of small grains, and the strategic use of perennials. These practices are being paired with localized bioenergy projects and targeted livestock integration to diversify revenue streams. The broader adoption of these systems is designed to improve long term soil health, optimize internal nutrient cycling, and provide financial buffers against intense market volatility and unpredictable weather patterns. Livestock and Feed Cattle futures found renewed buyer interest following the bullish grain report dynamics. Live Cattle (/LE) is trading near 219.150 cents per pound, Feeder Cattle (/GF) trades near 330.475 cents per pound, and Lean Hogs (/HE) sits near 55.875 cents per pound. Tighter corn production projections are keeping feedlot managers focused on ration cost control, while pasture conditions across the region settle into standard seasonal dormancy. Farmland Sales and Values The 2026 Corn Belt real estate market is displaying noticeable resilience with moderation, marking a clear transition from rapid capital appreciation to a stable, highly selective environment. This shift is driven by tight overall inventory, heightened buyer caution amid compressed crop returns, and localized demand focused strictly on premium acreage. While national farm real estate averages hover around $4,350 per acre, prime cropland throughout the Corn Belt routinely commands double that figure, averaging between $8,000 and $9,000+ per acre. State level metrics highlight a distinct two tiered market where Class A ground holds firm while marginal acres experience minor softening: Iowa: Overall values remain stable to slightly softer, with high quality tillable ground holding firm despite benchmark surveys noting minor aggregate declines of 1.5%. Public auctions average $11,900 per acre for disclosed sales, though highly productive soils with top CSR2 ratings frequently command premiums between $20,000 and $25,600 per acre in strong counties such as Lyon, Sioux, and Johnson. Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio: Strong competition for premium tracts persists, pushing exceptional farms to auction results between $14,000 and $22,000+ per acre. The broader eastern Corn Belt shows signs of stabilization, with lower quality or blemished parcels drawing fewer bidders due to rising input costs and geopolitical uncertainty. Nebraska: Trends are mixed across the state, balancing localized benchmark gains with an overall statewide average decline of roughly 1% to $3,905 per acre. High quality irrigated tracts in counties like Butler remain highly sought after at $13,000+ per acre, while pasture prices are well supported by strong cattle market fundamentals. Broader Midwest (MN, MO, SD): Performance remains highly variable. High quality row crop land easily commands auction premiums ranging from $8,000 to $19,000 per acre. Meanwhile, recreational parcels and properties near urban development zones exhibit higher price volatility, though a historically low supply of available farms prevents broad downward price pressure. The combination of limited inventory, steady investor interest, and 1031 tax deferred exchanges keeps the market selective rather than weak. Tight margins and elevated interest rates will likely maintain this steady to soft trend for the remainder of 2026, though well marketed, highly productive tracts will continue to draw active bidding. Other Notes Recent export inspections confirm steady grain shipments to primary international destinations, offering vital demand relief to local terminals. Concurrently, regional supply chains are adapting to shifting environmental standards as biofuel advocates push back against restrictive out of state greenhouse gas regulations that impact Midwest ethanol markets. Looking Ahead Future weekly editions will rotate to feature deep dives into regional pest management, state specific policy impacts, and early harvest preparations. #CornBeltAg #MidwestFarming #CropProgress26