Market data for week ending Oct. 9, 2026.

Market conditions matter, but the policy and economic environment can shape how farmers view what comes next.

The United States and China released reciprocal lists of nonsensitive products worth about $30 billion each that will see tariff cuts, from American hair products to Chinese toys, in a deal expected to help bolster bilateral trade.

U.S.-Canada relations, already tense, are likely to deteriorate further after the United States went ahead with a decision to ban nearly $1 billion worth of Canadian imports, including alcoholic beverages, dairy products and motorcycles.

U.S. farmers in 2026 harvested the smallest all wheat crop since 1970, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s small grains summary.

While basis has broadly weakened since the start of September, the regional picture tells a more interesting story.

While rural voters seem unlikely to support Democrats on a large scale, Trump and the Republican Party could face challenges with them in November.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s quarterly stocks reports are known for their surprises — and the Sept. 30 estimates did not disappoint.

Old crop marketing year-end corn stocks are up 35% from a year ago, while soybeans and wheat stored in all positions are lower.