The August 4, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, provides a comprehensive overview of agricultural commodity markets, crop conditions, bioenergy trends, and regional weather forecasts. Market analyst Naomi Blohm discusses the recent drop in corn and soybean futures, attributing the shift to incoming rainfall across the Midwest that has eased weather concerns, alongside recent technical market movements. Host Todd Gleason then reviews the USDA crop progress report, highlighting that national corn and soybean development is pacing ahead of historical averages, and notes that the Crop Protection Network currently assesses a low risk for tar spot disease across most of the Midwest. Later in the program, Dan O'Brien of Kansas State University Extension explores the moderate profitability of the U.S. ethanol industry and explains how 45Z tax regulations are creating distinct advantages for low-carbon bioenergy producers and renewable diesel. Finally, meteorologist Don Day from Day Weather anticipates a transition toward a more normal August pattern, forecasting that returning subtropical moisture will bring necessary rain to much of the Corn Belt, although areas like Texas and Oklahoma are expected to remain hot and dry.01:14 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing07:32 Crop Progress, Conditions, and Outliers09:28 Crop Progress, Conditions, and Outliers10:54 Ag Energies with Dan O'Brien, K-State Extension20:37 Ag Weather with Don Day, Day Weather ★ Support this podcast ★

The August 3, 2026, episode of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, provides a comprehensive overview of agricultural commodity markets, biofuel industry developments, and global weather forecasts. Market analyst Jerry Gulke discusses the recent uptrend in corn and soybean prices, advising producers on risk management and hedging strategies to navigate changing market fundamentals. In agricultural news, a report by Stephanie Hoff highlights how the EPA's increased renewable volume obligations are successfully boosting biodiesel production and creating jobs. Driven by this biofuel policy, ADM also announced investments to expand its North American oilseed crush capacity across several states. Finally, meteorologist Mark Russo provides a weather update, noting beneficial widespread rains and moderate temperatures across the U.S. Midwest. However, he warns of a severe crop-damaging drought in Western Europe, expanding dryness in Southeast Asia, and the potential for a wet U.S. fall harvest fueled by a rapidly strengthening super El Niño.00:58 Ag Markets with Jerry Gulke, Gulke Group09:20 Higher Renewable Volume Obligations Fuel Industry Growth14:19 ADM Investing in Crush Capacity15:45 Ag Weather with Mark Russo, EverStream Analytics ★ Support this podcast ★

The July 31, 2026, episode of the Closing Market Report features host Todd Gleason speaking with market analyst Mike Zuzolo and meteorologist Eric Snodgrass. Zuzolo outlines how current geopolitical tensions, including tariffs, sanctions, and expanding global conflicts, are driving market volatility and influencing asset rotation out of equities and into commodities, despite high bond yields. He also notes poor crop conditions in Europe and suggests upcoming USDA reports could lower U.S. corn yield expectations, though demand remains a critical unknown. Snodgrass provides a weather update, noting that intense heat has severely stressed crops in the Western Corn Belt—causing potentially significant yield losses—while the eastern regions remain in better condition. Looking ahead, Snodgrass anticipates a moderation in U.S. temperatures for August but warns that an impending, historic El Niño could disrupt South American planting seasons and complicate the upcoming U.S. fall harvest. ★ Support this podcast ★

The July 30, 2026, episode of the Closing Market Report covers recent developments in agricultural commodity markets, industry news, consumer trends, and regional weather forecasts. Market analyst Matt Bennett discusses the recent downturn in soybean and corn futures, attributing the market's sell-off to anticipated weekend rainfall across the dry Corn Belt. The agricultural news segment briefly highlights upcoming Farm Bill markup negotiations, updated USDA wetland determinations, and an expected increase in farmland supply entering the fall sales season. Next, CoBank livestock economist Abby Groves explains the rapid expansion of the $4.4 billion meat snack industry, noting that the 45% category growth is largely driven by consumers seeking convenient, high-protein options and the rising use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications. Concluding the broadcast, meteorologist Mike Tannura reviews the exceptionally warm and dry conditions of the past 15 days that have negatively impacted crop ratings, while forecasting a strong incoming weather system expected to bring one to three inches of stabilizing rain across the Midwest.01:22 Ag Markets with Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net07:38 WILLAg News Update10:15 Meat Snacks: Market Growth, GLP-1s, & Innovation17:28 Ag Weather with Mike Tannura, Tstorm.net ★ Support this podcast ★

The July 29, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report examines agricultural market volatility, variable crop conditions, and regional weather impacts. Analyst Greg Johnson attributes recent market shifts to uncertainties surrounding Chinese soybean purchases, U.S. tariffs and a highly variable U.S. corn crop. A review of the USDA crop progress report indicates advanced development in the upper Midwest, while the Crop Protection Network currently assesses a low risk for tar spot disease across the region. Josh Linville warns of a fall phosphate fertilizer shortage, why farmers might forego applications, and what happens if demand surges unexpectedly. Meteorologist Drew Lerner concludes the broadcast by analyzing recent heat stress in the northwestern Corn Belt, noting that impending rainfall should prevent severe production losses.00:20 Ag Markets with Greg Johnson, Total Grain Marketing09:36 Weekly Crop Progress Report State Anomalies11:43 Crop Risk Tool & Tar Spot Development14:58 Phosphate Fertilizer Squeeze with Josh Linville17:19 Ag Weather with Drew Lerner, World Weather Inc. ★ Support this podcast ★

The July 28, 2026, special edition of the Closing Market Report features an economic outlook for Midwestern row crop farmers presented by University of Illinois agricultural economist Gary Schnitkey. Schnitkey highlights a sustained cost-price squeeze resulting from commodity prices returning to long-run plateaus while input costs remain elevated following their 2022 peaks. This dynamic is projected to cause negative per-acre returns for the 2026 crop year, though ad hoc government payments continue to buffer overall financial losses. Looking ahead to 2027, Schnitkey warns that the ongoing conflict in Iran will likely exacerbate these financial pressures by driving up critical input costs, particularly for diesel fuel and fertilizer. ★ Support this podcast ★

The July 27, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, provides a comprehensive overview of agricultural market volatility, farm economy risks, and regional weather forecasts. In their final appearances before retirement, analysts Curt Kimmel and Chad Hart discuss recent downturns in commodity prices, attributing the rapid shifts to global conflicts and unexpected geopolitical developments—such as China brokering peace discussions—while advising producers to strategically navigate these volatile marketing conditions. The broadcast also highlights the potential risks to cash rents if federal ad hoc farm payments cease, alongside a brief news segment detailing how growing rural health disparities are negatively impacting the local workforce. Concluding the episode, meteorologist Mark Russo discusses recent severe storms in the Chicago area and forecasts a much-needed shift toward near-normal rainfall and cooler temperatures across the Corn Belt as a high-pressure ridge weakens and moves westward.02:12 Ag Markets with Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net08:22 Plan Ahead for Fewer Ad Hoc Farm Payments09:18 Rural Health Disadvantages in the U.S10:18 Commodity Markets Discussion with Chad Hart17:36 Ag Weather with Mark Russo, EverStream Analytics ★ Support this podcast ★

cmr260724The July 24, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, provides a comprehensive overview of current agricultural commodities and weather forecasts. Market analyst Dan Basse outlines a bullish, demand-driven outlook for corn and soybeans, citing European droughts, Black Sea conflicts, and expanding US biofuel consumption, while advising producers to utilize marketing tools that maintain upside potential. Following the market analysis, meteorologist Eric Snodgrass details a stark regional divide in crop conditions, noting that severe heat and dryness are heavily stressing the Western Corn Belt while eastern regions fare much better. Snodgrass also cautions that a historic, rapidly intensifying El Niño could lead to a wet, difficult autumn harvest.01:22 Ag Markets with Dan Basse, AgResource Company09:41 Ag Weather with Eric Snodgrass, Nutrien Ag Solutions ★ Support this podcast ★

The July 23, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report examines commodity market volatility, political gridlock affecting agricultural policy, and highly concerning weather forecasts. Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net highlights new contract highs in November soybeans, attributing current market dynamics to geopolitical conflicts in the Black Sea and Iran, combined with the threat of dry weather in the Corn Belt. In political news, legislative progress on the Farm Bill and other GOP initiatives remains stalled due to Mitch McConnell's health-related absence and the passing of Lindsey Graham, which has left Republicans without key committee majorities. Meanwhile, the Renewable Fuels Association is heavily promoting new polling data demonstrating 73 percent bipartisan voter support for year-round E15 gasoline sales in an effort to overcome Senate roadblocks. Finally, Mike Tannura of Tstorm Weather warns that while 30-day rainfall totals appear average, the most recent 15 days were historically dry, and predictive models for the next 14 days project potentially record-breaking heat and drought conditions across major corn and soybean producing regions.02:06 Ag Markets with Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net07:55 McConnell's Absence, Graham's Death Hobble GOP Initiatives09:48 RFA Uses Voter Polling Data to Support E1517:02 Ag Weather with Mike Tannura, Tstorm Weather ★ Support this podcast ★

The July 22, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, provides a comprehensive update on agricultural markets, policy news, and weather forecasts. Market analyst Greg Johnson highlights a recent rally in soybean and wheat prices fueled by strong domestic crush demand and geopolitical tensions in the Black Sea, which has encouraged cash sales among Central Illinois farmers. The news segment covers significant staffing reductions at local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices that threaten conservation programs, alongside a report on the looming economic impact of new Section 301 tariffs following a recent Supreme Court ruling. Finally, meteorologist Drew Lerner offers a weather outlook, noting favorable crop conditions in the eastern Corn Belt while warning of persistent heat and dryness that threaten crops and livestock across the western plains, the Dakotas, and the Delta region.01:56 Ag Markets with Greg Johnson, TGM Total Grain Marketing10:57 24 Illinois Counties Lose Half or All NRCS Staffing11:59 Trump Tariffs Still Looming over Economy14:33 Ag Weather with Drew Lerner, World Weather Inc. ★ Support this podcast ★