Trump AGAIN Fights High Beef Prices - Is He Really Fighting the US Cattle Producer??
Trump AGAIN Fights High Beef Prices - Is He Really Fighting the US Cattle Producer??  
Podcast: Grain Markets and Other Stuff
Published On: Mon Feb 09 2026
Description: Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links —Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.🥩 Cattle & BeefPresident Trump signed an executive order allowing up to 100,000 metric tons of Argentine beef to enter the U.S. this year under a lower tariff rate. The goal is to reduce retail beef prices.• Imports will consist only of lean beef trimmings, used primarily in ground beef• A similar move last fall triggered sharp selloffs in cattle futures• Beef prices did not fall meaningfully last time• Markets will be watching closely to see if funds react again🌱 SoybeansSoybeans rallied for a third straight session on Friday.• The Mar26 contract settled near $11.15, the highest since early December• The rally followed Trump’s comments suggesting China may boost U.S. purchases to 20mmt• Traders remain skeptical China will follow through• Brazil’s record crop continues to hang over the market🌽 Corn & 🌾 WheatCorn and wheat futures ended the session lower.• No fresh bullish catalysts• Focus remains on demand, fund positioning, and policy developments🇺🇸🇨🇳 GeopoliticsTrump’s planned April visit to China may be at risk.• The U.S. is preparing a potential $20B arms sale to Taiwan• This follows an $11B package approved in December• China has criticized the move, warning it could strain relations• Trade talks could become more complicated if tensions escalate🇮🇳 India TradeIndia is considering limited ag-market access for U.S. products.• Possible tariff reductions on soybean oil and DDGS• India continues to block imports of GM food crops like soybeans and dairy• Indian farmers are pushing back, citing risks to small producers🇧🇷 Brazil Weather & CropBrazil’s soybean harvest is moving fast.• ~17% harvested vs ~10% this time last year• Yields remain strong across most regions• StoneX projects a record 181.6mmt crop• Argentina remains dry but rain is forecast over the next 10 days📊 CFTC & FundsThe latest CFTC report showed modest fund buying, but it’s already outdated.• Funds were net buyers of corn, soybeans, and SRW wheat during the reporting window• Post-report price action suggests positioning has shifted significantly• Private estimates now show large specs heavily long soybeans⛽ Ethanol & E15The push for year-round E15 sales continues.• E15 accounts for ~30% of Iowa fuel sales• Usage is growing roughly 45% annually• Draft legislation expected by mid-February• Political divisions could slow progress