Some New Farm Aid Details Emerge, DOJ Input Cost Investigation Still MIA
Some New Farm Aid Details Emerge, DOJ Input Cost Investigation Still MIA  
Podcast: Grain Markets and Other Stuff
Published On: Tue Jan 20 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.🚜 Farm Aid & Government FundingSenate Republicans are pushing for an additional farm aid package, potentially totaling up to $15 billion (not yet confirmed).The proposal includes:Additional bridge paymentsSupport for specialty crop producersHigher farm ownership and operating loan limitsAid for farmers who suffered losses above the national average or were forced to sell at depressed pricesLawmakers plan to attach the measure to upcoming government funding legislationFarmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) payments remain scheduled for February 28A possible government shutdown on January 30 could:Delay FBA paymentsDelay any new farm aid packageThe House and Senate have passed several spending bills, but key issues remain unresolved🌍 Global Trade & GeopoliticsPresident Trump announced new tariffs on NATO allies over Greenland10% tariffs begin February 1Increase to 25% on June 1Tariffs remain until the US is able to purchase GreenlandThe EU is weighing retaliatory trade measuresTrump also said he would consider using force if negotiations failMarket reaction:S&P 500 futures down 1.8%European and UK equities sharply lowerUS dollar weaker against major currencies🇨🇦🇨🇳 Canada–China Trade DealChina will reduce tariffs on Canadian canola oil from 85% to 15% by March 1Tariffs also reduced on:LobstersCrabsPeasCanada will impose a 6.1% tariff on Chinese EVsChina has reportedly purchased its first Canadian canola cargo since OctoberCanada continues diversifying trade away from the US🌱 South American Crop UpdateBrazil’s soybean harvest is ahead of schedule2% harvested as of last Thursdayvs. 1.7% at the same time last yearRainfall has been near normal overall, with slightly drier conditions in southern areasWorld Weather notes a La Niña-style dry bias, but says it’s unlikely to threaten production📊 Fund Positioning (CFTC)Large speculators were heavy sellers last week:Corn: Net sellers of 78k contractsNet short now 91k (largest since late October)Soybeans: Net sellers of 46k contractsNet short 20k (largest since mid-October)Wheat: Net buyers of 1k SRW contracts🚢 Export ActivityUSDA reported multiple corn flash sales:298k mt to unknown destinations120k mt to JapanBoth sales are for the 2025/26 marketing yearAccumulated corn sales are now 29% higher than last year🐄 Cattle Market ShockLive and feeder cattle futures plunged Friday on screwworm concernsTexas officials report 14 active cases within 200 miles of the US borderThe pest is expected to eventually reach the USMarket reaction:Live cattle down as much as $4.45Feeder cattle down as much as $8.10