3 Big Things Today, Oct. 13, 2025

1. Soybean, Grain Futures Little Changed Overnight

Soybeans and grains were mostly little changed in overnight trading as investors again face uncertainty over the ongoing tariff war between the U.S. and China. 

President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to hit the Asian nation with 100% tariffs starting next month amid a move by Beijing to restrict rare-earth minerals. 

The president also said there may longer be a reason to meet with China President Xi Jinping as planned at the end of this month. The two had planned to meet on the sidelines of an economic conference in South Korea in about two weeks. 

That led to double-digit price declines on Friday. 

China reiterated its stance that it doesn’t fear a trade war and would retaliate if the tariffs were put in place. 

On Sunday, Trump walked back his comments, saying China relations “will be fine” and that neither he nor his Xi wants an economic depression. 

That led to prices improving overnight as tensions seemed to ease between the world’s two largest economies. 

Soybean futures for November delivery dropped 1¢ to $10.07 3/4 a bushel overnight on the Chicago Board of Trade. Soymeal lost 10¢ to $274.90 a short ton and soybean oil futures added 0.23¢ to 50.2¢ a pound. 

Corn futures rose 1/4¢ to $4.13 1/4 a bushel. 

Wheat futures for December delivery were down 2 3/4¢ to $4.95 3/4 a bushel, and Kansas City futures lost 2 1/4¢ to $4.80 3/4 a bushel. 

2. Year-Round E15 Access Would Improve Corn Demand

Year-round access to 15% ethanol blends national would vastly improve demand for corn while offering energy stability, the National Corn Growers Association said in a statement. 

Corn use in ethanol may increase by as much as 50% amid full implementation of a nationwide rule allowing sales of E15 blends, the association said.

 “Congress could address the economic crisis affecting corn growers by passing legislation that would make higher blends of ethanol readily accessible to all Americans,” NCGA President Jed Bower said. 

About 5.6 billion bushels, or a third of U.S. production, is expected to go into ethanol production in the U.S. in the 2025-2026 marketing year that started on Sept. 1, according to the Department of Agriculture. 

If realized, that would be up from 5.435 billion bushels used in the previous year, USDA data show. 

NCGA said it’s spent months urging Congress to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. 

Corn used to make ethanol is forecast to remain near current levels while corn production is expected to rise. 

“Without allowing demand to increase correspondingly … the increased supply will further depress already below-breakeven market prices,” NCGA said. 

3. Freeze, Frost Expected in the Dakotas, Nebraska

Freeze warnings and frost advisories have been issued for much of western and central North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska, according to National Weather Service maps. 

Temperatures in central North Dakota fell as low as 25 degrees overnight, the agency said. Freeze warnings will remain in effect in the area until 10 a.m. local time. 

Frost advisories are in effect in central South Dakota where temperatures dropped to around 33 degrees overnight, NWS said. 

Temperatures in the Nebraska panhandle fell to around 32 degrees, the agency said. 

Light rain is expected in parts of northern and western Missouri through tonight, though no severe weather is forecast. 

Warmer weather is projected in the area through Friday as temperatures will be above seasonal averages, NWS said.