3 Big Things Today, Sept. 19, 2025

1. Soybean Futures Slightly Higher in Overnight Trading

Soybean futures were modestly higher and grains were little changed overnight ahead of today’s phone call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

The leaders of the world’s two largest economies are set to finalize a deal concerning TikTok and discuss trade. 

China hasn’t purchased U.S. soybeans in months amid the ongoing trade war between the countries. No deal has been hammered out despite several rounds of talks. 

The Asian country is the world’s largest importer of soybeans and last year purchased more than $12.6 billion worth from U.S. suppliers, according to data from the USDA. 

The call is scheduled for 9 a.m. ET. 

U.S. crop weather for the next few days is predicted to be mixed, with rainfall in some areas. Rain in South Dakota and Minnesota may hinder drydown, while dry weather in parts of the Delta could allow producers to accelerate the harvest. 

Soybeans for November delivery rose 3¼¢, to $10.40¾ a bushel overnight on the Chicago Board of Trade. Soy meal added $1.40, to $286.10 a short ton, and soybean oil futures dropped 0.25¢, to 50.88¢ a pound. 

Corn futures rose ¾¢, to $4.24½ a bushel. 

Wheat futures for December delivery fell ¼¢, to $5.24 a bushel. Kansas City futures lost ½¢, to $5.09½ a bushel. 

2. Wheat Sales, Exports to Overseas Buyers Jump

Sales and exports of wheat to overseas buyers jumped week to week, according to data from the USDA. 

Wheat sales were reported at 377,500 metric tons, up 24% from the previous week but down 12% from the prior four-week average, the agency said. 

The Philippines bought 186,000 tons, Nigeria was in for 104,300 tons, Mexico purchased 96,000 tons, Indonesia took 62,000 tons, and Costa Rica bought 35,600 tons. The total would have been higher, but an unidentified country canceled orders of 156,100 tons, the USDA said. 

Wheat exports jumped to 774,800 tons from 356,500 tons a week earlier. 

Corn sales in the first full week of the 2025/2026 marketing year, which started Sept. 1, totaled 1.23 million metric tons. 

Mexico was the big buyer at 419,200 tons, followed by South Korea at 201,000 tons, and Japan at 194,500 tons. Spain purchased 141,500 tons and Honduras bought 69,500 tons from U.S. suppliers, the agency said. An unknown destination canceled cargoes of 91,700 tons. 

Exports last week came in at 1.56 million metric tons. 

Soybean sales in the first week of the new marketing year were reported at 923,000 metric tons, the USDA said. 

Egypt was in for 228,400 tons, Mexico bought 195,400 tons, Spain took 179,400 tons, Bangladesh purchased 85,300 tons, and the Netherlands bought 69,100 tons. 

That was offset by cancellations from an unknown country for 148,500 tons. 

Exports for the week totaled 837,100 tons, the USDA reported. 

3. Thunderstorms Forecast for Parts of Missouri

Isolated thunderstorms are forecast for parts of southern Missouri this afternoon and evening, according to National Weather Service (NWS) maps. 

Small hail, heavy rain, and lightning are the main concerns associated with the storms, the agency said. 

More precipitation is expected off and on in the area Saturday through Tuesday. 

Rainfall is forecast in parts of central and northern South Dakota and parts of western Minnesota this afternoon. While precipitation is forecast to be limited, standing water and flooding is possible, as soils are already saturated, the NWS said.