Established 1985 The Closing Market Report airs weekdays at 2:06pm central on WILL AM580, Urbana. University of Illinois Extension Farm Broadcaster Todd Gleason hosts the program. Each day he asks commodity analysts about the trade in Chicago, delves deep into the global growing regions weather, and talks with ag economists, entomologists, agronomists, and others involved in agriculture at the farm and industry level. website: willag.org twitter: @commodityweek
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 Group 09:20 Higher Renewable Volume Obligations Fuel Industry Growth 14:19 ADM Investing in Crush Capacity 15:45 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.net 07:38 WILLAg News Update 10:15 Meat Snacks: Market Growth, GLP-1s, & Innovation 17:28 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 Marketing 09:36 Weekly Crop Progress Report State Anomalies 11:43 Crop Risk Tool & Tar Spot Development 14:58 Phosphate Fertilizer Squeeze with Josh Linville 17:19 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.net 08:22 Plan Ahead for Fewer Ad Hoc Farm Payments 09:18 Rural Health Disadvantages in the U.S 10:18 Commodity Markets Discussion with Chad Hart 17:36 Ag Weather with Mark Russo, EverStream Analytics ★ Support this podcast ★
cmr260724 The 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 Company 09:41 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.net 07:55 McConnell's Absence, Graham's Death Hobble GOP Initiatives 09:48 RFA Uses Voter Polling Data to Support E15 17:02 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 Marketing 10:57 24 Illinois Counties Lose Half or All NRCS Staffing 11:59 Trump Tariffs Still Looming over Economy 14:33 Ag Weather with Drew Lerner, World Weather Inc. ★ Support this podcast ★
The July 21, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report, hosted by Todd Gleason, provides an overview of agricultural commodity markets, crop conditions, energy prices, and weather forecasts. Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing analyzes recent rallies in wheat and soybean futures, attributing market movements to European droughts and ongoing geopolitical tensions, while cautioning producers about potential price pullbacks. The broadcast details the latest USDA Crop Progress Report, noting that corn and soybean development is ahead of historical averages across much of the Midwest, and provides an update on tar spot tracking from the Crop Protection Network. Dave Chatterton of Strategic Farm Marketing discusses the volatility in agricultural energies, warning that escalating conflicts in the Middle East and the Black Sea, combined with low strategic petroleum reserves, pose upside risks for fall diesel and fertilizer prices. Finally, Don Day of Day Weather outlines a hot and dry forecast for the northern and western Corn Belt, highlighting concerns about potential crop stress during the critical August period. 01:15 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing 08:21 USDA Crop Progress Report 10:48 Crop Protection Network Update 12:55 Ag Energies with Dave Chatterton, Strategic Farm Marketing 19:55 Ag Weather with Don Day, Day Weather ★ Support this podcast ★
The Monday edition of the Closing Market Report provides a factual overview of commodity markets, international trade logistics, and weather forecasts for July 20, 2026. During the segment, analyst Curt Kimmel attributes immediate gains in corn and soybean futures to ongoing Black Sea conflicts, European drought, and Chinese export purchases. The report also outlines the finalized July 27 opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, detailing its revised net-revenue toll agreement between Michigan and Canada. Furthermore, economist Ben Brown analyzes the market anomaly of robust Chinese demand for U.S. soybeans despite uncompetitive domestic pricing. Concluding the report, meteorologist Mark Russo notes that while the U.S. Corn Belt faces drier-than-normal conditions without threatening heat, Europe continues to endure severe, crop-damaging heatwaves. 01:19 Ag Markets with Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net 06:18 New Trade Route Between Canada and U.S. to Open 10:31 Ag Markets Discussion with Ben Brown, University of Minnesota 19:08 Ag Weather with Mark Russo, EverStream.ai ★ Support this podcast ★
The July 16, 2026 edition of the Closing Market Report covers commodity markets, soil management research, and regional agricultural weather patterns. Host Todd Gleason opens the program from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting event in Kansas City, sharing first-hand observations of resilient midwestern corn crops despite recent heat waves. Market analyst Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net discusses current wheat and energy price volatility driven by geopolitical factors, noting that while the corn crop is progressing well through pollination, upcoming weather conditions will determine the extent of market premiums. University of Illinois PhD student Blake Link reports from the Orr Research Center on the expanding necessity of sulfur fertilizers across the Corn Belt, explaining the different forms of sulfur applications and their chemical effects on soil acidity. Finally, Mike Tannura of Tstorm Weather provides a global and domestic agricultural weather outlook, highlighting a temperature divide between a hotter northern region and a milder south, the potential for early-season monsoonal rains in August, and the localized atmospheric impacts of seasonal wildfire smoke on crop photosynthesis and daytime temperatures. 01:10 Ag Markets with Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net 08:38 Evaluating the Need for Sulfur Fertilizers in the Corn Belt 16:03 Ag Weather with Mike Tannura, Tstorm.net ★ Support this podcast ★
The July 15, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report highlights the current agricultural commodity markets and upcoming weather patterns influencing crop production. Host Todd Gleason discusses a recent surge in wheat futures driven by supply fears following Russian military attacks on Ukrainian ports, particularly Odesa, shifting the focus away from traditional weather factors. In the ag market segment, Greg Johnson notes that Central Illinois crops are generally performing well, prompting farmers to hold out for stronger prices, though fund activity remains neutral to long. Additionally, the program details upcoming regional agricultural events, including University of Illinois Extension field days and webinars focused on soybean breeding and agricultural AI applications. The second half of the program transitions to regional and international ag weather with Drew Lerner from World Weather Inc.. Lerner breaks down the stressful but manageable heat impacts across the northern Corn Belt, noting that while the upper Missouri River Basin faces high temperatures and dryness, areas like the Red River Valley are insulated by recent heavy rainfall. The international segment details a severe and expanding drought in Western Europe, where central France and the UK face massive precipitation deficits threatening summer crops like sugar beets. Conversely, weather conditions remain favorable for crop maturation in the Black Sea region, making the current market volatility strictly a reflection of regional war developments rather than climate failures. 01:21 Ag Markets with Greg Johnson, Total Grain Marketing 11:59 Ag Weather with Drew Lerner, World Weather Inc. ★ Support this podcast ★
The July 14, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report highlights shifting grain dynamics, regional crop conditions, and agricultural energy concerns amid escalating global conflicts. Market analyst Naomi Blohm notes that a recent shift to slightly cooler nighttime temperatures has taken some heat pressure out of corn and soybean prices, while wheat experiences a war premium driven by renewed tensions in the Black Sea region. Nationally, crop progress remains steady, though states west of the Mississippi—particularly Minnesota and Iowa—are significantly outperforming eastern Corn Belt states like Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Energy expert Susan Stroud addresses the growing volatility in the diesel market, explaining how supply crunches in Europe, domestic biofuel mandates, and the continued depletion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve are squeezing fuel availability ahead of the fall harvest. Finally, meteorologist Don Day warns that a stubborn high-pressure ridge will sustain well-above-average temperatures and dry conditions across the northern tier and western Corn Belt for the next 10 to 12 days. 01:15 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing 07:30 USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report 09:29 Crop Protection Network Disease Report 10:47 AgriNext & Energies with Susan Stroud, No Bull Ag 20:59 Ag Weather with Don Day, Day Weather ★ Support this podcast ★
The July 13, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report covered critical updates in domestic agricultural production, global energy markets, and shifting weather patterns impacting the U.S. corn belt. Curt Kimmel of AgMarket.net analyzed the day's sharp rise in crude oil and grain futures, tying the market's upward momentum to localized heat stress in the western corn belt, declining crop condition ratings, and sudden escalations in Middle East war tensions. Expanding on these geopolitical developments, North Dakota State University Extension Economist Frayne Olson discussed the severe impact of a newly announced U.S. military escort fee for transiting the Strait of Hormuz, alongside the logistics disruption caused by Ukrainian drone attacks near the Sea of Azov. Olson noted that while these conflicts introduce a supportive risk premium for U.S. grain exports, their long-term effects will primarily filter through volatile international energy markets. Finally, meteorologist Mark Russo of EverStream Analytics provided a near-term weather outlook, reporting that while threatening pollination heat will temporarily persist in the northwest Midwest, a retrogressing ridge of high pressure will bring cooler temperatures by the weekend. However, Russo warned that an impending shift toward a suppressed, northwest flow jet stream pattern could signal a prolonged dry spell moving into critical pod-development stages for soybeans in early August. 01:11 Ag Markets with Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net 06:53 Commodity Market Discussion with Frayne Olson, NDSU 18:46 Ag Weather with Mark Russo, EverStream Analytics ★ Support this podcast ★
The July 10, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report highlights University of Illinois agricultural research and economic analysis. The program begins with an interview featuring soybean breeder Eliana Monteverde, who details how her team utilizes the USDA germplasm bank to develop new commercial soybean varieties with stacked pest resistance and modified amino acid profiles. Following this, the broadcast presents a comprehensive presentation by agricultural economist Bruce Sherrick on the macroeconomic drivers of farmland values. Sherrick examines how factors such as global production disparities, domestic inflation, crop insurance subsidies, and renewable energy land-use influence the long-term investment stability and profitability of agricultural real estate. 01:36 Soybean Breeding Research and a Field Day with Eliana Monteverde, University of Illinois 14:42 Land Values Discussion with Bruce Sherrick, University of Illinois ★ Support this podcast ★
This July 9, 2026, edition of the *Closing Market Report*, hosted by Todd Gleason, covers agricultural markets, weather forecasts, and a local wildlife rescue. Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net begins by analyzing recent commodity market fluctuations, attributing the downturn to profit-taking ahead of the upcoming July WASDE report and shifting weather expectations. The program then takes a unique turn as Gleason recounts his unexpected absence the previous day, which involved coordinating with an arborist and the local Wildlife Medical Clinic to return a fallen baby Cooper's Hawk to its 65-foot-high nest. Finally, Mike Tannura of Tstorm Weather outlines the complexities of the upcoming 10-to-14-day weather models, highlighting the tension between a potential Midwestern heat dome and cooler Canadian air, while noting that current soil moisture remains largely adequate for the critical crop pollination period. 01:33 Ag Markets with Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net 07:37 Putting a Cooper's Hawk Chick Back in its Nest 15:44 Ag Weather with Mike Tannura, Tstorm.net ★ Support this podcast ★
The July 8, 2026, edition of the *Closing Market Report* covered commodity market fluctuations, regional agricultural updates, and international weather conditions. Farm broadcaster Todd Gleason hosted the program, noting that while the final numbers from the CME Group were unavailable, grain markets faced downward pressure due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, contrasting with a notable rise in crude oil prices. Greg Johnson of Total Grain Marketing discussed a 50% retracement on corn charts following the June crop report, outlining local crop conditions in Illinois and evaluating market dynamics like basis levels and Chinese export demand. The broadcast previewed four upcoming University of Illinois Extension and Crop Sciences field days across July, including events at the Orr Center, Heyworth, Monmouth, and Dixon Springs. Finally, Drew Lerner of World Weather Inc. provided an ag weather outlook, highlighting severe heat and moisture deficits hitting the northwestern Corn Belt and northern Plains, alongside extreme drought stress affecting crops across France and parts of Western Europe. 00:58 Ag Markets with Greg Johnson, Total Grain Marketing 08:56 Four Field Days to Close Out July 12:11 Ag Weather with Drew Lerner, World Weather Inc. ★ Support this podcast ★
This edition of the Closing Market Report covers the latest developments in agricultural commodity markets, crop progress, and regional weather forecasting. Host Todd Gleason opens with commodity price updates before talking with Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing, who details a recent technical recovery bounce driven by hot, dry weather patterns and underscores the market significance of the upcoming July WASDE report. The program also reviews the nationwide USDA NASS Crop Progress Report, highlighting that corn, soybean, and winter wheat developments are running well ahead of their historic five-year averages. A feature from Harvest Public Media examines the ongoing regulatory and ecological challenges surrounding the volatile herbicide dicamba and its propensity for off-target drift. Finally, meteorologist Don Day warns of an intense, unseasonable "heat dome" set to bring triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions to the northern Corn Belt, establishing a unique weather pattern wrapped by an outer ring of moisture. 02:19 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing 09:32 USDA NASS Crop Progress Report 11:58 CropProtectionNetwork.com to Monitor Disease 13:48 Dicamba, EPA, and U.S. Farmers 18:06 Ag Weather with Don Day, Day Weather ★ Support this podcast ★
This Monday edition of the Closing Market Report highlights a major, post-holiday surge across the agricultural commodity markets, driven primarily by an adverse late-summer weather forecast and renewed export interest from China. Host Todd Gleason reports substantial gains in corn, soybean, and wheat futures following recent contract lows. Market analyst Curt Kimmel of AgMarket.net discusses the logistical significance of China picking up soybean cargoes off the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf, noting that while the technical fundamentals haven't shifted, the buying enthusiasm provides critical support ahead of Friday's upcoming USDA WASDE report. In agricultural news, farm groups are actively pushing back against Bayer's request for anti-dumping duties on Chinese glyphosate imports due to concerns over narrowing farmer margins. Additionally, University of Illinois Extension entomologist Nick Seiter warns producers to actively scout for corn leaf aphids as crops enter their vulnerable tasseling stage, and Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman expresses hope to transition foreign food aid programs back under the jurisdiction of the USDA via a new farm bill. The program also features an in-depth economic perspective from University of Minnesota Extension economist Ed Usset, who views the current market rally as a classic post-July 4th weather market. While acknowledging the bump from hot, dry domestic forecasts and extreme heat hitting crops in France, Usset reminds producers that this rally serves as an excellent "second chance" to clean out remaining old crop inventories and execute scale-up sales on new crop corn and soybeans before defensive seasonal trends potentially return. Finally, Mark Russo of EverStream Analytics breaks down the broader global weather patterns, noting that while the core U.S. Midwest looks secure, a highly intense ridge of high pressure will bring crop-stressing heat to western plains states like Nebraska, Kansas, and South Dakota next week. Internationally, Russo reports a disastrous third heat wave accelerating crop deterioration for corn in France and parts of Eastern Europe, while unseasonal winter rains slightly slow the safrinha corn harvest in southern Brazil. 01:35 Ag Markets with Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net 07:20 Bayer Requests Glyphosate Import Protections 08:00 Scout for Corn Aphids 09:12 Farm Bill Legislation May Attempt to Move Foreign Food Aid 10:54 Commodity Market Discussion with Ed Usset, University of Minnesota 18:04 Ag Weather with Mark Russo, EverStream Analytics ★ Support this podcast ★
