Chicago Close: Soybeans Stronger to Begin Week

Dec 20, 2023

Soybean futures were stronger to start the week, while both corn and wheat finished with losses on the day.

Soybeans climbed on news Argentina’s new government planned to raise export taxes on soybean oil and soybean meal, a move that could lessen competition for US supplies. Soybeans were further underpinned by gains in crude oil after BP said it was suspending shipments via the Red Sea following more attacks on ships by Iran-aligned Houthi militants. On the other hand, rain is expected in Brazil later this week. January beans were up 11 ¼ cents at $13.27, and November added 7 ¾ cents at $12.84.

Corn was pressured by technical selling, with March corn down 6 cents to $4.77, and new-crop December down 3 ¾ cents at $5.08 ½.

Wheat fell as abundant Russian supplies continued to overhang the international market. March Chicago wheat fell 12 ¼ cents to $6.17, March Kansas City lost 15 cents to $6.27 ¾, and March Minneapolis dropped 9 ¼ cents to $7.21 ½.

Source : Syngenta.ca

Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta