Last year showed how dry conditions create the perfect playground for a few yield-robbing pests. The conditions could be ripe again for drought-loving pests to emerge.

Ground squirrels and voles take tiny bites from soybean fields.

Row crops continue to see fund liquidation on weather and market uncertainty. Live cattle ended slightly higher despite some lower cash while the milk market is still above $20.

Weather and export news is pushing grain lower at midday, with livestock higher except feeders.

Putin said Gazprom will restart gas supplies to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline on schedule Thursday — but at a drastically reduced capacity.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey is concerned about the impact this week’s high heat could have on corn production as the majority of the crop was planted late. The August forecasts are also concerning for soybeans.