Mike Zuzolo with Global Commodity Analytics says soybean futures closed slightly higher on Monday as trade tensions with China seemed to ease over the weekend. However, he says the soybean market doesn’t totally trust that a deal is going to take place.

With the loss of Chinese demand, U.S. ag is searching for its next “shining star.” Researchers at Iowa State may have found it for soybeans: the road beneath your feet and the refineries needed to fuel your truck or car.

Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says November feeder cattle futures were up over $20 last week and have led the rally on strong cash, tight supplies and the continued cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico keeping the border shut.

Chinese crushers have been bolstering supplies of the oilseed with shipments mainly from Brazil.

Learn how ideal soybean maturity groups can optimize yield and profitability.

Jerry Gulke, president of the Gulke Group, says the trade news was a game changer for the market. After calling an early low in corn and soybeans, he says Friday’s news and trade action has changed his opinion and he has turned bearish.

Basis levels improved this week, with some analysts saying it could have been from China buying, even if the government shutdown means no daily export sales data can offer proof. But one analyst says there is a bullish case for corn, especially considering global stocks of corn relative to use, are the tightest since the 2012 drought.

Scott Varilek, Kooima Kooima Varilek says the feeder futures have put on $22 this week and were due for a correction but still project to $388. Grains see pressure from China trade news.

With China currently not buying U.S. soybeans, trade missions have taken on a whole new level of importance.

Dave Chatterton with Strategic Farm Marketing says corn, soybeans and wheat were all lower on Thursday after running into solid chart resistance. However, basis is firming. So, what does that signal?