Tight margins, shifting trade dynamics, and a steady drumbeat of new regulation are reshaping how operators plan for the season ahead.
Dirt to Dollars · August 2025
Regulations up. Margins down. What's next?
Welcome to Dirt to Dollars — Return's monthly digest that turns insights into income. This month: trade uncertainty pressures grain prices, low-CI corn premiums step into focus, and a packed late-summer event calendar.
August Field Report · Upper Midwest
Storms keep rolling, heat's hanging on.
Fields are a patchwork of too-wet and thirsty spots heading into late summer.
Litter Timing Shift
Nutrient uptake slows as soil temps fall below 50°F. If you're still applying poultry litter, treat it like a long-term investment. Nutrients will mineralize slowly and feed early spring growth.
Corn
Sep$3.84 1/2
Dec$4.07
Summary
New-crop export sales are up 13% year over year, even as old-crop demand fades. Prices eased on cooler-weather forecasts, but global buyers are still in the market.
Outlook
Don't wait for a weather rally that may not come — lock in profitable bushels now, and track low-CI practices to grab biofuel premiums.
Soybeans
Sep$9.71 3/8
Dec$9.77 3/8
Summary
Beans popped to a two-week high on weather risk and a jump in soy oil. Export pace is still beating last year, even with China buying light.
Outlook
Strong crush and export demand point to solid support — secure September prices before harvest pressure sets in.
Wheat
Sep$5.18 1/4
Dec$5.39
Summary
Futures are climbing on tight HRW supply and aggressive export interest.
Outlook
Watch local basis closely — if bids firm, now could be the time to move wheat.
Aug 7–17, 2025
Des Moines, IA
Aug 14, 2025
Hastings, MN
Aug 20, 2025
Hines, MN
Aug 27, 2025
Arlington Agricultural Research Station, Arlington, WI
Aug 27, 2025
Shenandoah, IA
Aug 29, 2025
Staples, MN