#752 - "Tariffs, China, and Volatility: What It Means for Grain This Week" - Weekly Market Outlook: Feb 16-20
Episode Description
We head into a new marketing week right in the middle of the crop insurance price discovery window. Chris is joined by Jeff Fichtelman to break down what they are seeing in old crop corn and soybean movement, why basis has been flat to softer in many areas, and how South American harvest selling could create headwinds over the next 30 to 60 days. They also dig into the bigger-picture drivers, including tariffs and China headlines, why farmers feel eager to sell rallies after the last few years, and why 2026 marketing decisions may need more patience with today’s insurance and government program “floors.” Finally, they discuss outside markets (stocks, bonds, Bitcoin as a risk barometer), why volatility may be picking up, and why discipline, scenario planning, and knowing your real breakevens matter heading toward planting season.