Sugar
- U.S. cash traders report that bulk sugar price offers for the 2026-27 crop year remain firm for both beet and cane sugar this week, while most processors remain on the sidelines for new crop sales
- In its October World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, the USDA raised from September its estimated U.S. sugar ending stocks for 2025-26 and forecast ending stocks for 2026-27. Domestic use for 2025-26 was reduced, with the lower number carried into 2026-27. Ending stocks-to-use ratios were raised for both years
- Global supply concerns due to adverse weather in some key producing regions and the emphasis of ethanol over sugar in Brazil continue to support raw sugar prices, according to analysts
- According to Yahoo Finance, the U.S. Climate Prediction Center said the El Niño weather pattern that emerged across the equatorial Pacific will likely be one of the strongest in more than 75 years. This sets the stage for months of possible floods, droughts, and temperature fluctuations later this year that could hinder sugar production in Asia, India and South America
- Spot global sugar futures traded at their highest level since February 2025, while the domestic futures traded at their highest level since January 2024
Dry Beans
- Domestic dry bean end users have completed coverage for Q1 2027 and are beginning to fill in Q2, according to the most recent updates from cash dealers
- The USDA forecasts total 2026 dry bean production of 23.3 million cwt., which would be a 13% decrease compared to 2025
- According to the NASS Progress Report released October 13, an estimated 66% of the national dry bean crop was in the bin, compared to the recent average or 86%
- The latest round of USDA-posted weekly cash offers were 21%-24% lower than last year’s levels for the spot position delivered to the warehouse for most dry bean varieties
Rice
- U.S. cash dealers report that domestic bookings of milled and industrial rice are complete through Q1, with end users continuing to assess offers for Q2
- Rice futures continue to hover near two-year highs
- Erratic weather and below-normal monsoon rain, linked to a strengthening El Niño, threaten output in top exporter India, while hot, dry conditions have also impacted U.S. harvests, according to analysts
Flour
- The wheat markets were lower this week
- Ongoing disruptions in the Black Sea shipping corridor continue to inject a risk premium into the grain complex, according to analysts
- Corn prices have moved sharply lower over the last week, which has allowed for some spillover selling in the wheat market, as both markets compete into domestic feed channels, according to analysts
- In its October World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, the USDA projected 2026/2027 all-wheat ending stocks at 740 million bushels, up 23 million from its 717 million projection on the September report
- According to the USDA, winter wheat planting is 51% complete, compared to 36% last week and the five-year average of 58%
- Recent rain in the U.S. Southern Plains has slowed this year’s winter wheat planting, but has replenished severely depleted subsoil moisture in some areas, according to analysts
- U.S. wheat prices remain very uncompetitive to non-captive destinations for export, according to analysts
The data contained in the Farmer’s Report is provided for informational purposes only, is not tailored to your specific purchasing needs, and is not intended as a substitute for any other publicly-available market data or information. The Farmer’s Report is compiled from the last-received market data provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and/or other market sources, and is subject to change without notice. Nothing herein is the opinion of US Foods®. US Foods neither assumes any legal liability nor makes any warranty or guaranty, either express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy or usefulness of this information.