Sugar
- U.S. cash traders report that bulk sugar price offers for the 2026-27 new crop remain firm for both beet and cane sugar this week, while most processors remain on the sidelines for new crop sales
- In its World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, the UJSDA projected 2026/27 U.S. sugar production at 8.839 million short tons, raw value (STRV), the lowest since 2019/20
- Dry weather in some sugar beet growing regions has delayed harvesting, while pasture mealybug infestations in Louisiana and Florida crops have contributed to production uncertainty, according to analysts
- The global sugar markets remained supported by elevated energy prices and ongoing crop concerns as the El Niño weather pattern continued to affect production prospects in key growing regions, according to analysts
Dry Beans
- Domestic dry bean end users have completed coverage for most of Q1, according to this week’s updates from cash dealers
- The U.S. dry edible bean harvest is estimated to be 28% complete nationwide as of September 21, according to recent USDA reports. This is ahead of last year's 25% at this time but trails the recent average of 47%
- The latest round of USDA-posted weekly cash offers were 13%-18% 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 have picked up through Q1 over the past few weeks
- According to UkrAgroConsult, in 2026, U.S. long-grain rice acreage fell by about 29%, with the steepest decline recorded in Arkansas, the country’s largest long grain rice-producing state. There, planted area dropped 41% to 851,000 acres, the lowest level in nearly 50 years. Analysts attribute the decline in acreage to high production costs, competition from lower-priced imported rice and farmers shifting land to more profitable crops, particularly soybeans
- Per the U.S. Rice Federation, U.S. producers continue facing margin pressures from heavily subsidized foreign competitors, prompting calls for trade oversight
- Spot rough rice futures are trading back above their highest levels since July 2024
Flour
- The wheat markets were lower this week
- The spot Kansas City futures wheat contract has now retraced approximately 40% of the rally that occurred between June 30 and September 2
- Ongoing disruptions in the Black Sea shipping corridor continue to inject a risk premium into the grain complex, according to analysts
- According to the USDA, the spring wheat crop is 96% harvested, up from 93% last week and the same as the five-year average
- According to the USDA, winter wheat planting is 17% complete, compared to 8% last week and 19% a year ago. Improved rainfall was noted in parts of the parched Southern Plains this week, 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.