USDA report for agricultural commodities

asr: see this is good eductaion on USDA reports on Agri..

Summer Outlook For Commodities
Wednesday May 27, 2009
Most of the action in commodities during the summer takes place in the grain markets. This year should be no exception. Supplies are tight for soybeans and corn this year, so traders will be on edge while monitoring weather reports this season. Good weather and abundant crops this season might lead to a steady drop in prices, while adverse weather could send prices soaring. Either way, there should be good movement.

The USDA will release the final estimates for acres planted this season at the end of June. That will be a key report,
- along with the monthly crop reports that come out around the 10th of every month.
- However, the weekly crop progress reports on Mondays may be the most closely watched. They provide a weekly update as to the conditions of corn, soybeans, wheat and other commodities across the country. If crop conditions move well below their 5-year average, prices should move higher.

Other commodities have been very active coming into the summer season and there may be continued volatility into the summer. Coffee, sugar and cotton will be a few commodities to watch. Also, we’ll have to see if lean hogs can shake off the negative effects of the swine flu.

Summer is also hurricane season for commodities and traders are always on alert, even though this hurricane season is expected to be a tame one. Natural gas and crude oil come to mind for commodities to watch. Any major hurricanes moving into the Gulf of Mexico should cause some movement in these commodities. The chances are low for a major run higher, but you never know.