Podcast
Closing Market Report
Hosted by Todd E. Gleason · EN
Established 1985
The Closing Market Report airs weekdays at 2:06pm central on WILL AM580, Urbana. University of Illinois Extension Farm Broadcaster Todd Gleason hosts the program. Each day he asks commodity analysts about the trade in Chicago, delves deep into the global growing regions weather, and talks with ag economists, entomologists, agronomists, and others involved in agriculture at the farm and industry level.
website: willag.org
twitter: @commodityweek
69episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
CMR | What Causes a Dust Storm in Illinois
3d ago00:23:50Tap to summarizeA blowing dust warning was issued Monday afternoon in rural Champaign County. Strong southerly winds combined with weakening storms kicked up thick plumes of blowing dust from the fields across central Illinois. The national weather service reported that there was near zero visibility reported on at least three interstate highways in Illinois.Although dust storms are common in Illinois, they can often be dangerous. Last year, Illinois experienced a dust storm early in the growing season. A blowing dust advisory was issued for parts of the Chicago area with wind gusts as high as 35 miles per hour.Three years ago a dust storm caused a 84-vehicle pileup along I-55 south of Springfield. Eight people died and dozens more were injured.Doctoral student in Physics at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Maddie Stover and Illinois State Climatologist with the Prairie Research Institute, Trent Ford taking a closer look into this week's dust storms that swept across central Illinois.Funding for Weather Realness is partially provided by the Backlund Charitable Trust. If you have a question for a local scientist on this program, please leave a voicemail at 217.333.2141 or email weatherrealness@illinois.edu- Maddie Stover, host and doctoral student - University of Illinois- Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist - ISWS PRI ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →Jun 01 | Closing Market Report
3d ago00:23:50Tap to summarizeThis segment of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast, featured on the Closing Market Report, examines the agronomic impact of the soil microbiome through an interview with Waypoint Analytical's Dr. Lizzie French. The soil microbiome consists of microscopic organisms—including bacteria, fungi, and nematodes—that cycle nutrients, process crop residues, and build soil structure. Waypoint Analytical measures this biological activity using DNA analysis to identify the specific functional capabilities of these microbes, such as their ability to fix nitrogen or solubilize phosphorus. French asserts that implementing conservation practices, including cover crops, reduced tillage, and tile drainage management, provides the necessary habitat and carbon inputs to sustain microbial populations and prevent nutrient runoff. By testing and understanding their soil's biological capacity, producers can optimize fertilizer efficiency and potentially reduce nitrogen applications in soils with robust organic matter, though French cautions that maintaining proper soil pH remains the most critical foundational step for supporting biological activity.- Lizzie French, Soil Biology Manager - Waypoint Analytical, Inc. ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 29 | Closing Market Report
6d ago00:17:27Tap to summarizeThe May 29, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report centers on agricultural commodity trends and the Midwestern weather outlook. Market analyst Mike Zuzolo notes that while wheat, cattle, and corn faced downward pressure from weak weekly export sales and shifting geopolitical conditions, soybean oil demonstrated strong performance driven by favorable crush margins, which helped stabilize the broader soybean market. Looking ahead, Zuzolo suggests that Northern Hemisphere weather uncertainties and the upcoming wheat harvest could introduce upward market potential in the latter half of June. On the agronomic front, meteorologist Eric Snodgrass explains that fluctuating spring temperatures caused atypical early corn root development in some fields he visit in the upper Midwest. He highlights a current warming trend in the Corn Belt, forecasting a generally drier June that will allow crops to accumulate essential Growing Degree Days, followed by a potentially wetter July. The broadcast also outlines upcoming University of Illinois extension events, including the Small Grains Field Day, the Weed Science Field Research Tour, and the "Sustaining Farm Legacy" series.- Ag Markets with Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com- Ag Weather with Eric Snodgrass, NutrienAgSolutions.com ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 28 | Closing Market Report
1w ago00:23:50Tap to summarizeThe May 28, 2026, broadcast of the Closing Market Report features discussions on commodity markets, agricultural news, and weather forecasts. Curt Kimmel reports that corn and soybean markets experienced volatility but ultimately rebounded, driven by optimism over a potential peace agreement and hopes for Chinese goodwill purchases. In policy and trade news, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed the administration's commitment to maintaining tariffs, while the National Corn Growers Association advocated for clear guidelines on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. Other significant developments include Brazil surpassing Argentina as the top exporter of soybean meal and John Deere's $99 million settlement over its right-to-repair policies. Finally, meteorologist Mike Tannura warns of historically dry conditions threatening spring wheat in the northern plains and cautions that an unusually dry forecast for early June could pose significant yield risks across the Corn Belt but that this isn't necessarily the case historically.- Ag Markets with Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net- University of Illinois Row Crop Events in June- Jaimeson Greer on USMCA Trade Negotiations- Ag Weather with Mike Tannura, Tstorm.net ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 27 | Closing Market Report
1w ago00:23:50Tap to summarizeThis Closing Market Report broadcast from the Land Grant university in Urbana-Champaign, covers recent developments in agricultural markets, fertilizer consolidation, and global weather patterns. Greg Johnson of Total Grain Marketing notes that short-term factors, such as rapid planting progress and dropping crude oil prices, are currently pressuring grain markets, though long-term uncertainties regarding summer weather and yield remain. Henrique Monaco from the farmdoc team briefly highlights the United States' strong domestic capacity for nitrogen and phosphate production, which contrasts with a high reliance on Canadian potassium imports. Finally, Drew Lerner of World Weather Inc. provides a global weather outlook, detailing critical drought relief in the U.S. Southeast and Delta, a beneficial short-term dry down in the Corn Belt, and a rapidly developing El Niño that is expected to bring drier conditions to India and Indonesia in the coming weeks.- Ag Markets with Greg Johnson, TotalGrainMarketing.com- Consolidation in the Fertilizer Industry, farmdocDaily.illinois.edu- Ag Weather with Drew Lerner, WorldWeather.cc ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 26 | Closing Market Report
1w ago00:23:50Tap to summarizeThe May 26, 2026, Closing Market Report indicates a general decline in commodity futures, driven by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and favorable Midwest weather forecasts. Market analyst Naomi Blohm notes that while grain uptrends are holding, they are currently testing critical support levels amid slowing export sales and persistent South American competition. Conversely, fertilizer prices remain highly elevated due to prolonged supply chain and production disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Regarding regional crops, Dan O'Brien reports spotty moisture for Kansas wheat, projecting high abandonment rates of up to 25%, while also highlighting a growing global policy shift toward domestic biofuel production. Finally, meteorologist Don Day forecasts near-term hot and dry conditions for central Canada and the northern US Corn Belt, with contrasting precipitation in the Pacific Northwest and Gulf Coast, before weather patterns are expected to normalize in June.- Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, TotalFarmMarketing.com- CEO of the Fertilizer Institute Corey Rosenbusch- Ag Energies and Kansas Wheat Abandonment with Dan O'Brien, Kansas State Extension- Ag Weather with Don Day, DayWeather.com ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 25 | Memorial Day
2w ago00:23:50Tap to summarizeIn this special Memorial Day edition of the Closing Market Report, host Todd Gleason guides listeners through an auditory journey honoring fallen service members and highlighting historical preservation. The broadcast opens by tracing the origins of Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, and emphasizing the National Moment of Remembrance. It then shifts to Ypres, Belgium, to explore the moving nightly "Last Post" ceremony at the Menin Gate, which has commemorated World War I casualties since 1929. Finally, the program returns to the United States to showcase the J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator and Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, detailing the community-led restoration of this 1904 agricultural landmark and its significance to early 20th-century farming. ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 22 | Closing Market Report
2w ago00:16:04Tap to summarizeThe May 22, 2026, agricultural market report details significant macroeconomic pressures and favorable summer weather projections. Analyst Mike Zuzolo assesses that commodity markets must ration demand for wheat and crude oil due to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is eliminating 10 million barrels of oil per day and may permanently raise energy and agricultural production costs. Zuzolo critically notes that rising bond yields point toward impending inflation and Federal Reserve rate hikes. Conversely, meteorologist Eric Snodgrass provides a largely optimistic weather outlook, forecasting a warm, drier June that historically benefits corn and soybean yields. Snodgrass concludes that current elevated ocean temperatures in the Pacific and Atlantic significantly diminish the risk of severe, long-duration summer drought or heatwaves in the U.S. Midwest.- Ag Markets with Mike Zuzolo, GlobalCommResearch.com- Ag Weather with Eric Snodgrass, NutrienAgSolutions.com ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 21 | Closing Market Report
2w ago00:23:50Tap to summarize- Ag Markets with Matt Bennett, AgMarket.net- farmdoc 2026 Crop Budget Updates- Ag Weather with Mike Tannura, Tstorm.netOn this May 21, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report, host Todd Gleason reviews a mixed trading day as markets respond to ongoing planting progress and US-China trade developments. Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net reports that while planting in Illinois is largely complete, the market is closely watching for future demand signals, specifically whether China will fulfill commitments to purchase US corn and new-crop soybeans. Meanwhile, Nick Paulson of the University of Illinois farmdoc team explains that while updated 2026 crop budgets show slight improvements due to higher commodity prices, they still reflect challenging long-term returns, with cost pressures from diesel fuel being partially offset by strong market pricing. Looking at weather, Mike Tannura of Tstorm Weather forecasts a transition to warmer temperatures following a cool, wet spring. While the US Corn Belt faces planting delays due to persistent moisture, Tannura expresses more significant concern regarding drought conditions in the US Northern Plains spring wheat region, even as he notes stable crop conditions across the Black Sea and South America. The program concludes with a look ahead to this week's Commodity Week, featuring analysis from Collin Waters, Dave Chatterton, and Kurt Kimmel. ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 20 | Closing Market Report
2w ago00:23:50Tap to summarizeThe May 20, 2026, Closing Market Report covered agricultural commodities, local infrastructure legislation, global energy supply chain disruptions, and international weather impacts. Market analysts noted that commodity prices initially rallied on potential Chinese agricultural purchases following a diplomatic meeting, but recently declined due to falling crude oil prices and profit-taking. In local news, the Logan County, Illinois Board bypassed a proposed 90-day freeze and instead approved a 12-month moratorium on a new data center project. On the energy front, the ongoing 80-day closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted global supplies of crude oil, gasoline, and engine lubricants, with analysts warning that a full recovery to pre-war inventory levels could extend into late 2027. Finally, meteorologists highlighted ongoing drought and freeze stress on U.S. winter wheat, alongside unseasonably wet conditions in Brazil and the Canadian Prairies, though warmer, more favorable planting weather is expected soon for the U.S. Corn Belt.- Ag Markets with Greg Johnson, TotalGrainMarketing.com- Logan County IL Board Imposes 12 Month Data Center Moratorium- Strait of Hormuz Closure May Trigger Years-Long Recovery- Ag Weather with Drew Lerner, WorldWeather.cc ★ Support this podcast ★
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