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
120episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
May 20 | Closing Market Report
May 2000:23:50Tap 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 ★
Transcribe →May 19 | Closing Market Report
May 1900:23:50Tap to summarizeThis May 19, 2026, Closing Market Report covers a range of agricultural, economic, and weather updates. In the commodity markets, speculation regarding potential US-China trade deals caused a brief market rally, though prices quickly pulled back due to a lack of specific purchasing details. Significant agricultural industry news includes John Deere's preliminary $19.9 million settlement in a "right to repair" class-action lawsuit, as well as growing concerns from scientists over a USDA proposal to relocate vital soybean and maize seed banks out of Illinois. On the legislative front, Illinois lawmakers are considering a ban on the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines, while federal efforts face headwinds regarding nationwide year-round E15 fuel access and a newly proposed annual road-funding tax for electric vehicle owners. Meanwhile, agricultural energy markets remain volatile and captive to Middle East tensions, prompting advisors to recommend cautious, hand-to-mouth fuel purchasing strategies for farmers. Finally, the weather outlook highlights beneficial, albeit sometimes severe, recent rainfall across the Corn Belt and late-season snow in the West, with an active weather pattern expected to resume in the coming week.- Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, TotalFarmMarketing.com- Right to Repair, Seedbanks, CO2 Pipelines, Year-Round E15, EV Tax- Ag Energies with Dave Chatterton, SFarmMarketing.com- Ag Weather with Don Day, DayWeather.com ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 18 | Closing Market Report
May 1800:23:50Tap to summarizeThe May 18, 2026, Closing Market Report highlighted a strong rebound in commodity futures, fueled by optimism over a potential $17 billion increase in Chinese agricultural purchases facilitated by the Trump administration's proposed US-China Board of Trade. Discussing global competitiveness, agricultural economist Joana Colussi noted that while Brazil produces corn at a lower total cost—largely through its second-crop (safrinha) system—the United States remains competitive by achieving double the average yields despite higher overhead and land expenses. Finally, meteorologist Mark Russo reported that favorable weather continues to support rapid planting progress in the US Corn Belt and the safrinha crop in Brazil, though severe long-term dryness continues to plague the US hard red winter wheat regions.---Chapters- Ag Markets with Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net- Comparing Corn Production Costs in the United States and Brazil- US-China Ag Deliverables: Board of Trade, Soybean Sales, $17bln- Ag Weather with Mark Russo, EverStream.ai ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 15 | Closing Market Report
May 1500:19:40Tap to summarize- Ag Markets with Mike Zuzolo- farmdoc Projects October ARC/PLC Payments- USTR Posts the Board of Trade will facilitate trade with China- Trump Supports Chinese Farm Ownership and University Students- Ag Weather with Eric SnodgrassThe May 15, 2026, Closing Market Report details recent developments in agricultural commodities, U.S.-China trade relations, and weather patterns. Market analyst Mike Zuzolo characterizes the recent commodity sell-off as a fund correction rather than a definitive market top, highlighting severe heat impacts on the Kansas wheat crop and noting that the recent Trump-Xi meetings resulted in renewed U.S. beef export licenses to China. On trade policy, the U.S. Trade Representative is developing a "Board of Trade" to manage bilateral commerce in non-sensitive goods, while President Trump publicly supported Chinese nationals purchasing U.S. farmland and attending American universities to support those respective domestic markets. Domestically, University of Illinois economists projected upcoming average ARC and PLC payments at $58 per acre for corn, $29 for soybeans, and $47 for wheat. Finally, meteorologist Eric Snodgrass reported on severe dust storms in the Northern Plains and expanding drought in Nebraska, warning that forecasting the upcoming summer weather remains highly uncertain despite a rapidly developing El Niño. ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 14 | Closing Market Report
May 1400:23:50Tap to summarize- Ag Markets with Matt Bennett- E15, SREs, the Farm Bill, the Senate, and Biofuels- Sen. Tillis Riffs on Ag Policy & China- Ag Weather with Mike TannuraThe May 14th Closing Market Report details declining agricultural commodity prices, legislative developments, and global crop weather. Grain markets closed significantly lower following the President's visit to China, which yielded no new trade agreement on soybean, a situation compounded by varying weather conditions affecting domestic crops. In Washington, the US House narrowly passed a bill permitting year-round E15 fuel sales, which now faces an uncertain future in the Senate alongside ongoing 2026 Farm Bill negotiations. Additionally, Senator Thom Tillis outlined national security concerns regarding Chinese investments in US farmland and meat processing facilities. Weather analysis indicates severe drought is threatening northern US spring wheat and varying precipitation is impacting the Corn Belt, while Europe receives beneficial rains and Brazil's second corn crop faces early dry season challenges. ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 13 | Closing Market Report
May 1300:23:50Tap to summarize- Ag Markets with Greg Johnson- Ragged Corn but a Good Start for IL Crops- Ag Weather with Drew LernerIn the May 13, 2026 edition of the Closing Market Report, host Todd Gleason discusses agricultural markets, planting progress, and weather conditions with three industry experts. Greg Johnson of TGM highlights a recent market rally driven by USDA significantly lowering yield and acreage estimates for hard red winter wheat, and he advises farmers to consider catching up on soybean crop sales while prices remain high. 'Next, University of Illinois agronomist Giovani Preza Fontes reports that Illinois corn and soybean planting is ahead of schedule, noting that the crops are off to a solid start despite some uneven emergence caused by fluctuating April temperatures. Finally, meteorologist Drew Lerner forecasts welcome warming across the Midwest corn belt, though he warns that impending heat and low humidity will further stress the already struggling hard red winter wheat crops in the High Plains. ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 12 | Closing Market Report
May 1200:23:50Tap to summarize- Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm- WILLAg News | Senate Farm Bill, Beef Imports, Trump v Xi- E15 Supports Hold Press Conference on the Capitol Steps- Ag Weather with Don DayThe May 12, 2026, Closing Market Report details a confluence of critical agricultural market data, legislative stalemates, and international trade developments. Market analyst Naomi Blohm noted that while the latest USDA WASDE report offered a surprising bump in soybean export and crush demand, markets remain hesitant ahead of a highly anticipated Beijing summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, where U.S. Senators are already heavily lobbying for increased agricultural exports. Domestically, agricultural policy faces significant friction; Senator Charles Grassley indicated the Senate farm bill is likely stalled over SNAP reform disputes, and the Trump administration's move to increase beef import flexibility has divided the domestic cattle industry. Conversely, bipartisan momentum is building in the House for permanent, year-round E15 fuel legislation, championed by Representative Nikki Budzinski as a crucial stabilizer for rural economies. Meteorologically, the U.S. Corn Belt is expected to transition from an unseasonably cool pattern to warmer, stormier conditions, while Brazil’s safrinha corn region trends unfavorably dry. ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 11 | Closing Market Report
May 1100:23:50Tap to summarize- Ag Markets with Curt Kimmel- International Year of the Woman Farmer Commentary- Phosphorus Loads & StreambanksThe May 11, 2026, Closing Market Report hosted by Todd Gleason covers agricultural market trends, policy commentary, and soil research. Curt Kimmel of agmarket.net analyzes market dynamics, emphasizing the influence of upcoming USDA crop reports, planting progress, and commodity funds on corn and soybean prices. Gleason follows with a brief commentary questioning the Trump administration's unexplained decision to deny appointments to four women on the United Soybean Board. In the final segment, University of Illinois soil scientist Andrew Margenot details his research on streambank erosion, explaining it as a major non-point source of phosphorus pollution in waterways and outlining mitigation strategies such as buffering wetlands and reconsidering ditch channelization. ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 08 | Closing Market Report
May 800:23:50Tap to summarize- Ag Markets with Mike Zuzolo- Power, Politics, and Pushback on Data Centers- Ag Weather with Eric SnodgrassThe May 8, 2026, Closing Market Report covers agricultural markets, local infrastructure debates, and weather forecasts. Market analyst Mike Zuzolo notes a sharp rise in soybean prices, driven by energy market fluctuations and anticipation of soybean orders from an upcoming Trump-Xi summit in China. Lincoln resident Allison Isley voices community opposition to a proposed 500-megawatt hyperscale data center in Logan County, citing concerns over its massive power consumption, environmental impact, and disruption to the rural quality of life. Finally, meteorologist Eric Snodgrass outlines a weather forecast featuring a transition from a cool, wet early May to warmer, drier conditions suitable for planting, while warning of an unprecedented upcoming El Niño event that could significantly impact global summer weather and South American crop yields. ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →May 07 | Closing Market Report
May 700:23:50Tap to summarize- Ag Markets with Matt Bennett- WILLAg News Update | USDA, USB, Women, and SNAP- Applied Research Results from the University of Illinois- Ag Weather with Mike TannuraThe May 7, 2026, episode of the Closing Market Report features a variety of agricultural updates, beginning with analyst Matt Bennett discussing the sideways trade in corn futures, planting delays caused by wet Midwestern weather, and the impact of crude oil prices and international politics on oilseed markets. Additionally, the program covers agricultural news, noting the USDA's unexplained dismissal of several United Soybean Board members and the implementation of stricter nutritional stocking requirements for retailers in the SNAP program. University of Illinois entomologist Nick Seiter also joins the broadcast to highlight the newly published 2025 Applied Research Results guide, which offers farmers independent data on pest control and new findings concerning the northern corn rootworm. Finally, meteorologist Mike Tannura provides a global weather outlook, detailing severe drought concerns for the U.S. hard red winter wheat crop, favorable planting conditions in the Northwestern Corn Belt, the onset of the dry season for Brazil's safrinha corn, and beneficial rains expected across Europe and Russia. ★ Support this podcast ★
Transcribe →