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McKeany-Flavell Hot Commodity Podcast

McKeany-Flavell Hot Commodity Podcast

105 episodes — Page 1 of 3

May WASDE: First look at 2026/27 crop year!

May 12, 202638 min

Discussing consumer trends with Sarah Muller of Jogue

May 8, 202614 min

Sugar beet plantings update: A mixed bag through April

May 1, 202611 min

Energy & economy update: More on the critical inflection point

Apr 24, 202619 min

Edible oil markets down, hooray!

Apr 17, 202619 min

Ep 546April WASDE & summer is approaching!

Sugar Higher sugar imports leads to offsetting higher deliveries Stocks-to use ratio left unchanged Wheat U.S. and wheat global stocks rise, leading to a neutral to bearish April WASDE Expect more changes in the May WASDE to food and export demand, and new-crop 2026/27 first looks Corn & soy complex U.S. corn balance sheet unchanged, global ending stocks improve Soybean supplies remain adequate in the U.S., ample globally More food use of soybean oil? What will be the real stocks level for U.S. soybean oil? Our next webinar: U.S. Economy Update Webinar Wed., April 22, 2026 at 2pm ET / 11am PT Clients, invites are going out now, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Expert: Eric Thornton, Vice President Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist

Apr 9, 202620 min

Ep 545Weather & the jobs market

Weather Winter wheat relief ahead? Potential for rains that are desperately needed 65% of U.S. winter wheat in drought conditions: Highest since 2022 Jobs Headline jobs data beats expectations Wage growth is easily outpacing inflation Underlying long-term trends are still concerning Save the date for our next webinar! Economy Update Webinar Wed., April 22, 2026 at 2pm ET / 11am PT Invites to be out soon Host: Craig Ruffolo, Vice President – Commodity Specialist Expert: Eric Thornton, Vice President Expert: Shawn Bingham, Director of Commodity Risk Management

Apr 3, 202626 min

Ep 544Taking the over or the under? USDA releases Grain Stocks & Prospective Plantings reports

Corn & soy complex Corn and soybean acres fall within acreage expectations, but what will the numbers actually look like by late June? Stocks seem adequate for both corn and soybeans The difference maker will be where those stocks reside Wheat Not the best fundamental news for wheat buyers All wheat acres forecasted at an all-time low of 43.8 million acres 2026/27 production decline risk is very likely with fewer acres, and the hard red winter wheat crop is currently dealing with a weather issue Ending stocks up 5%: Deficit risk in the long term? Sugar Beet sugar area down 1.5% Host/Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Expert: Eric Thornton, Vice President

Mar 31, 202625 min

Ep 543Sugar: Mayhem is everywhere

Forfeitures or no forfeitures is a big question Nearly 1.0 billion lbs of sugar under loan in Idaho Is that a real threat? March planting intentions coming out on Tuesday What to expect: Slight decline compared to last year? Did you miss our Seasonal Market Outlook Webinar on Wednesday? Watch now on our IQ platform! Not an IQ subscriber? Reach out to us to learn more! Host/Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist Expert: Craig Ruffolo, Vice President – Commodity Specialist

Mar 27, 202617 min

Ep 542Latest updates on weather, war, wheat, economy, & inflation

W.W.W. Weather + War + Wheat = volatility! Current conditions for winter wheat are growing concerning Some better hope for rain in April? W.E.I. War + Energy + Inflation = economic chaos! Iran waging economic war via energy Inflation expectations are rising Most Fed members now see the funds rate unchanged for 2026 Commodity buyers should be vigilant on near-term coverage Don’t miss our webinar next week! Seasonal Market Outlook Webinar: Navigating the Opportunities & Risks Ahead Wed., March 25, 2026 at 2pm ET / 11am PT Clients, be on the lookout for your invite next week, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Eric Thornton, Vice President Expert: Shawn Bingham, Director of Commodity Risk Management

Mar 20, 202617 min

Ep 541Energy update on a perfectly timed Friday the 13th

Iran’s nuclear option is the Strait of Hormuz Emergency oil release reaction was muted Risk remains highly elevated Be proactive about adding soybean oil coverage Our next webinar is fast approaching! Seasonal Market Outlook Webinar: Navigating the Opportunities & Risks Ahead Wed., March 25, 2026 at 2pm ET / 11am PT Clients, be on the lookout for your invite next week, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host/Expert: Eric Thornton, Vice President Expert: Shawn Bingham, Director of Commodity Risk Management

Mar 13, 202617 min

Ep 540March WASDE: Few changes but pay attention

Corn & soy complex U.S. soy and corn balance sheets relatively unchanged Interesting changes to U.S. soybean oil consumption Wheat No changes in U.S. balance sheet Should USDA have increased exports? Attention shifting to new crop 2026/27 with 2025/26 set in stone Sugar Florida cane production lowered from early February freeze High-tier imports increased Our next webinar is fast approaching! Seasonal Market Outlook Webinar: Navigating the Opportunities & Risks Ahead Wed., March 25, 2026 at 2pm ET / 11am PT Clients, be on the lookout for your invite next week, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Expert: Eric Thornton, Vice President Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist

Mar 10, 202623 min

Ep 539Latest consumer trends weighing on the food & beverage space

New MAHA food pyramid could lead to changing consumption GLP-1 and weight management drugs grow in usage What’s a food and/or beverage manufacturer to do in this environment? Save the date for our next webinar! Seasonal Market Outlook Webinar: Navigating the Opportunities & Risks Ahead Wed., March 25, 2026 Clients, be on the lookout for your invite next week, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Expert: Marilyn Adutwum, Data Analyst

Mar 6, 202618 min

Ep 538Recap of the 2026 International Sweetener Colloquium

Held in beautiful Championsgate, FL: How was the weather? Demand for sugar and sweeteners pressured from growing GLP-1 use and SNAP restrictions Tariffs are off and then back on again? 2027 negotiations appear to be in no hurry Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist

Feb 27, 202613 min

Ep 537Market updates amid today's Supreme Court ruling

Wheat Wheat is worth watching now: futures rallying to six-month highs Long-term bearish outlook still most likely Sugar Sugar forfeiture risk and product reformulations will be two non-traditional drivers for the 2027 market Soy complex Trade and profitability: soybean supply and consumption may hinge on those factors Energy markets, be it biofuel or crude oil, soybean oil prices are at the mercy of energy markets, domestic politics, and the geopolitical environment Corn Corn acreage and consumption: lower YOY acreage (with likely good carry-in for 2026/27) against feed consumption now, ethanol consumption later Host/Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Expert: Eric Thornton, Vice President

Feb 20, 202623 min

Ep 536"Be mine" for a Valentine's Cocoa market update

World demand down How’s the weather looking for the mid-crop season? What about surplus? What’s the recent news from Ghana? Arrival numbers have been hard to come by; now we know why! Current market price and recommendations for coverage going forward Happy Valentine’s Day! Host: Eric Thornton, VP Expert: Marilyn Adutwum, Data Analyst

Feb 13, 202614 min

Ep 535February WASDE: How typical for this time of year?

Sugar Louisiana record cane crop boosted USDA cleans up 2024/25 delivery figures Wheat Changes minimal (as expected) for wheat Small decrease to food demand bumps up ending stocks Could we reach 1 billion bushels in ending stocks for new crop 2026/27? Corn & soy complex U.S. corn balance sheet showing slightly lower ending stocks; still neutral to bearish Nothing new and enlightening for soybeans or soybean oil, in the U.S. anyway Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist Expert: Eric Thornton, Vice President Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services

Feb 10, 202619 min

Ep 534Risks shaping the plastic resin market in 2026 with RTi Global

Why 2026 feels fundamentally different from prior resin cycles How polyethylene supply discipline and inventory management are driving price behavior The growing disconnect between resin indices and real transaction pricing Nonmarket adjustments and why they create confusion—and risk—for buyers What resin buyers should actually be watching right now Host: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Guest Expert: Michael Workman, Growth Director at ResinSmart by RTi Global Guest Expert: Kevin Mekaru, Senior Business Unit Lead, Commodity Plastic Resin, RTi Global www.resinsmart.ai

Feb 6, 202616 min

Ep 533A big week for the Federal Reserve & future monetary policy

Fed leaves rates unchanged as expected Powell says the levels of uncertainty around employment and inflation have diminished Trump taps Kevin Warsh to head the Fed next PPI inflation comes in a little hot Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Shawn Bingham, Director of Commodity Risk Management

Jan 30, 202618 min

Ep 532What to expect at next week’s ASGA conference

ASGA is celebrating 50 years of excellence! What will be discussed? Farm incomes dropping Imperative to get beet payments up for the 2026/27 crop year Sugar growers going through generational change Need to support young farmers of America Is the rebound in beet sugar deliveries sustainable? Did you miss our Key Ingredients in 2026 Webinar on Wednesday? Watch now on our IQ platform! Not an IQ subscriber? Reach out to us to learn more! Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Craig Ruffolo, Vice President – Commodity Specialist

Jan 23, 20269 min

Ep 531Diving deep into wheat reports

Winter Wheat Seedings report Current look at winter wheat conditions and weather U.S. exports capped at 900 million bushels? Recommendations for strategy and coverage Join us next Wednesday, January 21 for our first webinar of the year! Key Ingredients in 2026 Webinar: Anticipate Volatility & Plan Effectively Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Craig Ruffolo, Vice President – Commodity Specialist Expert: Eric Thornton, Vice President

Jan 16, 202616 min

Ep 530January WASDE: Corn puts on a show!

Corn & soy complex Bearish surprise for U.S. corn via production Soybean ending stocks higher as a result of paltry export demand What gives with U.S. soybean oil stocks? Sugar Louisiana cane production forecast breaks record! Sugar deliveries forecast to drop, but by how much? Wheat Catch up with wheat S&D on this Friday’s pod! Join us Wednesday, January 21 for our first webinar of the year! Key Ingredients in 2026 Webinar: Anticipate Volatility & Plan Effectively Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist

Jan 12, 202627 min

Ep 529U.S. economy & weather: Passing grades (for now)

Economy Lackluster headline jobs growth with revisions lower Unemployment rate reverses recent uptick Fed still eyes 50-basis-point rate cuts this year Weather NOAA’s latest forecast reveals a potential El Niño in H2 2026? What crops could be affected? Current conditions in the U.S. have been drier due to the weak La Niña weather pattern Join us on Wednesday, January 21 for our first webinar of the year! Key Ingredients in 2026 Webinar: Anticipate Volatility & Plan Effectively Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Shawn Bingham, Director of Commodity Risk Management Expert: Eric Thornton, Vice President

Jan 9, 202616 min

Ep 528Our predictions for 2026: On your mark, get set, go!

Corn wet milling Investments made will impact availability of liquid sweeteners Sugar World sugar stays under 17 cents per lb Brazil: Another monster crop STU goes up: 18% by summer More forfeitures during the summer months Wheat U.S. acreage at an all-time low Global production output to be more like last year’s than this year’s output (800 MMT vs. 837 MMT) Soy complex & edible oils Resurgence in biofuel production Conventional canola oil is the least expensive option for a good chunk of 2026 Impact of weight management drugs continues Anti-seed oil trend to pick up traction Economy & energy Three rate cuts during 2026: 2.75% to 3.00% CPI: 2.6% for 2026 Inflation likely to tick up by year's end Crude oil: $55 to $56 a barrel Happy New Year! Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Craig Ruffolo, Vice President – Commodity Specialist Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist Expert: Eric Thornton, Vice President Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Expert: Shawn Bingham, Director of Commodity Risk Management

Dec 31, 202530 min

Ep 527'Twas the week before Christmas...

...and Nicole's got the mic, rhyming her way through a poem that is sure to be liked. Happy holidays from McKeany-Flavell! Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services

Dec 19, 202510 min

Ep 526Soybean oil: A wild ride in 2025! What's next for 2026?

Soybean oil futures Why do we keep coming back to the same spot? Soybean oil in biofuels A combo of the known and unknown Food consumption Consumer trends of all forms to drive demand GLP-1s: A fad or here to stay? Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services

Dec 12, 202522 min

Ep 525December WASDE: The last one for 2025 & USDA punts!

USDA punts any U.S. production changes to January Expect more volatility and market attention next month Corn The only change? Increase to exports Soy complex No changes to the U.S. soybean balance sheet Wheat Ditto for U.S. wheat balance sheet: No changes Global wheat production rose further Now a 5% increase vs. 2024/25 Sugar Beet sugar production lowered, while cane increased Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Eric Thornton, VP Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist

Dec 9, 202510 min

Ep 524Around the world (sugar) in 16 minutes!

Ethanol from corn and high sugar share increasing Brazil production in 2024/25 Global surplus pressuring world # 11 sugar prices When will low prices impact production? Missed Wednesday’s webinar on Systematic Timing Models? Watch now on our IQ platform! Not an IQ subscriber? Reach out to us to learn more! Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist

Dec 5, 202516 min

Ep 523Potential market movers for the balance of 2025

FOMC decision on Dec. 10 Crude oil production vs. demand Supreme Court ruling on Trump tariffs Dec. 9 WASDE Next Wednesday is our last webinar of 2025! Procurement Timing Models: Taking the Emotion Out of Procurement Wed., December 3, 11am PT / 2pm ET Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Happy Thanksgiving! Host/Expert: Eric Thornton, VP Expert: Shawn Bingham, Director of Commodity Risk Management

Nov 25, 202517 min

Ep 522What's ahead for the sugar market in 2026

Will the closure of refining cause some regional tightness? Burdensome inventories for both beet and cane Will it keep pressure on prices? The International Sweetener Colloquium is now on the radar! Come prepared to talk 2027 Mark your calendars for our next webinar! Procurement Timing Models: Taking the Emotion Out of Procurement Wed., December 3, 11am PT / 2pm ET Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up for both now at mckeany-flavell.com Host/Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist Expert: Craig Ruffolo, Vice President – Commodity Specialist

Nov 21, 202518 min

Ep 521November WASDE: It’s back!

Corn Downward revision to usage for feed and residual Soy complex Soybean carry-in lowered a bit Most puzzling was soybean oil! Wheat U.S. balance sheet as expected Higher production boosts U.S. stocks Global wheat production increases galore! Sugar Massive adjustments to sugar deliveries Both beet and cane production lowered Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist Expert: Eric Thornton, VP

Nov 14, 202524 min

Ep 520The plastic pressure point: How resin markets are shaping 2026 procurement strategies

Q4 2025 snapshot of market conditions Is market softness present? Preparing for 2026 with budget considerations Not a client on McKeany-Flavell’s IQ Intelligence Platform? Visit mckeany-flavell.com to learn more! Commodity dashboards Dynamic data & interactive charts Analytics & calculators Price forecasts Downloadable data, charts, and tables Host: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Guest Expert: Michael Workman, Growth Director at ResinSmart by RTi Global Guest Expert: Kevin Mekaru, Senior Business Unit Lead, Commodity Plastic Resin, RTi Global www.resinsmart.ai

Nov 7, 202516 min

Ep 519What’s so spooky about soybeans & chocolate?

Soybeans Soybean prices “rise from the dead” to 15-month highs! China/U.S. trade announcements require careful analysis How impactful in the short and long term? Chocolate Halloween chocolate prices are up, up, up! Retail chains may be running some promos to try and get a lot of volume sold Will they be successful? Want to go more in depth on cocoa? Join us for next week’s webinar! Cocoa Market Update Webinar Wed., November 5, 11am PT / 2pm ET Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Happy Halloween! Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Eric Thornton, VP Expert: Marilyn Adutwum, Data Analyst

Oct 31, 202510 min

Ep 518Corn sweetener negotiations on simmer…

Not much movement on price direction for 2026 Corn wet millers offering multiple solutions to manage coproducts Product demand is still a concern going into negotiations Two webinars back-to-back! Make sure to register for both! Seasonal Market Outlook Webinar Wed., October 29, 11am PT / 2pm ET Cocoa Market Update Webinar Wed., November 5, 11am PT / 2pm ET Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up for both now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Craig Ruffolo, Vice President – Commodity Specialist

Oct 24, 20258 min

Ep 517What are markets focusing on without USDA data?

Corn Corn yield likely falling on disappointing harvest results thus far Record crop still expected north of 16 billion bushels Corn exports appear to remain strong; other categories remain to be seen Wheat U.S. wheat production increases should boost ending stocks Could U.S. export demand surpass 900 million bushels? Winter wheat plantings about 65% complete Conditions improving in soft red winter wheat area Soy complex Chinese soybean import demand could be hit or miss for the U.S., with or without a deal Domestic soybean oil consumption soft with potential for some export demand offset Our next webinar is fast approaching! Seasonal Market Outlook Webinar Wed., October 29, 11am PT / 2pm ET Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Expert: Eric Thornton, Senior Commodity Advisor

Oct 17, 202531 min

Ep 516The October WASDE that wasn’t: A look at what might have been for sugar & corn

Big question: Will the government shutdown end in time for November WASDE? Corn Corn carry-in up Yields down, but still a record Harvest acres lower? Future S&D risks: Feed and exports Sugar Sugar production likely lower than September WASDE Will sugar deliveries decline for a second consecutive year? Save the date for our next webinar! Seasonal Market Outlook Webinar Wed., October 29, 11am PT / 2pm ET Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host/Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist Expert: Shawn Bingham, Director of Commodity Risk Management

Oct 10, 202523 min

Ep 515Soy complex woes maybe everybody knows…

Soybean production could be lower than expected due to late-season weather dynamics Soybean meal needs more homes Soybean oil market ambiguity continues Save the date for our next webinar! Seasonal Market Outlook Webinar Wed., October 29, 11am PT / 2pm ET Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services

Oct 3, 202520 min

Ep 514Corn harvest sparks the beginning of 2026 corn wet milling negotiations

Corn futures may have already hit harvest lows Feed demand picks up in December Could that support coproduct values through Q1 2026? Key to wet milling contract negotiations: Understanding corn grind allocation Not a client on McKeany-Flavell’s IQ Intelligence Platform? Visit mckeany-flavell.com to learn more! Commodity dashboards Dynamic data & interactive charts Analytics & calculators Price forecasts Downloadable data, charts, and tables Save the date for our next webinar! Seasonal Market Outlook Webinar Wed., October 29, 11am PT / 2pm ET Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Craig Ruffolo, Vice President – Commodity Specialist

Sep 26, 202513 min

Ep 513Weather outlook for fall 2025 & beyond

A weak La Niña is now in the forecast What does that mean for the long-range weather outlook and commodities? Drought in the U.S. has expanded in recent months Will La Niña offer any relief? Watch out for the potential of planting and harvest delays in Brazil this winter Not a customer on McKeany-Flavell’s IQ Intelligence Platform? Visit mckeany-flavell.com to learn more about IQ, where we offer subscribers 24/7 access to Real-time market updates and technical analysis Discussion of supply and demand fundamentals Price forecasts As well as charts, tables, and downloadable PowerPoint market overviews Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Eric Thornton, Senior Commodity Advisor

Sep 19, 202512 min

Ep 512September WASDE: What's driving prices?

Corn Domestic corn acreage increased Corn yield lowered: Still too much, too soon? Slow down in ethanol Soy Complex Uptick in soybean ending stocks and slightly higher acreage Upward to revision to crush Where’s China? What's driving prices? Not much in the way of change short of production adjustments for corn, soy complex, but it’s what we DON’T see in the numbers that may drive prices for corn, soybeans, and soybean oil Sugar Beet production lowered, while cane production increased Mexican imports cut in half under Suspension Agreement rules Stocks-to-use still well above the target Next week is our Energy Market Update Webinar! Wed., September 17, 11am PT / 2pm ET Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist

Sep 12, 202526 min

Ep 511Pre-heat for upcoming WASDE: Corn, soybeans & sugar outlook

Corn Corn yields should see reduction 2025/26 stocks could test 2.0 billion? Soybeans Balance sheet could get tighter on possible yield reduction Sugar Will USDA be able to cut into sugar surplus? Will the Louisiana cane crop meet record forecast of 2.154 million STRV? Has recent weather cut into the 262,000 STRV increase in beet production forecast last month? Mark your calendar for our upcoming webinar! Energy Market Update Webinar Wed., September 17, 11am PT / 2pm ET Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist Expert: Craig Ruffolo, Vice President – Commodity Specialist

Sep 5, 202524 min

Ep 510It’s Labor Day! That means fall & corn sweetener negotiations have commenced

Where is the corn sweetener market currently in negotiation? Corn crop is seeing some challenges in August Top-end yield expectations could be revised lower Co-product credit reconciliation and reporting will be a major topic of discussion Mark your calendar for our upcoming webinar! Energy Market Update Webinar Wed., September 17, 11am PT / 2pm ET Clients, be on the lookout for your invite, or anyone can sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Eric Thornton, Senior Commodity Advisor Expert: Craig Ruffolo, Vice President – Commodity Specialist

Aug 29, 202514 min

Ep 509Checking in on corn & soybeans! A crop tour update

Pro Farmer sees strong corn yields for much of the Belt Soybean pod counts well above last year for a few states Findings for one “I” state leave room for uncertainty As is often the case, regional weather dynamics may come into play for final national averages Not a customer on McKeany-Flavell’s IQ Intelligence Platform? Visit mckeany-flavell.com to learn more about IQ, where we offer subscribers 24/7 access to Real-time market updates and technical analysis Discussion of supply and demand fundamentals Price forecasts Charts, tables, and downloadable PowerPoint market overviews Host: Shawn Bingham, Director of Commodity Risk Management Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services

Aug 22, 202527 min

Ep 508August WASDE: Record yields in corn & sugar harvest has begun

Sugar Beet crop is looking excellent Potential record yields? Harvesting has begun! Louisiana crop raised while Florida stays about the same Corn Huge record on yield! Due to lots of crops and good weather Biggest surprise? More acreage picked up Soy complex What corn gained, soybeans lost Planted acres and exports down Wheat More loss of acreage Yield up a bit Exports revised higher Not a customer on McKeany-Flavell’s IQ Intelligence Platform? Visit mckeany-flavell.com to learn more about IQ, where we offer subscribers 24/7 access to real-time market updates and technical analysis discussion of supply and demand fundamentals price forecasts as well as charts, tables, and downloadable PowerPoint market overviews Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist Expert: Eric Thornton, Senior Commodity Advisor

Aug 12, 202520 min

Ep 507Recapping this year’s ASA International Sweetener Symposium

What is the ASA Symposium? Who attends and what's discussed Will the new Farm Bill become law this year? Farmers’ take on the 2025/26 crops How are those crops in Florida and Louisiana doing? Big takeaway: America’s farmers first, and no specialty refined quota You can find much more info on sugar and other commodities on McKeany-Flavell's IQ Intelligence Platform Visit mckeany-flavell to learn more about what we offer 24/7 to our subscribers! Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist Expert: Craig Ruffolo, Vice President – Commodity Specialist

Aug 8, 202518 min

Ep 506Crop progress, freight, & tariffs update

Crop progress Ideal weather for the U.S., but what about Canada and Europe? Corn: What’s up with those big numbers?!? Be on the lookout for August dryness and the hurricane season ramping up Freight Union Pacific makes a major announcement (billions, not millions!) Ocean, rail, and trucking updates Which one is most stable at the moment? Tariffs Battling exhaustion Exceptions for certain productions like coffee or tropical oils? Ag policy: How the USDA is being restructured Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Expert: Eric Thornton, Senior Commodity Advisor

Aug 1, 202522 min

Ep 505Catching up on the cocoa market

Current weather and conditions in West Africa Anemic Q2 cocoa bean grind figures weigh on the market Ghana is planning to change the new crop year start date from Oct. 1 to Aug. 1 Hershey announces more price increases? Halloween candy spared (for now) Not a customer on McKeany-Flavell’s IQ Intelligence Platform? Visit mckeany-flavell.com to learn more about IQ, where we offer subscribers 24/7 access to Real-time market updates and technical analysis Discussion of supply and demand fundamentals Price forecasts As well as charts, tables, and downloadable PowerPoint market overviews Host: Eric Thornton, Senior Commodity Advisor Expert: Marilyn Adutwum, Data Analyst

Jul 25, 202514 min

Ep 504Fishing for answers in the latest data on consumer inflation, tariffs, & the economy

Consumer inflation edges higher in June Wholesale prices surprise by falling Market shaves off some of the rate reductions but still sees lower funds target at year-end Is Chairman Powell content to keep rates steady until tariff rates and policies are better understood? Not a customer on McKeany-Flavell’s IQ Intelligence Platform? Visit mckeany-flavell.com to learn more about IQ, where we offer subscribers 24/7 access to: Real-time market updates and technical analysis Discussion of supply and demand fundamentals Price forecasts As well as charts, tables, and downloadable PowerPoint market overviews Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Shawn Bingham, Director of Commodity Risk Management

Jul 18, 202517 min

Ep 503July WASDE: Big buyers, consumption assumptions, & the effects of the BBB

Wheat U.S. wheat ending stocks projected higher YOY Production up due to higher yields? Global production is declining Corn U.S. corn ending stocks fall further for this year and next Who is the big buyer of corn? Consumption assumptions are strong! Soy complex BBB and EPA driving large biofuel consumption for soybean oil in 2025/26 Food use change is a head-scratcher What’s 2025/26 looking like? Sugar Sugar deliveries for food use are down from last year What’s the forecast for 2026? Beet production lowered Mexico imports down Next week is our Wheat Market Update Webinar! Wed., July 19, 11am PT / 2pm ET Be on the lookout for your invite or sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Nicole Thomas, Vice President – Information Services Expert: Kevin Combs, Vice President – Global Sweeteners Specialist

Jul 11, 202527 min

Ep 502Any commodity fireworks ahead for the Fourth of July holiday?

Recap of the Acreage and Grain Stocks reports How’s the weather forecast looking for the first half of July? Trump’s tariff deadline is next week, Jul. 9 Will we see more threats and volatility? Our upcoming webinar: Wheat Market Update Webinar Wed., July 19, 11am PT / 2pm ET Be on the lookout for your invite or sign up now at mckeany-flavell.com Host: Michael Caughlan, President & CEO Expert: Eric Thornton, Senior Commodity Advisor

Jul 3, 202513 min