EPA Fuel Decisions and USDA Sales Data Steer Grain and Livestock Prices

Overview

• EPA finalized 2026–2027 renewable fuel targets that raise biomass‑based diesel credits above earlier proposals, a move that typically boosts demand for soybean oil used to make biodiesel.
• EPA also cleared summer sales of E15 gasoline, which is fuel with 15% ethanol, and that change starting May 1 is set to lift ethanol use and near-term corn demand.
• Thursday’s USDA Export Sales showed firm demand signals with 1.22 million metric tons of old‑crop corn, 397,245 metric tons of wheat, and 668,901 metric tons of soybeans booked for the latest week.
• USDA’s Hogs and Pigs report showed all hog inventory up 0.44% year over year to 74.321 million head, and front‑month hog futures rose Friday as traders priced in slightly larger supplies and steady pork orders.
• Traders now watch next week’s NASS planting intentions report, which could shift acreage expectations for corn, soybeans, and wheat and change end‑of‑season stock views.