The latest USDA quarterly stocks and acreage report drove a broad rally across grain markets to close the month and quarter. Soybean futures gained notably after planting intentions came in 850,000 acres below analyst expectations at 84.7 million. Conversely, corn planting intentions surprised to the upside, posting 95.338 million acres, which is roughly 1 million above average estimates.
On the supply side, quarterly corn stocks missed expectations at 9.024 billion bushels, while soybean stocks came in above estimates at 2.067 billion. Wheat acreage and stock estimates largely aligned with or fell slightly below expectations, keeping May Chicago Wheat futures supported at 616'2 to close the month.