The U.S. government shutdown has left traders and farmers without crucial crop data, impacting grain and soybean trading. Farmers face low prices and uncertainty. The trade war with China adds to the challenges, as USDA reports on export sales and crop progress are delayed, leaving the market “flying blind.”

USDA reports on export sales, WASDE, and speculators’ positions have been halted. The lack of data has disrupted trading volumes and transparency, favoring major grain firms. Without key information, investors are struggling to make informed decisions, relying on satellite imagery and conversations with farmers.

The blackout affects U.S. traders most, as global counterparts have alternative data sources. Analysts anticipate challenges when updates resume, as estimates may be off. Private firms have issued production estimates, but USDA data remains the benchmark. The industry misses the objective numbers provided by USDA reports.

Traders are piecing together market insights through conversations with farmers and tracking basis levels. The blackout leaves a gap in market transparency and an uneven playing field. The industry awaits the return of USDA reports to gain a comprehensive view of the market and make informed decisions.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Farmers, traders ‘flying blind’ as US shutdown blocks key crop data