Weekly Market Pulse
Week of July 13, 2026
The following market indicators provide a quick overview of economic and commodity trends influencing agriculture, equipment purchasing decisions, and manufacturing costs across the shortline industry.
🌽 Corn | 📈 Up: Corn futures traded near $4.40–$4.65/²ú³Ü following USDA’s July WASDE report, which reduced ending stocks while maintaining favorable yield expectations. Weather forecasts calling for warmer, drier conditions across portions of the Corn Belt are keeping traders focused on pollination and yield potential.
🌱 Soybeans | ➡️ Stable: Soybean futures remained near $11.90–$12.05/²ú³Ü, supported by export demand, renewable diesel markets, and generally favorable crop conditions. Weather continues to be the primary driver of short-term price movement.
🌾 Wheat | 📈 Up: Wheat futures traded near $6.25–$6.45/²ú³Ü after USDA lowered its U.S. wheat production forecast to the smallest crop since 1970. Global supply concerns continue to provide underlying market support despite harvest progress.
🐄 Cattle | ➡️ Strong: Live cattle prices remain historically strong despite some recent futures volatility. Tight cattle supplies continue to support livestock producer profitability and demand for feeding, forage, hay, and cattle-handling equipment.
🏗️ Steel | ➡️ Stable: Hot-rolled coil steel prices remained generally stable near $850–$900/³Ù´Ç²Ô. Manufacturers continue monitoring steel costs alongside tariffs and imported component pricing as production planning continues through the second half of the year.
🔩 Aluminum | ➡️ Stable: Aluminum prices remained relatively steady. Manufacturers continue watching global supply conditions and trade developments as aluminum remains an important material for trailers, grain handling equipment, tanks, and lightweight components.
⛽ Diesel | 📈 Slightly Up: Ultra-low sulfur diesel prices averaged approximately $3.65–$3.85/²µ²¹±ô±ô´Ç²Ô. Fuel costs remain an important factor in freight, field operations, and equipment delivery expenses.
🌿 Fertilizer | ➡️ Elevated: Fertilizer prices remained elevated, with urea trading near $560–$600/³Ù´Ç²Ô. Higher input costs continue to pressure farm profitability and may influence equipment purchasing decisions heading into fall.
⚙️ Hydraulics & Components | ➡️ Stable: Supply chain conditions for hydraulic cylinders, pumps, valves, and related components remain stable. Most manufacturers continue reporting improved lead times, although specialized components still require advance planning.
📡 Electronics & Precision Ag | 📈 Growing: Availability of controllers, sensors, displays, GPS guidance systems, and ISOBUS-compatible components remains strong. Demand continues to grow as manufacturers expand automation, data integration, and precision farming capabilities.
🚜 OEM Outlook | ➡️ Cautiously Optimistic: The July USDA outlook reinforced cautious optimism across the equipment industry. While elevated financing costs continue to delay some major machinery purchases, demand remains healthy for shortline equipment that improves efficiency, reduces labor requirements, and extends the life of existing equipment. Manufacturers continue reporting steady interest in retrofit solutions and precision agriculture technologies.
Sources: USDA, CME Group, Federal Reserve, Trading Economics, and industry market reports.