12/08/25 Afternoon CommStock Report –

Winter is starting off like a lion this year with a heavy snow storm followed by bitter cold temps followed by more snow and yet more cold. After a number of relatively mild winters this is different. This snow may be around until next spring. Our lake froze early. Ice fishermen are getting started. Our growing season dried out late but most crops got all of the moisture they needed here. 2025 crops were planted early so had a full growing season which meant that they had the time needed to fully mature which in turn means that grain quality will be high. That contributed to yields. Most still expect USDA to trim corn/soybean yields in their January report but not by much. Winter is a good time to have a drought and according to the soil moisture map, subsoil moisture levels were generally depleted, leaving us needing a recharge. Snow may or may not contribute to soil moisture recharge depending on how and when it melts.   Dr. Elynn Taylors 89-year cycle drought forecast targeting 2025 is not out of my mind. The set-up was not right for drought last year and we discounted the prospect early. I have…