By DTN Staff

OMAHA (DTN) -- Here are the Top 5 things the DTN Newsroom is tracking for the week of Oct. 25. Watch for coverage of these and other topics throughout the week on our subscription platforms as well as on www.DTNPF.com.

Note that all report release times are Central Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.

1. October Fed: The Federal Reserve governors meet Tuesday and Wednesday, with practically the whole world expecting rates to remain unchanged until December. The mounting deficit, nagging inflation, and less-than-consistent jobs numbers beg for a rate bump according to some, but traders note there's time to do that in December, after the election. Fed chair Warsh continues to stress he doesn't give signals ahead of a meeting, so anything could happen.

2. Rivers Hit Autumn Drop: The latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map (found in the "Weather" area on our DTN subscriber websites) shows growing dryness in the Mississippi River Valley and tributaries. That's lowering river levels and limiting barge draft. We're watching grain basis along the watershed. For the latest on those river levels, see "Water Levels on Lower Mississippi River Starting to Run Low Again" here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

3. U.S. Weather: The past two weeks have been fairly spectacular weather-wise, whether you're harvesting grain, working livestock or tending to other outdoor chores. For the coming week, a storm system pelting the Southwest will move into the Plains. There will be some rain remaining from the weakened system, but the bigger issue may be the cold weather coming in behind it. That cool down could bring some showers into the Midwest, with potential for another system moving in mid to late week. Western Plains areas should receive needed rain while harvest delays elsewhere should be minimal.

4. Grain Markets on Harvest Path: While fundamentals remain relatively neutral to bullish, grain markets continued to slip last week, typical for a fall harvest period. Up-and-down Black Sea peace talks show little sign of any traction. Wheat exports from there are 40-50% of normal capacity, though the market seems unconcerned due to overall strong global wheat supplies from 2025 and 2026 harvests. Soybeans continue to hinge on export demand, with China still having a way to go on meeting U.S. purchase goals. That gives soybeans a minor downside risk, but typical post-harvest rally opportunities exist.

5. Reports Due This Week: Monday at 10 a.m., Grain Inspections. At 3 p.m., Crop Progress, including DTN analysis. Tuesday at 7:30 a.m., Durable Goods data for September. At 9 a.m., New Home Sales and Consumer Confidence numbers. The Federal Open Market Committee has its October meeting during the day; no time announced. Wednesday at 7:30 a.m., Advanced Trade Balance in Goods for September as well as Wholesale and Retail Inventories for September. At 9:30 a.m., EIA's weekly petroleum numbers including ethanol production and inventory. At 1 p.m., the Fed's interest rate decision. At 2 p.m., Broiler Hatchery numbers. Thursday at 7:30 a.m., Grain Export Sales, Advance Estimate 3rd Q GDP, Jobless Claims, Personal Income and Consumer Spending along with PCE Price Index and Core Price Index. At 10:30 a.m., Weekly Economic Index. At 2 p.m., Slaughter Weekly data. Friday at 7:30 a.m., Employment Cost Index, followed by Chicago Business Barometer at 8:45 a.m. Then at 2 p.m., Agricultural Prices and Egg Products report, followed at 2:30 p.m. by the CFTC's Commitment of Traders report.

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