Thpackaging July Market Brief: Weather, Equipment, and the Twine Dilemma Facing Today’s Farmers

As we enter the heart of the growing and harvesting season across North America and Europe, the agricultural landscape is shifting rapidly—shaped by volatile weather, equipment market dynamics, and rising concerns over the reliability of baling supplies. In this month’s Thpackaging Newsletter, we break down four key topics every farmer should watch.

Weather Woes Send Grain & Soy Prices Higher

Grain and soybean futures posted significant gains this week, as hot, dry weather in both the Canadian Prairies and the U.S. Midwest threatens to reduce yields.

According to Commodity Weather Group (CWG), much of southern Canada is expected to remain warm and dry into early July. At the same time, heat advisories have been issued across the eastern United States, with temperatures in Illinois and Indiana forecasted to reach triple digits.

Europe isn’t spared either. Around 60% of the EU’s corn crop is facing stress due to heat and drought conditions. In the U.S., Nebraska’s drought levels have worsened, now affecting 77% of the state.

📈 Futures Recap (Chicago Board of Trade):

Corn (Dec): ↑ 6½¢ → $4.27½/bu
Wheat (Sept): ↑ 6¢ → $5.42¾/bu
Soybeans (Nov): ↑ 6¢ → $10.22½/bu
Soymeal: ↑ 40¢ → $287.50/ton
Soy Oil: ↑ 0.04¢ → 52.89¢/lb
Despite the price gains, USDA export sales dropped. Corn fell 18% week-over-week, and soybean exports declined by 24%.

4WD Row Crop Tractors Dominate Used Equipment Market

In the machinery world, four-wheel-drive (4WD) row crop tractors are leading the charge in used equipment demand. Farmers are preparing for the fall tillage season, and with it comes renewed interest in reliable, high-horsepower machines.

Recently, a 2016 John Deere 9420R with just 120 hours fetched $320,000 at auction—one of the few post-DEF tractors to break the $300K mark this year.

Expert Insight:

According to the Moving Iron Podcast:

Pre-DEF models in good condition are becoming increasingly valuable.
Farm auctions often outperform consignment sales, driven by the emotion and urgency behind a personal story.
Precision ag technology (e.g., AutoTrac guidance) is now being integrated even into 2025 Gator UTVs, showing how automation is expanding.
As one dealer put it: “Specs matter—but stories sell.” Sharing a machine’s journey can be just as powerful as its horsepower.

Farmers Reevaluate Their Baler Twine Choices

Ask any farmer this season what’s been most frustrating, and chances are they’ll mention baler twine. Breakage, inconsistent knotting, and twine jams are turning what should be a simple job into costly downtime.

Common Issues:

Twine Breakage: Often linked to poor tensile strength or degraded storage.
Weak Knots: Mismatched twine for baler types leads to slippage.
Feed Jams: Inconsistent diameter clogs discs and rollers.
Residue: Some dyed twines leave behind harmful plastic fragments.
 

What Farmers Are Searching For:

Keyword
Search Volume
baler twine for sale
4,900
baler twine 9000 / 9600 170
6,100 / 4,900
baler twine recycling / crafts
4,700 / 5,400
There’s a clear trend: strong, specific, and locally available baler twine is in demand. And for good reason—without the right twine, even the best balers can fall short.

Quick Buying Tips:

Match twine strength to your bale type (9000 for small squares; 170+ for large).
Choose polypropylene for durability or sisal for biodegradability.
Confirm specs: length, tensile strength, knot rating, and UV resistance.
 

Net Wrap vs. Baler Twine: What’s Right for You?

With so many choices out there, many farmers are weighing net wrap vs. baler twine. Here’s a simple guide:

Baler Twine:

More cost-effective
Flexible for different baler types
Slower wrapping speed
More residue risk if using low-quality products

Net Wrap:

Faster baling and wrapping
Superior weather protection
More expensive
Less biodegradable

The choice often comes down to weather, budget, and bale type. Round bales in humid areas benefit from net wrap, while square bales in dry climates may do just fine with quality twine.

Final Word from the Field

At Thpackaging, we don’t just supply products—we study the trends, understand farmer frustrations, and deliver reliable solutions. From weather-proof net wrap to tensile-tested twine, we’re here to keep your harvest running smoothly.

💡 Need help choosing the right twine or wrap?
Contact our support team or explore our online product catalog.

Stay cool, stay strong—and keep baling with confidence.