By: NATHAN STUEDLE
GRAIN MARKETS FINISH HIGHER FRIDAY AS CORN, SOYBEANS AND WHEAT REBOUND
Grain futures finished higher across the board Friday, recovering some of Thursday’s losses as traders continued assessing USDA's latest supply and demand estimates, export activity, and global market conditions.
Corn futures posted modest gains, with December corn gaining 3 cents to settle at $4.45½ per bushel. March corn rose 2 cents to $4.56¾, while May futures added 1¼ cents to finish at $4.64. Support continues to come from USDA's November crop report, which lowered the national corn yield estimate to 179.6 bushels per acre and reduced projected production to approximately 15.9 billion bushels. However, concerns about export competition and the stronger U.S. dollar continue limiting upward momentum.
Soybeans recorded stronger gains Friday, with January futures climbing 12½ cents to settle at $12.31½ per bushel. March soybeans gained 12¼ cents to finish at $12.37¼, while May futures advanced 12 cents to $12.44½. Continued Chinese purchasing interest and tighter projected U.S. ending stocks provided underlying support. Traders also remain focused on South American growing conditions, particularly favorable planting weather in Brazil and expectations for another potentially large crop.
Wheat futures also recovered, with December Chicago soft red winter wheat gaining 9 cents to close at $5.93¼ per bushel. March Chicago wheat added 7½ cents to $6.06¾. Kansas City hard red winter wheat posted gains as well, with December futures rising 6½ cents to $6.28¾, while March advanced 5 cents to $6.37¼. Despite Friday's recovery, wheat continues facing pressure from ample global supplies and competition from major exporters, including Russia, Argentina, and Australia.
Looking ahead, grain traders will continue monitoring export demand, South American weather, currency movements, and developments in global trade as markets prepare for next week's trading.
LIVESTOCK MARKETS RALLY FRIDAY AS FUTURES FINISH HIGHER
Livestock futures closed higher across the board Friday, with strong gains in feeder cattle leading the market as live cattle and lean hog futures also advanced.
Live cattle futures finished solidly higher, with December contracts gaining $1.75 to settle at $220.65 per hundredweight. February live cattle climbed $1.85 to $224.80, while April futures advanced $1.95 to finish at $227.90. The gains reflected renewed buying interest following recent market volatility. Traders continue monitoring cash cattle negotiations, beef demand, and the availability of market-ready cattle.
Feeder cattle futures delivered the strongest performance of the session. November feeder cattle jumped $3.35 to settle at $339.03 per hundredweight. January futures gained $3.68 to close at $335.35, while March feeders advanced $3.78 to $332.05. The rally reflects continued support from tight cattle supplies and expectations that feeder cattle availability will remain constrained heading into 2027. Lower grain prices earlier in the week also helped improve the outlook for feedlot operating costs, providing additional support to feeder cattle futures.
Lean hog futures joined the rally, although nearby contracts posted more modest gains. December lean hogs advanced 30 cents to settle at $55.45 per hundredweight. February futures gained 38 cents to $61.38, while April hogs climbed $1.68 to close at $68.50. Deferred contracts showed particularly strong buying interest, with June hogs rising $2.40 to $84.20 and July futures gaining $2.05 to $86.68. Despite Friday's improvement, the hog market continues facing challenges from seasonal pork supplies, cash market weakness, and uncertainty surrounding domestic and international demand.
Looking ahead, cattle traders will focus on cash market developments, boxed beef prices, and next week's USDA Cattle on Feed report. Hog producers will continue monitoring pork demand, slaughter levels, and export activity. Friday's session provided an encouraging finish for livestock markets, particularly feeder cattle, as traders look for continued strength heading into next week.