Corn: July corn futures rose 10 3/4 cents to $8.12 1/4 after posting a contract high at $8.18 1/2, while May futures ended at $8.15 1/2, the highest close for a nearby contract since August 2012. December futures gained 6 cents to $7.49 1/2. Corn futures gained on escalating concern that a slow planting pace will reduce U.S. yield potential.
Soybeans: July soybeans surged 21 cents to $16.92 3/4, the contract’s highest close since April 21. July soymeal rose $4.00 to $441.00, while July soyoil gained 228 points to 84.72 cents. Soybean futures followed strength in soyoil, which extended a rally to contract highs on concerns Indonesia’s export ban of some palm oil products will tighten global vegoil supplies.
Wheat: July SRW wheat fell 3 3/4 cents to $10.91 1/4, while July HRW wheat fell 10 1/2 cents to $11.54. July spring wheat rose 6 3/4 cents to $11.94 3/4, a lifetime-high closing price. Winter wheat futures declined in part on prospects for temporary moisture relief in parched HRW areas of the U.S. Plains, though the crop will continue to struggle with persistent dryness. Tomorrow’s USDA weekly export sales report is expected to show net U.S. wheat sales at zero to 175,000 MT for 2021-22 and 150,000 to 400,000 MT for 2022-23.
Cotton: July cotton rallied the 500-point daily limit to 140.68 cents per pound, the highest settlement since April 18. Cotton futures were boosted by speculation India’s government may impose a short-term embargo on cotton exports.
Cattle: June live cattle fell $1.225 to $135.025, the lowest closing price since April 11. August feeder cattle fell $4.20 at $168.95, near a six-month low. Live cattle futures were pressured by expectations for weaker cash and concern high beef prices are curbing demand. Wholesale beef extended a recent slump, with Choice cutout values dropping $2.26 today to $261.91, a five-week low, though movement was again strong at 160 loads.
Hogs: June lean hog futures fell 82.5 cents to $110.35, the contract’s lowest settlement since Feb. 4. Hogs fell for the third consecutive day on eroding technicals and concerns over demand, along with an expected downtick in the CME lean hog index. Wholesale pork prices continued slipping, with cutout values down 4 cents today to $105.51, the lowest since April 8. Movement was relatively strong at 317 loads.