Corn, wheat, and soybean futures ended little changed on Monday, as the continued US government shutdown and lack of agricultural releases kept markets cautious.
The USDA did release its weekly export inspections report this morning, but the crop progress report normally released after market close was scrapped today. Most traders and analysts believe the American corn and soybean harvests are now around 30% complete.
Weak export demand and the continued lack of demand from No. 1 buyer China weighed on soybeans. November eased a ¼ cent to $10.17 ¾, and January lost 1 ¼ cents to $10.35 ¾.
Corn got a boost from stronger export demand, with December up 2 ¾ cents to $4.21 ¾, and March 2 ½ cents higher at $4.38 ¼.
December Chicago wheat eased 2 ½ cents to $5.12 ¾, and December Kansas City dropped 1 ½ cents to $4.95 ½. December Hard Red Spring lost 2 ¼ cents to $5.44 ¼, and December Minneapolis closed 3 ¼ cents lower at $5.56 ½.
