By Tony Dreibus | Published on January 5, 2026

1. Soybean, Grain Futures Higher in Overnight Trading

Soybeans and grains rose in overnight trading on signs of demand as several purchases by overseas buyers were announced last week. 

Egypt purchased 100,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans for delivery in the 2025/2026 marketing year that ends on Aug. 31, USDA said. 

The agency said a day later that China bought 136,000 metric tons from U.S. suppliers, also for delivery in the current marketing year. 

USDA on Friday announced sales of 132,000 metric tons of corn for the current season. 

The increased sales are a good sign heading into the new year after 2025 proved challenging for demand amid tariff wars with several countries including China, the world’s largest importer of soybeans. 

Higher volume is expected in the first full week of 2026 after two consecutive weeks of trade shortened by

holidays. 

Soybean futures for March delivery rose 7¢ to $10.52¾ a bushel overnight on the Chicago Board of Trade. Soy meal added $1.90 to $297.90 a short ton, and soy oil gained 0.13¢ to 49.43¢ a pound. 

Corn for March delivery rose 2¼¢ to $4.39¾ a bushel. 

Wheat futures were up 1½¢ to $5.08 a bushels, and Kansas City futures gained 1¼¢ to $5.16¼ a bushel. 

RELATED: Grains Start Week in the Green | Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

2. Corn, Wheat Exports Remain Ahead of Year-Earlier Pace

Exports of corn and wheat through the week of Dec. 18, the latest data available as the government continues to play catchup from last year’s shutdown, remain well ahead of year-earlier levels while soybeans trail, according to USDA data. 

Corn exports from the start of the marketing year on Sept. 1 through mid-December stood at 24.618 million metric tons, up 67% year-over-year, the agency said. 

Wheat shipments from the beginning of the grain’s marketing year on June 1 through Dec. 18 totaled 14.561 million metric tons, a 24% increase. 

Soybean exports from Sept. 1 were reported at 14.237 million metric tons, down 46% on an annual basis, USDA said. 

The tariff war between the U.S. and China kept the Asian nation out of the market for most of the year, vastly curbing soybean purchases in 2025. 

Total commitments by overseas buyers to purchase U.S. agricultural products tell a similar story. 

Sales of U.S. corn rose 31% year-over-year to 49.781 million metric tons, and wheat sales to offshore importers were up 18% to 20.008 million metric tons, USDA said. 

Soybean sales from the beginning of September through Dec. 18 were reported at 26.833 million metric tons, down 32% year-over-year, the agency said in its report. 

3. Red-Flag Warnings Issued for the Southern Plains

Extremely dry weather is expected in the southern Plains where hard red winter wheat is overwintering, according to the National Weather Service. 

Red flag warnings have been issued for the region amid winds that will be sustained from 15–25 mph and gust up to 40 mph, the agency said. 

Relative humidity will drop to around 10% this afternoon. 

“Any fires that develop could spread rapidly,” NWS said. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”

Winter weather advisories have been issued for several counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin. 

Freezing rain and ice accumulations are expected in counties in central and eastern Minnesota later this morning. 

Mixed precipitation is forecast for much of central and eastern Wisconsin as freezing rain, snow, and sleet are all possible, NWS said. 

ARTICLE: SUCCESSFUL FARMING, JANUARY 5, 2026