By Tony Dreibus | Updated on January 7, 2026

1. Soybean, Grain Futures Higher on Signs of Demand

Soybean and grain futures were higher overnight on signs of robust demand for U.S. agricultural products. 

China purchased 336,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans for delivery in the current marketing year that ends on Aug. 31, USDA said yesterday. 

That follows purchases of 132,000 metric tons of U.S. corn by South Korea, which was announced on Friday. 

Soybean sales to overseas buyers have lagged year-earlier amounts as China withheld purchases of U.S. supplies amid the ongoing tariff war through much of the year. 

The Asian nation has been back in the market since a deal was signed at the end of October, though it’s uncertain how much China will actually buy due to availability from South American suppliers. 

Corn and wheat sales, however, have been robust in the 2025-2026 marketing years. 

Overseas buyers from the start of the marketing year on Sept. 1 have promised to purchase 50.5 million metric tons of U.S. corn, up 30% year over year, USDA data show. 

Wheat purchases since the beginning of the grain’s marketing year on June 1 are now at 20.1 million metric tons, up 18% from the same timeframe last year. 

Soybean sales from Sept. 1 are now at 27.7 million metric tons, down 31% on an annual basis, USDA said. 

Soybean futures for March delivery rose 9¢ to $10.65 1/4 a bushel overnight on the Chicago Board of Trade.

Soy meal gained $1.20 to $300.70 a short ton, and soy oil added 0.47¢ to 49.87¢ a pound. 

Corn for March delivery was up 1 1/2¢ to $4.45 1/2 a bushel. 

Wheat futures gained 3 1/4¢ to $5.13 3/4 a bushel, and Kansas City futures rose 4 1/4¢ to $5.25 3/4 a bushel. 

2. Ethanol Blend Rate Tops 11% in October, RFA Says

Ethanol composed more than 11% of U.S. gasoline in October for the first time on record, the Renewable Fuels Association said in a statement yesterday. 

“The record-high blend rate reflects the expanding use of E15 and flex fuels like E85 and should put to rest -- once and for all -- the myth that a so-called ”blend wall“ prevents ethanol from making up more than 10% of the gasoline pool,” the association said. 

The 12-month rate in October was reported at 10.48% amid expanding availability of E15. 

E15 accounted for about a quarter of gasoline sales in Iowa in November, and RFA said it’s working with retailers in California after the state recently approved use of the blend. 

Congress needs to remove regulations holding back retailers from offering E15 during the summer driving season, RFA President Geoff Cooper said in the statement. 

“Passing year-round E15 legislation would not only continue to build on the progress we saw in 2025, but it would also open a badly needed new market opportunity for our nation’s farmers,” he said. 

3. Rain Forecast for Parts of the Southern Plains

Rain is forecast for much of the southern Plains tonight through early tomorrow morning, according to the National Weather Service. 

About a quarter inch of rain is expected in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles, but locally heavier storms may produce heavy precipitation in some areas, the agency said. 

“A stray storm may become strong or severe with hail up to a quarter size,” NWS said. “The potential for strong or severe storms is confined to areas along and southeast of the Kansas Turnpike.” 

Snow is possible in western and central Kansas on Friday, though it’s uncertain at this point where the heaviest snowfall will occur, the agency said. 

ARTICLE: SUCCESSFUL FARMING, JANUARY 7, 2026