By Tony Dreibus | Updated on January 9, 2026

1. Soybean Futures Higher Overnight on China Purchases

Soybean futures were higher in overnight trading after USDA confirmed another purchase by China. 

The Asian nation bought 132,00 metric tons of U.S. soybeans for delivery in the 2025/2026 marketing year that ends on Aug. 31, the agency said in a report yesterday. 

That follows sales of 336,000 metric tons to China, which was announced on Wednesday. 

Sales to China have been ramping up since the end of October when presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping signed a trade agreement under which Beijing would resume purchases of U.S. soybeans. 

Prior to the agreement, China shunned U.S. soybeans and instead opted to make purchases from other sources including Brazil and Argentina. 

Wheat futures were lower as snow moves into the southern Plains where hard red winter varieties are overwintering. 

The snow will provide a protective blanket against harsh weather and is likely to improve soil moisture. 

Soybean futures for March delivery rose 5¢ to $10.66¼ a bushel overnight on the Chicago Board of Trade. Soy meal added $1.30 to $304.90 a short ton, and soy oil gained 0.22¢ to 49.67¢ a pound. 

Corn for March delivery was down ¼¢ to $4.45¾ a bushel. 

Wheat futures lost 1½¢ to $5.16½ a bushel, and Kansas City futures declined 1¾¢ to $5.28½ a bushel. 

RELATED: Corn and Wheat in the Red | Friday, Jan. 9, 2026

2. Corn Sales Drop to Marketing-Year Low in Week Through Jan. 1

Sales of corn for overseas delivery hit a marketing-year low and soybean sales plunged in the week that ran from Dec. 26 through New Year’s Day, according to USDA data. 

Corn sales totaled 377,600 metric tons, down 49% from the previous week and 76% from the prior four-week average, the agency said. 

South Korea purchased 139,000 metric tons, Japan took 108,100 tons, Mexico bought 96,800 tons, the Dominican Republic was in for 70,300 tons, and Vietnam purchased 67,200 tons. 

The total would’ve been higher, but an unnamed country canceled orders for 226,700 tons and Panama nixed cargoes of 35,000 tons, USDA said. 

Exports of U.S. corn for the week were little changed at about 1.4 million tons. 

Soybean sales in the week through Jan. 1 were reported at 877,900 metric tons, down 26% week over week and 42% from the four-week average, the government said. 

China was the big buyer at 470,100 tons, Egypt took 173,200 tons, Indonesia was in for 95,100 tons, Pakistan purchased 58,900 tons, and Tunisia bought 32,200 tons. 

Exports totaled 1.11 million tons, down 9% from the week prior, USDA said. 

Wheat sales, meanwhile, rose 24% on a weekly basis to 118,700 metric tons, the agency said. Still, that was down 55% from the average. 

The Philippines bought 61,000 tons from U.S. suppliers, an unknown destination took 32,000 tons, Mexico was in for 17,100 tons and Canada purchased 1,700 tons. 

Exports of the grain came in at 172,000 tons, down 60% week over week, USDA said in its report. 

3. Winter Storms Expected in the U.S. Southern Plains

Winter storm warnings and weather advisories have been issued for parts of the southern Plains, National Weather Service maps show. 

Heavy snow is forecast for counties in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, the agency said. 

From 4–8 inches are expected in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles, making roadways slippery. Winds are forecast to gust up to 40 mph. 

Between 1–3 inches of snow are projected for much of southwestern Kansas, NWS said. 

Almost the entirety of the Texas panhandle will see at least a “light coating” of snow this afternoon and evening, the agency said. 

ARTICLE: SUCCESSFUL FARMING, JANUARY 9, 2026