Corn Futures Rise as Traders Position Ahead of USDA Report

Written by Sandra Leggero

Sandra Leggero has a background in financial markets, having spent more than 9 years in commodities trading for several European and Asian companies. She holds a degree in Economics from the University of Pavia and specializes in emerging markets.

, | Updated: August 10, 2026

Key Moments

Corn futures were trading 2 to 3 cents higher early Monday after ending Friday’s session steady to slightly firmer.
USDA reported a 286,097 MT private corn sale to Mexico on Friday, spanning the 2026/27 and 2027/28 marketing years.
Analysts in a Reuters survey projected U.S. corn yield at 182.4 bushels per acre, with production estimated at 15.934 billion bushels.

Futures and Cash Market Overview

Corn prices were modestly firmer early Monday, with futures contracts up between 2 and 3 cents. This followed a Friday session that finished with corn futures mostly steady to fractionally higher.

The CmdtyView national average cash corn price remained unchanged at $4.09 1/2.

Contract / Cash	Friday Close	Change at Close	Current Move (Monday Morning)
Sep 26 Corn	$4.39	unch	up 2 3/4 cents
Nearby Cash	$4.09 1/2	unch	n/a
Dec 26 Corn	$4.62	unch	up 2 3/4 cents
Mar 27 Corn	$4.77 3/4	up 1/4 cent	up 2 3/4 cents
New Crop Cash	$4.12	unch	n/a

Export Activity and USDA Sales

On Friday, USDA reported a private export sale of 286,097 MT of corn to Mexico. Of that total, 29,808 MT was booked for the 2026/27 marketing year and 256,289 MT was designated for 2027/28.

Market Expectations Ahead of NASS Crop Report

Traders were monitoring expectations for the upcoming August Crop Production report from NASS, scheduled for release next Wednesday. A Reuters survey of analysts showed an anticipated U.S. corn yield of 182.4 bushels per acre, with estimates ranging from 180.5 to 184.8 bushels per acre.

Projected production was pegged at 15.934 billion bushels, with harvested acreage expected to be reduced by 76,000 acres.

Managed Money Positioning

CFTC data released Friday afternoon indicated that managed money accounts modestly increased their net long exposure in corn futures and options during the week of 8/4. Net long positions rose by 13,547 contracts, bringing the total net long to 181,946 contracts as of Tuesday.

Brazilian Harvest Progress

In Brazil, the second corn crop in the center south region was reported by AgRural to be 79% harvested. That compares with an 88% harvest pace at the same point a year earlier.