Corn Leads Grain Markets Higher Monday Morning

Opening Markets | Monday, August 24, 2026

Grain markets opened the new week mostly higher, led by a strong move in corn, while soybeans slipped slightly. Wheat futures also moved higher to start Monday trade.

December corn is up 9 1/4 cents as traders react to fresh crop estimates showing the potential for a smaller U.S. corn crop than USDA has projected.

November soybeans are down 3 1/2 cents as expectations for a large soybean crop continue to weigh on the market.

Wheat is trading higher. September Kansas City hard red winter wheat is up 6 1/4 cents, while September Chicago wheat is up 6 3/4 cents.

Livestock

Cattle markets enter Monday under pressure from last week’s lower cash cattle trade and uncertainty surrounding plans to increase beef imports.

Live cattle are expected to see volatile trade after cash cattle prices moved sharply lower in recent weeks.

Feeder cattle also enter the week with uncertainty as traders balance tight cattle supplies against pressure in the broader cattle market.

Lean hogs are coming off a stronger Friday, with higher cash hog and pork values providing some support as the new week begins.

Opening Direction

• Corn: Higher
• Soybeans: Lower
• Chicago Wheat: Higher
• Hard Red Winter Wheat: Higher
• Live Cattle: Lower early outlook
• Feeder Cattle: Mixed to lower early outlook
• Lean Hogs: Lower early outlook

Stay with The Ranch for the latest agricultural markets and updates throughout the day.