The Ranch Opening Markets — Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
Grain futures are giving back a piece of Wednesday’s sharp rally in early Thursday trade. Livestock futures have not opened yet, so cattle and hog numbers below are the latest verified Wednesday closes.
Corn: December 2026 corn is near $5.33, down about 3 1/2 cents in early trade. Corn is seeing some profit-taking after Wednesday’s strong move, while traders continue to weigh crop prospects and demand.
Soybeans: November 2026 soybeans are near $12.57 3/4, down about 8 1/4 cents. Beans are backing off after Wednesday’s rally, with weakness in soybean oil adding pressure while weather and export demand remain in focus.
Chicago Wheat: December 2026 Chicago soft red winter wheat is near $7.48, fractionally lower. Wheat remains elevated after Wednesday’s surge as Black Sea supply concerns and export competition stay at the center of trade.
Kansas City HRW Wheat: December 2026 hard red winter wheat is near $8.08, down about 3/4 cent. The hard red winter market is holding most of Wednesday’s gains as traders continue to watch tight supplies and global wheat developments.
Live Cattle: The cattle market has not opened yet. October 2026 live cattle last closed near $210.65, down about 17 1/2 cents Wednesday. The market remains under pressure from long liquidation and uncertainty surrounding cash cattle, beef trade policy and cattle imports.
Feeder Cattle: Feeders have not opened yet. September 2026 feeder cattle last closed near $318.55, down about 27 1/2 cents Wednesday. The cattle complex remains volatile after a steep recent selloff, with cash cattle direction and feed costs still important.
Lean Hogs: Hogs have not opened yet. October 2026 lean hogs last settled at about $80.90, up roughly 45 cents Wednesday. Hog futures found modest support after recent weakness, but pork values and seasonal demand remain key drivers.
Market quotes are delayed and can change quickly. Grain figures reflect the latest available early Thursday trade. Livestock figures are the latest verified Wednesday closes because those markets were not open at publication time.