Monday, August 31, 2026
Grain markets are starting the week mostly softer after a powerful August rally, while livestock futures have not yet opened and are being carried with Friday’s latest settlements.
Corn: December corn was steady around the 6 a.m. CT check after touching a new contract and three-year high overnight. Friday’s settlement was $5.36½ per bushel, leaving the market near that level early Monday.
Soybeans: November soybeans were 5¼ cents lower in early trade after also setting a new contract high overnight. From Friday’s $12.88 settlement, that puts the contract near $12.82¾.
Chicago Wheat: December soft red winter wheat was roughly 10 cents lower early Monday. Friday’s close was $7.84, putting the early market near $7.74.
Kansas City HRW Wheat: December hard red winter wheat was also roughly 10 cents lower. Friday’s settlement was $8.44¼, placing early trade near $8.34¼.
The grain complex is seeing some profit-taking after three weeks of sharp gains. Traders are also watching Monday’s USDA export inspections and crop progress reports. Weather remains part of the mix, while renewed U.S.-Iran tensions have pushed crude oil sharply higher and added another outside-market factor.
Live Cattle: Monday trade had not opened at this update. October live cattle last settled Friday at $211.725 per hundredweight, down $1.20 on the day.
Feeder Cattle: Monday trade had not opened. October feeder cattle last settled Friday at $316.525 per hundredweight, down $1.55.
Lean Hogs: Monday trade had not opened. October lean hogs last settled Friday at $81.90 per hundredweight, up $1.275.
Cattle remain under pressure from weaker cash trade, softer boxed beef values and recent policy moves aimed at increasing beef supply. Hogs finished Friday higher on short covering and bargain buying, but cash hog trends remain soft heading into September.
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