The Ranch Opening Markets — Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
Wheat remains the headline in Friday morning trade as Black Sea supply concerns keep the grain complex volatile. Soybeans are also showing early strength, while corn is coming off Thursday’s pullback. Livestock futures have not opened for Friday, so the latest verified Thursday settlements are listed below.
Corn: December 2026 corn’s latest verified settlement is $5.33 1/2, down about 3 cents Thursday. Corn gave back part of Wednesday’s rally as traders balanced strong ethanol production and export demand against expectations for a large U.S. crop.
Soybeans: November 2026 soybeans are trading around $12.75 in the latest available Friday quote, up roughly 7 cents. Export demand remains supportive after strong weekly new-crop sales, including sizable business with China.
Chicago Wheat: December 2026 Chicago wheat’s latest verified Thursday close was $7.60 3/4, with wheat holding near three-year highs early Friday. Continued attacks and shipping disruptions around Black Sea grain export routes remain the dominant market driver.
Kansas City HRW Wheat: The latest Friday quote for Kansas City hard red winter wheat is around $8.09 per bushel. HRW wheat remains supported by the broader wheat rally and concern over global export availability.
Live Cattle: Friday cattle trade has not opened. October 2026 live cattle last settled Thursday at $212.92, up $2.15. Technical buying and a firmer cash cattle tone helped futures rebound.
Feeder Cattle: Friday feeders have not opened. September 2026 feeder cattle last settled at $322.45, up $3.45 Thursday. Lower corn prices and technical buying helped support the feeder market.
Lean Hogs: Friday hog futures have not opened. October 2026 lean hogs last settled Thursday at $80.62, down about 27 cents, leaving the nearby contract under continued seasonal and technical pressure.
Market quotes can change quickly. Friday grain figures use the latest available trade where verified; otherwise the latest verified settlement is clearly identified. Livestock figures are Thursday settlements because Friday CME livestock trade had not opened at publication time.