As of 8:45 a.m. CT, December corn dropped 2½¢ to $4.19½ per bushel, while November soybeans fell 5¾¢ to $10.08 per bushel. Wheat markets opened mixed: December CBOT wheat ticked down to $5.19½, December KC wheat rose 1½¢ to $5.07, and December Minneapolis wheat gained 1¢ to $5.68¾.

"Corn and soybean futures drifted lower under U.S. harvest pressure in early trade with crude oil price weakness also a negative factor," stated The Brock Report, noting soybean futures continue to feel pressure from China's absence in the U.S. export market.

Crude oil added to the bearish tone across commodities. As of 8:45 a.m. CT, November crude was trading $1.88 lower at $63.84 per barrel, a significant dip that contributed to weaker grain futures.

Meanwhile, USDA announced new corn export sales for the 2025/2026 marketing year:

• 135,660 metric tons sold to Mexico

• 110,668 metric tons sold to unknown destinations

While the export news adds long-term support, immediate market impacts were minimal, highlighting traders' focus on near-term harvest pace and macroeconomic factors.

In livestock markets, December live cattle slipped 60¢ to $233.70 per cwt, while November feeder cattle gained 43¢ to $354.90 per cwt. December lean hogs dropped 25¢ to $90.80 per cwt, reflecting seasonal adjustments and continued volatility in protein markets.

With harvest pressure intensifying, U.S. farmers may face near-term price headwinds as yields flow into the supply chain. However, demand-side signals, such as export purchases and energy market trends, will remain critical in determining late-season price recovery potential.

The U.S. Dollar Index December contract eased to 97.46, a slight move that could influence export competitiveness if the trend continues.

As the fall harvest accelerates, producers should stay alert to volatility in both commodity and input markets, particularly as global demand dynamics and macroeconomic signals continue to evolve.