U.S. grain futures moved higher Wednesday morning, September 30, 2026, as traders positioned ahead of two closely watched USDA reports. Before 9 a.m. CT, December corn gained 2½ cents to $5.24½ per bushel, while November soybeans climbed 11½ cents to $13.09¼. December CBOT wheat added 2¼ cents to $6.95. The moves come ahead of USDA's quarterly Grain Stocks report and annual Small Grains 2026 Summary, both scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.

Agriculture.com reported that soybeans received additional support after USDA announced a new export sale of 105,000 metric tons of soybeans to unknown destinations for delivery during the 2026/27 marketing year. Wheat markets were also positive, with December Kansas City wheat at $7.44½ per bushel and Minneapolis wheat at $7.03.

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USDA Reports Put Grain Stocks in Focus

Attention now turns to the USDA releases, which could provide fresh signals on U.S. grain supplies and influence commodity prices. Naomi Blohm, senior market advisor with Total Farm Marketing, told Agriculture.com that the reports have the potential to move markets, although their impact will depend on whether USDA figures differ meaningfully from trade expectations.

Livestock futures were mixed but mostly stronger. November feeder cattle gained $1.68 to $332.58 per cwt and December live cattle rose $2.10 to $222.90, while December lean hogs slipped 35 cents to $69.35. Crude oil was also higher at $91.04 per barrel, while the U.S. Dollar Index December contract declined to 100.93.

For U.S. farmers and grain market participants, the next major catalyst will be USDA's updated assessment of grain inventories and small-grain production, with any surprises potentially influencing corn, soybean and wheat price direction as the fall harvest advances.