Corn Futures Rise on Record August Exports and Strong Prices

Corn futures are seeing gains on Tuesday, with contracts trading 8 to 9 cents higher at midday. The CmdtyView national average cash corn price has risen 9 cents to $4.68 1/2. This upward trend follows the release of monthly Census data, which revealed record corn exports for August at 7.422 million metric tons (MMT), a 25.71% increase from July. The marketing year total now stands at 3.426 billion bushels (bbu).

Distillers exports reached 1.301 MMT, marking the second-largest August on record, while ethanol exports hit a record 211.77 million gallons, up 5.57% from the previous year and 6.15% above July figures.

Monday’s Crop Progress report indicated that 83% of the US corn crop was mature as of October 4, with harvest completion at 23%, lagging 4 percentage points behind the average pace. Condition ratings dropped 3% this week, with 54% of the crop now in good to excellent condition. The Brugler500 index fell 5 points to 342.

Looking at futures prices, December 2026 corn is at $5.06 1/4, up 9 cents, while nearby cash corn is at $4.68 1/2, also up 9 cents. March 2027 corn is at $5.20 1/4, up 8 3/4 cents, and May 2027 corn is at $5.27 1/4, up 8 3/4 cents.