Mon Mar 31 10:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Grain Futures Tumble on Weak Export Sales, Favorable Weather Forecast

**Chicago, IL –** Grain and soybean futures experienced a decline overnight, driven by disappointing export sales figures and forecasts of beneficial weather conditions for U.S. wheat crops. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported a significant drop in wheat export sales for the week ending March 20, down 65% from the four-week average to 100,300 metric tons. Corn sales also fell 31% to 1.04 million metric tons, while soybean sales decreased 4% to 338,500 tons. These declines impacted prices across the board.

May wheat futures on the Chicago Board of Trade fell 7½¢ to $5.24½ a bushel, while Kansas City futures dropped 11¾¢ to $5.54½ a bushel. Corn futures decreased 4¢ to $4.46 a bushel, and May soybean futures were down 4¢ to $10.12¾ a bushel. Soymeal and soy oil also experienced price drops.

The anticipated rainfall in the eastern Midwest, crucial for soft red winter wheat growth, further contributed to the price decrease. The National Weather Service predicts precipitation in eastern Oklahoma and northern Arkansas through next Thursday.

In contrast to the grain market, the USDA reported a slight year-over-year decline in hog and pig inventories. The U.S. herd on March 1 totaled 74.5 million head, down from 74.7 million a year earlier. Breeding inventory and market hog numbers also saw minor decreases.

However, the positive news for agriculture is tempered by concerns about severe weather. Red flag warnings are in effect for parts of Nebraska and other states, with high winds and low humidity creating a significant risk of wildfires. A strong storm system is expected to bring damaging winds, hail, and potential tornadoes to central Illinois on Sunday.

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