Chicago Board of Trade soyabean futures jumped 1.7 percent on Friday, their fourth straight day of gains, on expectations that the United States will boost its share of the soyameal export market due to harvest shortfalls in Argentina, traders said. Corn futures firmed, hitting a nine-month high for the third day as traders scrambled to cover short positions ahead of the weekend. Corn has risen for four of the last five days amid incessant planting delays in the US Midwest.
Gains in wheat also stemmed from short-covering as traders squared positions ahead of a tour through Kansas next week that will allow crop scouts to get a first-hand look at damage caused by a drought. CBOT July soyabean futures were up 16-3/4 cents at $10.56-1/4 a bushel. Soyameal futures were 2.8 percent higher and hit their highest since March 2.
"Soyabean prices continue to steer clear of modestly lower price levels where a dangerous minefield of momentum triggers await," said Tobin Gorey, director of agricultural strategy at Commonwealth Bank of Australia. On the cash market, bids for soyameal shipped by barge to exporters at the US Gulf firmed early on Friday. Premiums for soyameal loaded on ocean-going vessels also were strong.
CBOT July soft red winter wheat futures were 9 cents higher at $4.98-1/2 a bushel while K.C. hard red winter wheat for July delivery gained 9-1/2 cents to $5.30-1/2 a bushel. CBOT July corn was 3-1/4 cents higher at $3.98-1/2 a bushel. Prices peaked at $3.99 a bushel, the highest for the most-active contract since July 21. Gains in the corn market were kept in check by forecasts for warmer weather in the US Midwest that should allow farmers to make headway in their much delayed planting tasks in the coming days.
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