US corn futures closed higher on Friday following gains in the crude oil market but the trade was thin, which led to volatile dealings. CBOT corn closed 3-3/4 to 6-1/4 cents per bushel higher, with March up 5-1/4 at $4.12-1/4 per bushel. Rain early this week in Brazil favouring development of corn and soybeans and showers in Argentina's Cordoba province boost crop development prospects.
USDA said 269,900 tonnes of corn (old-crop) sold for export last week, below estimates for 250,000 to 450,000 tonnes. US cash corn steady to weak late on Wednesday with a slight increase in farmer selling seen during the rally in CBOT corn prices.