Grain futures on the Chicago Board of Trade were higher on Monday, with wheat futures leading the gains. March wheat climbed to near 2008 highs in early trading on strong export demand, traders said. Egypt made its first purchase of wheat in nearly a month, and wheat garnered further support from concerns about a US cold snap this week.
Corn and soyabean futures also were higher, but in a narrow range, pressured by a downturn in crude oil futures. CBOT trends as of 10:25 am CST (1625 GMT) on Monday: March wheat up 11 cents at $8.64-3/4 per bushel. March corn down 1/4 cent at $6.78-1/4 per bushel. March soyabeans up 4-1/2 cent at $14.38 per bushel.