CHICAGO: US corn futures steadied after hitting their highest in nearly two months on Wednesday, underpinned by concerns that hot and dry weather in the Midwest during key crop development periods limited how big the fall harvest will be, traders said.

Wheat futures were strong, on track for their fourth straight day of gains, while soybeans eased on profit taking after rallying to a three-week high during the overnight trading session.

Corn futures also were well below overnight peaks, pressured by some reports of strong yield potential in major production areas of Illinois and Iowa by scouts on the annual Pro Farmer Crop Tour.

But the crops in those production areas were not likely to make up for shortfalls noted in other states.

“When they come out with their numbers tonight, you are going to find that Iowa and Illinois are looking at largely average crops,” said Jim Gerlach, president of brokerage A/C Trading in Indiana. “The heat got to this crop.” At 12:00 p.m. CDT (1700 GMT), Chicago Board of Trade corn for December delivery was up 1-1/2 cent at $6.56-3/4 a bushel. Prices peaked at $6.71, the highest for the most-active contract since June 27.