Price of Corn Today Reflects Solid Holiday Momentum as Global Shipments Accelerate

Corn prices are experiencing noteworthy mid-session appreciation, with December contract futures advancing by 2 to 5 cents ahead of the holiday weekend. Today marks first notice day for the December contract cycle, during which ADM-related customers initiated 80 delivery notices. The national average cash corn quotation has climbed 8¼ cents, now sitting at $4.12 per bushel.

Export Demand Driving Market Strength

The robust export environment continues to underpin price of corn today. USDA reported a private sale transaction of roughly 274,000 metric tons destined for unspecified global buyers, signaling persistent international demand. This morning’s export sales data for the week ending October 16 demonstrated the agency’s catch-up efforts, revealing 2.82 million metric tons of corn committed for the 2025/26 marketing year, which surpassed analyst expectations of 1.4 to 2.5 MMT.

Additional sales of 571,502 MT were recorded for 2026/27, landing within the anticipated 0.5 to 1 MMT range. The combined weekly total of 3.394 MMT represents the largest figure recorded in the past twelve months, though it trails the 4.183 MMT from the corresponding week last year.

Standing Export Commitments Hit Record Territory

Total outstanding export commitments continue climbing, now tracking 42.9% above year-ago levels at 33.56 MMT (approximately 1.32 billion bushels). This represents the highest commitment level ever recorded for the current calendar week, underlining the strength of international purchasing interest.

Current Contract Pricing and Near-Term Outlook

December corn futures are currently quoted at $4.36½, reflecting gains of 4¾ cents. Nearby cash positions are valued at $4.12¼, up 8¼ cents. The forward curve shows March 2026 futures at $4.47½ and May 2026 contracts at $4.55½, with modest advances of 2¼ and 2½ cents respectively.

Traders anticipate the next export sales report—covering the week ending October 23—will arrive Monday morning, with consensus estimates ranging from 1.1 to 2.5 MMT in new bookings. This ongoing export momentum suggests corn prices may maintain their current trading pattern through the near term.