Wheat firmed on support from worsening crop conditions. An easing in the dollar, after Tuesday's 14-year high, lent additional support as it makes US commodities cheaper for overseas buyers. Speculators stepped in to pull soyabeans higher despite expectations of huge crops in key exporters Brazil and Argentina.
At 10:22 a.m. CST (1622 GMT), Chicago Board of Trade March soyabean futures were up 13-3/4 cents at $10.08-3/4 a bushel. It hit its lowest since Nov. 18 during overnight trading. CBOT March soft red winter wheat was 3-3/4 cents higher at $4.10-1/4 a bushel and K.C. March hard red winter wheat gained 5-1/2 cents to $4.19-1/2 a bushel.
Crop ratings fell in December in parts of the US Plains that endured a cold and dry month, including major hard red wheat growing states Oklahoma and Kansas, data released by the US Department of Agriculture after Tuesday's market close showed. Concerns about another cold snap in key growing areas were allayed by forecasts for snow, limiting the gains in the wheat market.
CBOT March corn futures were up 2-1/2 cents at $3.58-1/2 a bushel. The most active-corn contract has gained 2.9 percent during the current winning streak, hitting its highest since Dec. 16. Corn has found support at the turn of the year from expectations that funds will rebalance portfolios in favour of the cereal.