April 28, 2026 — Corn futures posted gains to start the trading week, with prices rising 1 ¼ to 5 ¾ cents across contracts on Monday, April 27. The CmdtyView national average cash corn price increased 5 ¾ cents to settle at $4.25 ¼ per bushel.
The rally came as the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that 25% of the nation’s corn crop had been planted as of Sunday, April 26. That pace is 6 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 19%. The crop also showed 7% emergence, three points faster than normal.
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Monday’s gains were broad-based. May 2026 corn closed at $4.60 ¾, up 5 ¾ cents. July 2026 corn settled at $4.69 ¼, also up 5 ¾ cents. December 2026 corn, representing new-crop futures, finished at $4.89 ½, up 5 ¼ cents. New-crop cash corn was $4.46 ¼, up 5 ¼ cents.
Export Inspections Show Strong Volume
The USDA’s weekly Export Inspections report, released Monday morning, showed 1.644 million metric tons (64.73 million bushels) of corn shipped during the week ending April 23. That total was 1.33% below the same week last year and a 5.67% decline from the prior week.
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Mexico was the top destination, receiving 388,791 metric tons. Colombia took 234,765 metric tons, and South Korea imported 196,816 metric tons.
For the marketing year that began September 1, total corn shipments now stand at 53.441 million metric tons (2.104 billion bushels). That figure is 30.64% above the same period last year.
Industry watchers note that the pace of exports remains resilient, supporting prices even as the market absorbs a fast-planting season. The implication is that strong global demand continues to underpin the corn market.
South Korean Wheat Purchase Adds Context
In a related grain market move, a South Korean importer purchased 65,000 metric tons of wheat in a private deal late Friday, April 24. While not directly tied to corn, the purchase signals ongoing feed grain demand in Asia, which could support corn prices indirectly.
This suggests that international buyers remain active in the grain complex, a factor that could help sustain the current price floor.
Planting Progress Ahead of Schedule
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service crop progress data, released Monday, showed the corn crop 25% planted, well ahead of the five-year average. The emergence rate of 7% also outpaced the normal pace of 4%.
Fast planting typically points to a potentially large crop, which can weigh on prices later in the season. But for now, the market is focusing on strong export demand and the possibility of weather disruptions later in the spring.
Data from the Commodity Weather Group indicates that the central Corn Belt is expected to see above-normal rainfall over the next two weeks, which could slow fieldwork and provide short-term price support.
What This Means for Traders
For investors and hedgers, the combination of strong exports and faster planting creates a mixed outlook. Near-term prices are supported by reliable demand and a solid pace of shipments. But the faster planting pace could lead to a bumper crop, pressuring prices later in the year.
Some analysts suggest that the current price range near $4.60 for nearby futures represents a balance between these forces. A break above $4.70 could signal further upside, while a drop below $4.50 might open the door to seasonal harvest pressure.
The next major data point will be the USDA’s weekly Crop Progress report next Monday, which will show whether planting continues to outpace normal.
Data sourced from Barchart and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, visit the Barchart website and the USDA official site.
This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.
