Corn futures traded around $5.3 per bushel, supported by supply risks in the Black Sea region and a reduced U.S. harvest outlook from the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture). CBOT December corn was last up 3/4 cent at $5.31 per bushel on Monday, while prices across contracts ranged from steady to 2 cents higher. The USDA’s Friday update lowered its U.S. 2026/27 corn yield forecast to 178.5 bushels per acre from 180.7, cut production to 15.8 billion bushels from 16.013 billion, and reduced ending stocks to 1.567 billion bushels from 1.653 billion. The revisions reflected hot summer weather and concerns about crop damage. Rising crude oil prices also supported grain markets. Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports and logistics continue to threaten Black Sea grain flows, prompting Ukraine to reroute exports through the Danube. Argentina is capturing some of that demand, with August–September corn exports expected to reach a record 10 million metric tons.