Core Insights - Corn futures are experiencing a decline of 1 to 2 ½ cents, indicating pressure on most contracts as the week begins [1] - The national average Cash Corn price has decreased by 2 ½ cents to $3.68 1/4 [1] - Due to the government shutdown and Columbus Day being a federal holiday, the Export Inspections report has been delayed until Tuesday [1] Market Conditions - Harvest activities may slow down in the latter half of next week, with heavier totals expected in the Eastern Corn Belt (ECB) and lighter totals across the rest of the country [2] - AgRural reports that as of Thursday, 45% of the Brazilian first corn crop has been planted in the central south region, which is an increase from 41% during the same period last year [2] Price Movements - December 25 Corn futures are priced at $4.10 1/2, down 2 ½ cents [2] - Nearby Cash Corn is at $3.68 1/4, also down 2 ½ cents [2] - March 26 Corn futures are at $4.27, down 2 cents, while May 26 Corn futures are at $4.36 1/4, down 1 3/4 cents [2]

Core Insights - Corn prices are experiencing slight gains following a period of weaker trading, with futures showing increases of 5 to 6 ¼ cents across the front months [1] - The U.S. corn crop is currently 7% harvested, aligning with the 5-year average, but condition ratings have decreased by 1% to 67% good/excellent [2] - Early harvest reports indicate yields may be lower than last year, raising concerns about whether this trend will continue as harvesting progresses [3] Group 1: Market Performance - Futures prices for December 25 Corn closed at $4.29 1/2, up 6 1/4 cents, while March 26 Corn closed at $4.47, up 6 cents [3] - The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price increased by 6 1/4 cents to $3.85 ¼ [1] Group 2: Crop Conditions - The Brugler500 index for corn conditions fell by 3 points to 372, with only Illinois, Nebraska, and Ohio showing improvements in crop conditions [2] - Significant declines in conditions were noted in Indiana (-7), Iowa (-4), Minnesota (-3), Missouri (-3), and North Dakota (-4) [2] Group 3: Export and Import Activity - ANEC estimates Brazilian corn exports for September at 7.12 million metric tons, slightly above previous estimates [3] - A private South Korean importer has purchased 65,000 metric tons of corn in a recent tender [3]