The USDA’s latest export sales report, covering the week through Aug. 13, showed soybeans taking the lead after a sluggish stretch of China sales earlier this marketing year. Soybean exports posted 66.4 million bushels with combined old and new crop sales, landing at the high end of analyst estimates. Shipments climbed 15% above the prior four-week average, with Mexico, the Netherlands and Japan among the top buyers. Corn old crop sales slowed to 9.2 million bushels, but a boost in new crop demand pushed the total to 41.3 million bushels, a 12% improvement week over week. Wheat sales improved 54% week over week, landing toward the higher end of expectations and marking a marketing-year high in shipments.

Read more report commentary from Farm Progress and report highlights from the USDA.