Corn barge bids mixed, soy bids steady-firmer

Basis bids for corn and soybean delivered by barge to U.S. Gulf Coast terminals were mixed with steady demand from exporters and slow farmer selling. CIF Gulf corn barges loaded in May were bid at 64 cents over CBOT July corn futures, down a penny from Thursday, while June corn barges were bid at 66 cents over futures, up 1 cent. FOB export premiums for corn shipped from the Gulf in June were offered at about 76 cents over CBOT July corn futures. For soybeans, CIF Gulf barges loaded in May were bid at 62 cents over CBOT July soybean futures, unchanged from Thursday, while June soy barges were bid at 66 cents over futures, up a penny. FOB export premiums for soybeans loaded from the Gulf in June were offered steady at about 77 cents over July soybean futures. In global news, Ukraine is seeking support from Western allies after failing to agree on a ceasefire with Russia, a significant grain exporter. The U.S. is experiencing expanded rains in the Corn Belt to recharge soil moisture and aid crop growth, with 62% of the corn crop planted and 48% of the soybean crop planted as of May 11.