Chicago agricultural commodity futures market closes mixed

The most active corn contract for March delivery rose 2.75 cents, or 0.65 percent, to settle at 4.29 dollars per bushel. March wheat rose 8.75 cents, or 1.56 percent, to settle at 5.70 dollars per bushel. March soybeans fell 2.5 cents, or 0.20 percent, to close at 12.77 dollars per bushel.

Extreme cold weather slowed grain shipments around central United States on Thursday and threatened to damage the dormant winter wheat crop, sending prices of corn and wheat futures higher, according to market analysts.

Wheat rose for the first time in four sessions as purchases by Algeria and Iraq signaled a drop in prices, boosting import demand amid damage concerns. Temperatures plunged below zero Fahrenheit across the northern Midwest and Plains, and even colder conditions are expected early next week.

There has been talk of U.S. cargoes switching to Brazil for export to China with no official confirmation. Export sales reports are delayed until Friday.