Drought concerns have been renewed with a hot/dry forecast for the western Corn Belt the next two weeks, Successful Farming reported last week. The eastern Corn Belt is eyeing hotter-than-normal conditions over the next few weeks.

These concerns led the U.S. grain markets to perk up a bit, helped by more aggressive Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans and concerns over the 2020 crop. 

Weather forecasts last week continued the improved chances for rain in the eastern Corn Belt, with the eight- to 14-day forecast calling for above-normal precipitation in that area. However, the western Corn Belt will see...