Export demand for U.S. soybeans and corn has perked up this spring, a period when world markets are typically dominated by South American exports. And that counter-cyclical export demand is supporting U.S. crop prices during planting season, according to Chad Hart, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension crop market specialist.

"If you look over the past month or so, there have been several things happen that have helped our markets," Hart said last week. "The value of the dollar has weakened a little bit, and there are some weather and logistical problems hitting South America."

Both U.S. soybean and corn exports in the 2015-16 marketing year are projected to be...