CHICAGO, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural futures closed higher on Monday as upbeat export data and recent floods in U.S. Midwest boosted crop prices.

The most active corn contract for May delivery was up 1.5 cents, or 0.4 percent to close at 3.7975 dollars per bushel. May wheat was up 3.5 cents, or 0.75 percent, to settle at 4.695 dollars per bushel. May soybeans were up 2.75 cents, or 0.3 percent, to close at 9.065 dollars per bushel.

CBOT floor traders estimated that funds bought 1,900 contracts of corn, 1,200 contracts of wheat and 1,500 contracts of soybeans.

Corn extended gains on upbeat export sales. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Friday confirmed sales by private exporters of 300,000 metric tons of corn for delivery to China during the 2018/19 marketing year, which began on Sept. 1.

On Monday, the USDA reported export inspections of 995,997 metric tons of corn during the seven days ending on March 21, higher than the previous period. Soybean export inspections also saw a slight increase while wheat inspections fell week on week.

Short covering pushed up wheat prices, and optimism on U.S.-China trade talks helped support CBOT soybeans.

Recent flooding that hit Nebraska, Iowa and other farming states in the Midwest gave additional support to CBOT futures, said market watchers. Enditem

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