**Wheat Futures Show Divergent Momentum as Trading Resumes**

As markets restarted following the holiday break, wheat contracts displayed uneven performance across major trading hubs. The grain complex reflected the typical caution that accompanies the transition into a new calendar year, with mixed signals across different contract months and delivery points.

Chicago CBOT wheat futures showed modest weakness, particularly in near-term contracts. March delivery settled at $5.06 1/2, declining 1/2 cent from the prior session, while May contracts eased slightly to $5.18 1/4. Kansas City KCBT wheat exhibited greater resilience in comparison, with March delivery at $5.15—a marginal gain—and May remaining unchanged at $5.28. Minneapolis spring wheat delivered the most notable declines, as March MIAX contracts dropped to $5.71 3/4 with May slipping to $5.82 1/2.

**Weekly Performance and Trading Dynamics**

Over the broader trading week, pressure intensified across most wheat benchmarks. CBOT March wheat declined 12 ½ cents, while KCBT March faced steeper headwinds with an 18 ½-cent pullback. Minneapolis spring wheat retreated 8 ½ cents in the March contract, reflecting broader softness that MPLS participants characterized as a 3 to 4-cent weekly slide overall.

**Market Catalyst Ahead**

Traders are positioned ahead of critical USDA Export Sales data scheduled for Monday morning, which will provide insight into weekly wheat export activity during the Christmas holiday period. The market consensus suggests sales could range between 100,000 to 500,000 metric tons for that specific week—a measure that could influence near-term directional bias.

**Policy Support Details Emerge**

The USDA clarified parameters around the Farm Bridge Assistance program on Wednesday, announcing a wheat payment allocation of $39.35 per acre. This government support measure represents an attempt to cushion volatility for producers navigating current market conditions.