The Argentine government said late Friday that it was suspending exports because of concern about a surge in requests for corn amid dwindling supplies. Argentina is the second-largest corn exporter behind the United States.

Wheat futures settled mixed to lower after early gains. Some early strength came from the gains in corn and from concern about dry weather in the hard red winter wheat belt of the Plains. However, prices turned mostly lower after the late profit-taking in corn.

Soybean futures closed higher, benefiting from the gains in corn. Growing global demand for vegetable oil, and the resulting higher prices, also aided soybeans. Speculative buying was based on the outlook for vegetable oil demand to increase as the green fuels market expands.

Soup-er Bowl XIII

The 13th annual Soup-er Bowl, which raises awareness about hunger in the Kansas City area, will be Dec. 5 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.

Besides the annual luncheon, the event this year will feature its first awards ceremony. Four people and two organizations will be recognized as "most valuable players" in the battle against hunger.

The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the hotel, 200 W. 12th St.

Tickets are $15. For reservations, call John Massman at (816) 363-3300.

Holiday events

The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs is providing holiday cheer for the whole family in December.

The center will offer old-fashioned country holiday fun during Santa's Express, from 1 to 6 p.m. the weekends of Dec. 9 and 10 and Dec. 16 and 17.

Take a tractor-drawn hayride to Farm Town USA, visit with costumed characters in the decorated historic buildings, listen to story time in the one-room school, help with farm chores and warm up with hot cocoa and cookies.

Children can share their wish lists with Santa in the depot and catch a ride on his miniature train, the Santa Express.

Tickets are $4 per person. Children younger than 1 get in free. Advance tickets cost $3 per person if you buy 20 or more.

The Ag Hall of Fame is two miles west of Kansas Speedway, northeast of the intersection of Interstate 70 and Kansas 7.

For information, go to www.aghalloffame.com or call (913) 721-1075.

Aid for farmers markets

The National Farmers Union is urging the U.S. government to include farmers markets and related outlets in federal food programs.

The group has suggested to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that more should be done to increase coordination and purchasing of farm-fresh products for families as part of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC.

"I am hopeful that as they go forward, USDA will do more to work with local farmers, ranchers and fishermen and get them more involved as vendors for the WIC program," farmers union President Tom Buis wrote in a letter to the agency.