Basis bids for soybeans were steady to stronger in the Midwest on Friday, supported by demand from soy crushing plants, while the corn basis firmed at the port of Toledo, Ohio, grain dealers said
* The soy basis firmed by 5 cents at a processing site in Lafayette, Indiana, and by 2 cents at a crusher in Des Moines, Iowa.
* The corn basis firmed by 5 cents at Toledo, Ohio. Analysts said demand from exporters has increased, which can support the basis along Midwestern rivers and ports.
* Costs for barge freight dipped this week, lending support to grain bids at Midwest river terminals. Spot barges on the Mississippi River at St. Louis were offered at 245% of tariff at mid-week, down from 265% to start the week.
* Farmers remain reluctant to sell grain at current prices as they focus on spring planting and preparation.
* CBOT corn, soy and wheat futures closed higher on Friday on technical buying, while wheat found support from poor weather and political tensions in the Black Sea. GRA/
* Warm and dry weather is expected across most of the central United States through the weekend, which should favor corn planting before rains return next week, space technology company Maxar said in a daily weather note.