CHICAGO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural futures rose across the board on Friday, led by corn.

       The most active corn contract for July delivery rose 12.25 cents, or 1.6 percent, to settle at 7.7725 U.S. dollars per bushel. July wheat gained 14.25 cents, or 1.25 percent, to settle at 11.575 dollars per bushel. July soybean climbed 5.75 cents, or 0.33 percent, to settle at 17.3225 dollars per bushel.

       Corn and wheat futures posted gains on news that Russia will not back down from its demands that Western countries drop their sanctions in return for the grain export corridors out of Ukraine.

       Weather will be closely watched after the U.S. Memorial Day holiday on Monday.

       Any U.S./Canadian or EU weather adversity will produce a sharp rally in world values. Chicago-based research company AgResource holds a bullish view as Russia-Ukraine conflict rages on.

       There are rumors that China has booked 500,000 metric tons of either U.S. or Brazilian corn for September.

       U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will publish Crop Progress Report on Tuesday, which will be highly important to CBOT prices. In focus will be North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota and their corn, soybean and spring wheat seeding progress.

       The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to announce by June 4 its decision on biofuel mandates for the calendar year of 2022.

       There is soaking rain for the Dakotas and South-Central Canadian Prairies. A high-pressure ridge across the southern half of the United States will produce drier weather and warmth into June 7.