Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) grains futures closed higher on Thursday with wheat futures rising 0.42 percent, supported by results from a tour that illustrated the damage done to the crop in a key growing area.

Corn and soybeans were also higher as uncertainty over the impact of dryness in parts of the U.S. Midwest underpinned prices despite rainfall and milder temperatures this week.

The most active corn contract for December delivery rose 1.75 cents, or 0.45 percent, to 3.8775 dollars per bushel.

September wheat delivery added 2 cents, or 0.42 percent to 4.7975 dollars per bushel. November soybeans went up 7.25 cents, or 0.72 percent, to 10.075 dollars per bushel.

In the outside markets, the Brent crude oil market is 0.40 dollar per barrel higher, the U.S. dollar is higher, and the Dow Jones Industrials are 45 points higher.

On Thursday, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced fresh soybean sales.

Private exporters reported to the USDA export sales of 264,000 tonnes of soybeans for delivery to unknown destinations.

Of the total, 198,000 tonnes is for delivery during the 2016/2017 marketing year and 66,000 tonnes is for delivery during the 2017/2018 marketing year. The marketing year for soybeans began Sept. 1.