CBOT soybeans gain on year-end positioning, Argentina weather concerns

CHICAGO, Dec 30 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures closed higher after a choppy trading session on Monday on year-end short covering and concerns about dry weather in Argentina, one of the world's leading soybean suppliers, according to analysts.

• CBOT March soybeans SH25 settled up 2 cents at $9.91-3/4 per bushel.

• The spot January soybean contract SF25, which expires on Jan. 14, ended up 2 cents at $9.82 a bushel.

• CBOT March soymeal SMH25 rose $1.30 to end at $311.80 per short ton while March soyoil BOH25 rose 0.30 cent to settle at 40.30 cents per pound.

• Hot dry weather is expected to hit the northeast half of Argentina ahead of its crops' peak moisture needs over the next 16-30 days, according to Commodity Weather Group.

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported private sales of 23,000 metric tons of soyoil to India for 2024/2025 delivery.

(Reporting by Renee Hickman; Editing by Leslie Adler)

((renee.hickman@thomsonreuters.com))