Commodities account size to start

Hello

A friend of mine has been trading futures for some time now. I know the basics in FX but nothing much in futures. How big of an account do you need to start trading 1 regular size contract in say soybeans, corn or some of the grains? I know he day trades but also will keep a trade open for days as well.

Margins are listed on the exchange - look on cmegroup for grains. Some brokers will reduce that 50% for day trading. Broco has a list which may be different. Margins tend to increase with volatility. Last summer crude oil got over $12,000(?) if I remember correctly.
ps: Maybe I didn't answer your question. IB wants 10K to open an account (last time I looked). Others want $2500. It pays to shop around and compare platforms.

Thx for the reply Kenz. Actually i should explain myself better. This is a money management question. I am wondering how much of an account balance you would require to begin trading full contracts of say corn or soybeans?

He has been starting up with 5k and if that is anything like trading a full lot of E/U in the FX world than i know why he keeps blowing accounts.

Well there are different approaches. Margin on Corn is now down to under $2000, but if it moves limit down against you (assuming you are long) 3 or 4 days in a row you are cooked, unless you buy a protective put to insure your position. Buy an atm put, sell an otm call. You can position trade that for under $5K and have staying power.

20K+

Thanks. That would explain why he keeps burning out 5k account.