Soybean prices advanced thanks to a USDA report showing better-than-expected demand for the oilseeds, with export sales increasing 28% from the previous week and exceeding analysts' expectations. The report comes as U.S. farmers are winding up the harvest of what is likely a record soybean crop after stockpiles hit a 41-year low this autumn, causing domestic processors and foreign buyers to scramble for supplies. Analysts said prices for the oilseeds were also lifted by surging prices for soybean meal. Prices for the meal shot upwards on Thursday amid continuing rail car shortages that have slowed shipments to livestock farmers, particularly in eastern parts of the country. "Whatever is getting crushed is getting snapped up by the export market or local feeders,