Soybean prices posted the heaviest losses, declining for a second consecutive session amid worries over slowing foreign demand for U.S. supplies. Prices for the oilseeds slid as reports of strong yields continue to filter in from Brazil and Argentina, where soybean harvests continue. As overseas buyers shift soybean purchases to the southern hemisphere, concern over domestic demand also is taking a toll on the market. Market watchers worry poultry producers' need for soybean meal, could slip by an outbreak of avian influenza that has spread across the country, affecting 8 mil chickens and turkeys so far. Although the number of birds affected is still a small portion of the total U.S. flock, analysts said, a drop in U.S. poultry exports also could help curb meal demand. China--a major buyer of U.S. turkey and chicken--earlier this year banned imports of all U.S. poultry and eggs because of the virus's spread, and dozens of other countries have since imposed restrictions on imports of poultry products. If some poultry farmers moved to cut production due to lower exports "that could lead to a good reduction in feed demand," May soybean dropped 4 3/4 cents, or 0.5%, to $9.70 1/2 a bushel
also is taking a toll on the market.