Corn prices also slipped for the third day in a row as forecasts for drier, warmer weather next week promise to aid planting in the U.S. Midwest after persistent rainfall earlier this spring delayed fieldwork. Mounting concerns over demand for the grain also weighed on prices, May corn fell 1/2 cent, or 0.1%, to $3.72 1/2. 
 Wheat prices fell as investor short-covering tapered off amid forecasts for favorable weather in the U.S. Great Plains, where much of the nation's crop is grown. Though winter wheat crops in states like Kansas are contending with dry soil conditions, rain showers next week will add beneficial moisture to fields. The rains are due to come "just exactly where it's needed”.
 May wheat dropped 2 cents, or 0.4%, to $4.98 3/4 a bushel.