The estimated U.S. corn crop will total 13.63 bil bu, slightly higher than analysts' estimates for 13.55 bill, vs last year's record 14.216 bill. The 2015 projection would rank as the third-largest U.S. corn crop. The lower corn production this year will result 2015-16 ending stock next August of 1.746 bil bu, down from 2014-15 number of 1.851 bil bu. Vs market estimate for next year to total 1.736 bil. Corn prices were mixed, with spot-month futures falling , while defer months, got a boost from elevating expectations for U.S. exports this season. Some traders don't place much weight on production estimates this early in the growing season. Farther-dated corn prices also may have perked up after being pressured last week by largely favorable weather in the U.S. Midwest that paved the way for swift spring planting. July corn gained 1/2 cent, or 0.1%, to $3.61 a bushel.