CBOT corn eases amid expectations for better US weather

CHICAGO, May 1 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade corn futures ended lower on Thursday as forecasts for favorable U.S. planting conditions weighed on the market, analysts said.

• The weather is expected to turn clearer and drier next week after rains stalled plantings in parts of the Midwest this week, they said.

• Farmers had planted 24% of the corp as of April 27, above the five-year average of 22%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• The USDA said 2024-25 U.S. corn export sales were 1 million metric tons for the week ended on April 24, down 13% from the previous four-week average. That was within analysts' expectations.

• Since April 24, the agency has announced sales of U.S. corn to buyers including Mexico, Spain and unknown destinations in a daily reporting system.

• Some analysts said the USDA could raise its estimate for U.S. corn exports in an upcoming monthly report due to solid demand.

• CBOT July corn CN25 was down 3-1/4 cents at $4.72-1/4 per bushel.