CBOT corn eases on expectations of speedy planting progress

CHICAGO, May 5 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade corn futures fell on expectations that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will report good planting progress in its weekly crop progress report after the market close on Monday

• U.S. farmers were estimated to have planted 41% of the nation's corn crop, a Reuters survey of 13 analysts showed ahead of the release of the USDA's crop progress report.

• Favorable planting weather in the U.S. Midwest is expected to allow farmers to seed a large portion of their corn crop, which the USDA says will be the highest in 12 years.

• Rains crossed much of the southern Plains and eastern Midwest over the last week, bringing welcome moisture but also slowing field work in some areas.

• CBOT July corn CN25 closed down 14-3/4 cents at $4.54-1/4 per bushel.