CBOT corn falls on good growing conditions in US Corn Belt

CHICAGO, May 16 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade corn futures sank on Friday on ideal growing and planting conditions in the U.S. Midwest, traders said.

• Rains in the Midwest are set to expand from Sunday through Wednesday to recharge moisture supplies and aid crop growth, according to Commodity Weather Group.

• The rains were preceded by dry weather, which allowed farmers to quickly seed their corn crop.

• However, brisk export demand has kept a bottom on corn futures.

• CBOT July corn CN25 closed 5 cents lower at $4.43-1/2 per bushel. December corn CZ25, which represents the crop that farmers will harvest this autumn, slipped 3-1/4 cents to end at $4.35-1/2 per bushel.