GRAINS-CBOT soybeans, corn fall on quick planting pace

By Renee Hickman

CHICAGO, May 28 (Reuters) - Chicago soybean futures dropped on Wednesday as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's data showed rapid planting progress, and demand was slow, according to analysts.

Meanwhile wheat firmed slightly after U.S. crop ratings came in below market expectations, though they were pressured by broadly favorable harvest prospects in the northern hemisphere and sluggish international demand, analysts said.

Corn futures fell, with planting progress for the crop also moving quickly and showers having recently limited stress on the Midwestern corn crop, according to forecaster Commodity Weather Group.

On the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) most active soybeans Sv1 lost 11-1/2 cents to $10.51 a bushel by 12:28 p.m. CST (1728 GMT).

CBOT wheat Wv1 gained 1-1/2 cents at $5.30 a bushel and corn Cv1 fell 8 cents to $4.51-1/2 per bushel.

The USDA's weekly crop progress report, released after the close of trading on Tuesday, showed 76% of U.S. soybeans planted as of Sunday vs 66% a week ago, and ahead of the five-year average of 68%. Those numbers fell behind trade expectations of 78% in a Reuters poll of analysts, however.

Meanwhile, the USDA said U.S. farmers had planted 87% of their intended corn acres by Sunday, up from 78% a week earlier and ahead of the five-year average of 85%.

"Demand has slowed considerably for both corn and soybeans, which is normal for this time of year as South American supplies dominate; leaving the early season planting progress and growing conditions as the primary driver of market direction," said Brian Hoops, president of Midwest Market Solutions.

And in wheat, the USDA showed only 45% of U.S. spring wheat in good to excellent condition, below the lowest in a range of analyst expectations, which gave support to futures.

Corn and soybeans are also under pressure from expectations of a large crop in Brazil, with agribusiness consultancy Datagro this week increasing its forecasts for the country's 2024/2025 crops.