CBOT soybeans slip as traders await USDA report

CHICAGO, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures eased on Tuesday as traders squared positions ahead of a monthly U.S. Department of Agriculture supply and demand report that is expected to show a slight drop in U.S. yields but a still-large soybean crop.

• The USDA is expected to trim its U.S. soybean yield forecast in its monthly report on Friday to 53.3 bushels per acre, down from 53.6 bpa a month earlier, according to a Reuters analyst poll. Analysts expect the USDA to forecast a 4.271-billion-bushel crop, which would be among the largest-ever U.S. harvests.

• U.S. soybean crop conditions declined for a second straight week, although conditions remained above average for this time of year, according to a weekly USDA report on Monday.

• The absence of China, the world's biggest soy importer, from the U.S. market continued to hang over futures prices. Some analysts expect the USDA to cut its U.S. soybean export outlook in its monthly report on Friday.

• CBOT November soybeans SX25 fell 2-1/2 cents to finish at $10.31-1/4 a bushel. The contract held chart support at its 100-day moving average, a key technical level.

• CBOT December soymeal SMZ25 settled $3.40 higher at $289.00 per short ton.

• CBOT December soyoil BOZ25 ended 0.99 cent lower at 50.48 cents per pound.