A mixed start is forecast this am, roughly 3-4 lower wheat, 1-2 better corn and beans. The $ is a bit weaker, which should lend a little support to all the grains. If the $ continues to weaken, this would add additional support to the grains in what should be a very light volume trade ahead of the Christmas Day holiday tomorrow.

The grains close early today at noon US Central time and Jan options expire at this time also.

Weekly Export Sales were slow for wheat at just 221,000 tonnes, reflecting the fact US wheat prices still aren't competitive in the world market. Meal sales were in line at 254,000 tonnes, but the rest were all good - 1.592 million tonnes for corn, 1.195 million tonnes for beans and 47,000 tonnes for oil.

Widespread, welcome rain was seen in Argentine grain areas yesterday and overnight, up to 1.5" or more in some areas. More beneficial rain is forecast today in the north and east-central parts of the country. Scattered rain is then forecast every other day for the next several days, providing useful moisture for the crops. Brazil had up to 1" of scattered, unneeded rain in the southern grain areas the last 24 hours with more forecast today-Tuesday. The northern grain belt was mostly dry the last 24 hours and only light, isolated rain is forecast the next several days.

Scattered rain/snow was seen in the Midwest and southwest the last 24 hours. More is forecast today-Saturday in the western Midwest and southwest, through Sunday in the eastern Midwest.