1.   Research to produce shorter plants and to mechanise harvesting - the most labour intensive of the planting operations - has not made much headway.

2.   Grain and soy futures were up sharply Monday on the Chicago futures market with corn leading the rally after heavy rains in the Midwest that pushed back planting operations.

3.   Grains and soy products declined on the Chicago commodities exchange Wednesday after planting operations resumed and indications that winter wheat yields would be better than expected.

4.   Corn and soy products closed mixed as traders were torn between the negative effects of the rains on planting operations and the benefits to the already planted seeds.

5.   Corn planting operations, and to a slight extent soybeans, were interrupted by spring rains.

6.   Corn and soy product prices were down on improved weather conditions that have allowed planting operations to resume.

7.   The rains, which are expected to continue for several days, have hampered planting operations.

8.   The improved weather outlook was expected to result in an acceleration in planting operations, held back in recent days by the rains.