71.   Heavy rains last weekend melted the snow and the frozen ground was unable to absorb the moisture.

72.   Heavy weekend rains in key growing regions of Argentina contributed to the decline, as did the slide in wheat prices.

73.   More rain was forecast this week, the National Weather Service said, adding to heavy weekend rain and rapidly melting snow.

74.   Midday forecasts called for as much as two inches of rain this weekend in southern Brazil, where bone-dry conditions have caused crop damage.

75.   News of weekend rain that is likely to soften soil for planting in key wheat-growing regions in the Plains states caused wheat futures to decline.

76.   On Monday night, water officials announced the temporary suspension of the water rationing for residents served by Lake La Plata because of the weekend rains.

77.   On Monday night, water officials announced the temporary suspension of water rationing for residents served by Lake La Plata because of the weekend rains.

78.   Pressure from forecasts for wetter, cooler weather in the Midwest was offset by talk that weekend rains were not enough to eliminate crop problems.

79.   Prices were initially pressured by unexpectedly strong weekend rains in Brazil that relieved parched crops there.

80.   Reports of weekend rain in Argentina limited the early gains.