Grains close lower in Chicago

Grain futures dropped on the Chicago Board of Trade Friday as the dollar rose 0.66 percent on the International Exchange. Corn was off 9 1/4 to off 11 1/2, soybeans were off 21 3/4 to off 33 1/4, wheat was off 2 1/4 to off 4 3/4 and oats were off 8 3/4 to off 13 1/4. Corn prices closed close to a one-month low with the dollar putting pressure on commodities priced in U.S. dollars. Wheat trading was choppy through the week and ended on a low note, although some support was provided by dry conditions across the Plains states. Prices in the soybean market shifted lower with rain expected to alleviate some of the dry conditions in Brazil. The prices: Corn: Dec 7.51 off 11 1/2, Mar 7.53 1/2 off 11, May 7.49 1/2 off 10, Jly 7.40 off 9 1/4. Soybeans: Nov 15.27 off 31 1/2, Jan 15.26 3/4 off 33 1/4, Mar 15.03 3/4 off 29 3/4, May 14.71 1/4 off 21 3/4. Wheat: Dec 8.64 1/2 off 4, Mar 8.78 1/2 off 4 3/4, May 8.85 1/2 off 4 3/4, Jly 8.75 off 2 1/4. Oats: 3.67 off 13 1/4, Mar 3.75 3/4 off 13 1/4, May 3.76 1/2 off 11 1/4, Jly 3.74 3/4 off 8 3/4.