Winter wheat futures are lower as mild, wet weather is forecast next week for the central and southern Plains. The winter wheat there was stressed by cold, dry conditions in December.

Corn and soybeans are lower after China said it will raise duties on imported U.S. distillers dried grains.

Traders also are awaiting the USDA report, which will be released about midday on Thursday.

Listen to the report using the audio link on this page.

Farm Futures Senior Editor Bob Burgdorfer comes to Penton Farm Progress with experience as a reporter covering grain markets and other global news with Reuters, Inc. A journalism graduate from Kansas State University, Bob has also worked at daily newspapers and Knight-Ridder as a commodity reporter, covering grains and livestock. He has earned five writing awards for his coverage of Mad Cow Disease, immigration issues and other international breaking news stories.

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