Corn and soybean prices pushed deeper into record territory before easing Friday as rain again soaked the Midwest and traders locked in profits ahead of a planting report next week, according to AP. The early gains followed a sharp run-up in commodities prices over the previous two days, and came as oil prices touched a new high near $143 a barrel. Strong downpours continued to hammer key growing regions in a number of Midwestern states, including Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. In Missouri, an earthen levee along the Mississippi River broke, prompting fears of flash floods in the eastern town of Winfield and the surrounding rural area. Investors are eagerly awaiting a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday that will show how many acres of each type of crop have been planted.
