CHICAGO, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural futures fell across the board on Friday, led by soybean.

       The most active corn contract for July delivery fell 6.25 cents, or 0.79 percent, to settle at 7.89 U.S. dollars per bushel. July wheat lost 1.25 cents, or 0.12 percent, to settle at 10.7525 dollars per bushel. July soybean plunged 31.5 cents, or 1.83 percent, to settle at 16.88 dollars per bushel.

       Corn and soybeans had become overbought and subject to bouts of profit taking. The shift in the market's focus from old to new crop is ongoing, and the chance for another sizeable harvest at high April price levels causes corrections. Chicago-based research company AgResource holds that CBOT should bottom right before or after the May report of World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE).

       Russia appears intent on capturing East and South Ukraine, which could be problematic for Ukraine exports in longer term. AgResource stays bullish on sharp corrections.

       U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that Mexico and China were buyers of U.S. corn. China booked 1.35 million metric tons of U.S. corn. Mexico booked 281,000 metric tons. The combined sale of 1.631 million metric tons marks one of the biggest daily sales in months.

       The dry season appears to have started 2-3 weeks early across Northern and Central Brazil, causing Brazilian farmers' worry over winter corn yield potential.

       Rain and snow forecast is farther south and farther north of Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Weather forecast is cooler with North Dakota to endure several episodes of snow. The Plains hold in an arid trend with limited rainfall and a deepening drought. Cold air is indicated during the 11-15 day period which will slow germination rates. The forecast allows seeding across Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana.