CHICAGO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural futures fell across the board on Thursday, led by wheat.

       The most active corn contract for May delivery fell 9.5 cents, or 1.25 percent, to settle at 7.4825 U.S. dollars per bushel. May wheat plunged 20 cents, or 1.81 percent, to settle at 10.8575 dollars per bushel. May soybean lost 18 cents, or 1.05 percent, to settle at 17.0075 dollars per bushel.

       Agricultural futures were lower on profit taking. Chicago-based research company AgResource looks for choppiness into next Thursday, when U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release its stocks and seeding report.

       USDA weekly export sales for the week ending March 17 were 5.7 million bushels of wheat, 38.9 million bushels of corn and 15.1 million bushels of soybeans. The sales are down from prior weeks. China is active in securing U.S. soybeans, but South America is far cheaper in corn beyond late June.

       Central U.S. weather will grow important in the weeks ahead. Initial USDA wheat crop condition ratings will be released on April 4. 2022-2023 U.S. corn, soybean and wheat balance sheets have no room for weather/yield error.

       U.S. rail logistics are mess and car costs are near record high at 2,600-3,000 dollars.

       Rumors abound that Brazil is selling Spain corn upwards of 400,000 metric tons for April/May. The U.S. corn export window is relegated to April-May and June.

       The Central Plains, Midwest and Delta will be open to wet and cool air with a regular flow of moderate to heavy showers projected into April 3. The next chance of widespread and meaningful precipitation will occur next Wednesday-Friday.