December corn opened 12 3/4 cents higher on the day at 607 3/4 and established an early range of 607 3/4 to 625. Corn opened higher and rallied sharply into early mid session on large-scale buying by locals, commission houses and funds. Traders said that the influx of buy orders was triggered by a sharp break in the dollar and a sharp rally in crude oil going into the open. They added that some support also came on weather concerns, but floor traders noted that the amount of rain in forecasts has been increased for most growing areas with the exception of Ohio which is expecting light to moderate rains. These rains are expected today through Monday. The USDA issued its weekly Export Sales Report this morning. Net sales came in at 196,600 tonnes for the current marketing year and 494,900 for next year for a total of 691,500. Cumulative corn sales for the 2007/2008 (current) marketing year have reached 100.7% of the USDA forecast versus a 5 year average of 97.1%. Japan was the biggest buyer at 149,500 tonnes for the current marketing year. Traders report that South Korea, Mexico and Japan may be in the market for corn. Basis levels at the Gulf were steady this morning with supplies said to be tight on light farmers selling and a delayed harvest of corn in the Delta.