December corn opened 24 1/4 cents lower at 568 and established an early range of 562 3/4 to 573 3/4. The sharply lower open followed sharply lower overnight action. Traders credit the weakness to lower crude and a higher dollar as well as a continuing favorable crop weather outlook in most growing areas of the US. This comes against a backdrop of sliding commodity markets in general and a massive liquidation by funds in corn in particular. Floor traders say that locals were aggressive sellers this morning with funds also notable sellers. Corn firmed slightly into early mid session, erasing some of its early losses against wheat. Rain may pick up tomorrow through Friday with about 2/3rds coverage in the Midwest. The USDA announced a sale of 245,000 tonnes of corn to Japan for 2008/09 delivery. Basis levels in the interior were mostly steady to firm this morning with the Gulf also steady. However, traders at the Gulf indicate that the tone there is weak again amid poor export demand.