The release of unexpectedly high forecasts for US production of soybeans and maize in early September added to the bearish tone in both markets and resulted in steep price declines, especially for maize. Wheat markets were also under downward pressure, although a combination of robust buying activity, reduced export availabilities of high quality wheat, and poorer crop prospects in Australia lent some support towards the end of the month. Meanwhile, currency movements and a lacklustre pace of sales kept rice quotations under downward pressure ahead of harvests in Asia, where crop prospects have improved further.