NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — U.S. grain inspections showed a solid uptick last week, led by stronger movement of corn and soybeans through Gulf and Pacific Northwest ports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported corn inspections at 80.8 million bushels (2.05 MMT) for the week ending November 13 — a sharp rise from the prior week and nearly double the same week last year. Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and Colombia accounted for the majority of shipments.
With the fall harvest in the rear-view for many farmers, attention now turns to grain storage and shipping. And with the release of Friday’s WASDE report for November, growers once again have updated data to navigate the market. Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report for an update on post-WASDE grain movement.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Williamson provided insights on the most recent WASDE report, which was the first released by the USDA in two months due to the government shutdown, and shared what he is keeping an eye on with crops now out of the ground. Williamson discussed ongoing trade developments with China, which have sparked cautious optimism in the sector as traders and growers await firm details of the agreement and its impact on markets.
Corn and Soybean Inspections Strengthen
Soybean inspections totaled 43.2 million bushels (1.18 MMT), a slight week-over-week gain, with the Mississippi River system carrying the bulk of volume despite lighter Pacific Northwest activity.
Wheat movement remained moderate at 9.06 million bushels (0.25 MMT), with hard red winter dominating sales and the Pacific Northwest handling most export loadings. Italy, Vietnam, and Mexico were the top buyers. Sorghum inspections reached 3.28 million bushels (0.08 MMT), supported by fresh demand from Spain and Mexico.
For farmers, the week’s data reinforces steady export demand heading into late fall, with corn firmly outpacing last year, soybeans stabilizing after an early-season slowdown, and wheat and sorghum showing buyer-specific spikes rather than broad strength.
