Corn and Soybean Processing Strengthens Domestic Crop Demand

Corn ethanol demand and stronger oilseed processing continue supporting domestic markets for crop producers.

Corn-Soybeans_AlfRibeiro-AdobeStock_335629402_1920x1080.jpg

AlfRibeiro – stock.adobe.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Domestic processing demand for corn, soybeans, and canola remained above year-earlier levels in April, supporting farm markets tied to biofuels, feed, and vegetable oils. USDA’s June 1 processing reports show the gains continued despite lower activity than in March.

Soybean crush totaled 218 million bushels, down from 232 million in March but up 16 million bushels from April 2025. Crude soybean oil production reached 2.53 billion pounds, 5 percent higher than last year.

Corn used for fuel alcohol reached 428 million bushels, down 10 percent from March but 1 percent above last year. Total corn used for alcohol and other purposes totaled 478 million bushels, with 92.1 percent directed to alcohol production.

Canola processing also strengthened from a year earlier. April canola crush rose 26 percent, while crude canola oil production increased 33 percent and refined oil output rose 30 percent.

April contained one fewer day than March, helping explain some monthly declines. Year-over-year processing gains show that domestic demand continues to provide outlets for row crops and oilseeds.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn ethanol demand and stronger oilseed processing continue supporting domestic markets for crop producers.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Weak soybean sales and soft wheat demand contrast with solid corn export strength.
Rising corn and soybean prices may lower expected payments for producers
Trade disputes can quickly reduce demand for key crops.
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens explains how rising input costs and economic uncertainty are impacting the farmland market and what landowners should watch moving forward.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

CoBank Lead Energy Economist Teri Viswanath discusses their analysis of rising energy costs, rural impacts, and the outlook for fuel prices amid ongoing global uncertainty.
Risk management and diversification improve survival odds. Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust discusses barriers to farmland access and efforts to connect the next generation of producers with retiring farmers.
Higher fuel costs are raising grain shipping expenses. RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses how energy market disruptions are impacting farmers in new ways as the War in Iran continues.
Variety meat demand is helping offset weaker beef exports.
Corn exports remain the clear demand leader.
Labor supply may shift, but uncertainty remains for producers.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.