Corn Export Inspections Ease While Sorghum Stays Strong

Weekly export movement stayed solid, with corn and sorghum continuing to show the strongest overall pace.

shipping containers import export tariffs_Photo by Ralf Gosch via AdobeStock_91592445.png

Photo by Ralf Gosch via Photo by Ralf Gosch via AdobeStock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The latest grain export inspections report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) showed a mixed week for grain movement, with corn, soybeans, and wheat all moving lower than the previous week, while sorghum remained sharply above year-ago levels. The report offers another snapshot of how demand is lining up late in the marketing year.

Corn inspections for the week ending April 23 reached about 64.7 million bushels. That was down from roughly 68.6 million the week before and just below the 65.6 million bushels inspected during the same week last year.

Soybean inspections totaled about 23.1 million bushels, down from 27.8 million the previous week but still well above 16.9 million a year earlier. Wheat inspections came in near 13.4 million bushels, down from 19.0 million the week before and below 23.9 million last year.

Sorghum inspections reached about 7.1 million bushels. That was lower than the prior week’s 8.0 million, but far above just 900,000 bushels during the same week last year.

Marketing-year movement remains supportive for some crops. Corn, sorghum, and wheat inspections are running well ahead of last year, while soybean totals continue to reflect lighter trade with China.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Weekly export movement stayed solid, with corn and sorghum continuing to show the strongest overall pace.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
Large Brazilian crops heighten downside price risk if the weather allows production to reach projected levels.
Ethanol and corn groups are not hiding their disappointment over new reports that the bill to allow year-round E15 sales failed as Congress forges ahead on government funding, with another shutdown looming.
While row crops are expected to see softer impacts, analysts say severe weather of this magnitude will not be as kind to cattle producers.
Oil-led rallies can move soybean prices quickly, but sustained gains will require continued strength in soybean oil and broader biofuel demand signals.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.

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:

Broader export demand helps stabilize prices and supports stronger marketing opportunities over time.
A narrower Section 1071 rule could reduce regulatory pressure on ag lenders while keeping credit available in rural communities.
Rising production underscores the importance of marketing discipline and margin protection as milk supplies expand.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
Higher yields are cushioning lower acreage, but reduced production could support firmer potato prices into 2026.