Corn Export Inspections Surge as Soybean Pace Slows

U.S. export inspections turned in another strong corn week.

corn crop aerial_adobe stock.png

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. export inspections turned in another strong corn week, while soybean movement eased and wheat improved modestly. USDA said total grain inspected for export during the week ending April 30 reached the equivalent of about 120.3 million bushels across major commodities, up from the previous week and above the same week last year.

Corn led the report. Inspections reached about 79.8 million bushels, up from 65.2 million the week before and above 63.7 million a year earlier. Marketing-year corn inspections now stand at about 2.18 billion bushels, well ahead of roughly 1.67 billion at this point last year.

Soybeans moved lower. Weekly soybean inspections totaled about 16.5 million bushels, down from 23.5 million the previous week, though still above 12.3 million a year ago. China remained the top soybean destination, followed by Mexico, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.

Wheat inspections rose to about 15.9 million bushels from 13.6 million the prior week and edged above the same week last year. Marketing-year wheat inspections reached about 819.1 million bushels, up from roughly 731.8 million a year earlier.

Sorghum inspections stayed solid at about 5.6 million bushels, with nearly all of that volume moving to China. The latest report showed export demand still leaning heavily toward corn, while soybean movement lost some momentum week to week.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn export movement remains the strongest piece of the grain export picture, while the soybean pace has softened from the prior week.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Paula pays tribute to Savannah’s rich Irish history by making a traditional Shepherd’s Pie with a twist! She mixes ground beef and lamb in this ultra decadent dish.
Today, the Breugmans grow wheat, canola, and hay and raise cattle in their century-old ranching operation in Grangeville, Idaho.

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:

Southern farms are deepening online engagement for cost savings and market access, while higher-cost precision technologies face renewed scrutiny amid tight budgets.
Global trade teams and summit discussions highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. corn and ethanol exports as nations explore renewable fuel options and reduced-carbon energy pathways.
Slightly higher output amid softer gasoline pull points to steady corn grind — watch regional stocks and export pace for basis clues.
Expect firm calf and fed-cattle prices — pair selective heifer retention with prudent hedging and liquidity to bridge rebuilding costs.
Using FEMA and USDA data, Trace One researchers estimate average annual U.S. agricultural losses of $3.48 billion, with drought accounting for more than half.
The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.