Corn Exports Lead Weekly Grain Inspections Higher

Corn and sorghum exports remain strong; soybean demand lags.

corn crop aerial_adobe stock.png

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. grain export inspections were mixed for the week ending March 26, with corn shipments leading gains while soybean volumes declined sharply — signaling uneven export demand across major commodities.

USDA data shows corn inspections reached about 70.5 million bushels, up from the prior week and ahead of last year. Sorghum shipments totaled roughly 7.1 million bushels, continuing a strong pace compared to a year ago. Wheat inspections came in near 13.4 million bushels, showing a slowdown from the previous week and trailing last year’s pace.

Soybean inspections dropped to approximately 21.5 million bushels, down significantly week-over-week and below year-ago levels. The decline reflects ongoing pressure from global competition, particularly from Brazil, which continues to dominate shipments to China.

Year-to-date totals remain supportive for corn and sorghum exports, while soybeans continue to lag. Total grain inspections for the week reached about 114.9 million bushels across major commodities.

Export flows continue to reflect shifting global demand patterns, with corn and sorghum finding a stronger footing in international markets while soybeans face headwinds.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn and sorghum exports remain strong; soybean demand lags.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Related Stories
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney outlines the Trump Administration’s current trade priorities and what meaningful market expansion looks like for farmers.
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
A transition from traditional, technology-specific subsidies toward a performance-based, technology-neutral framework
Lower freight costs helped sustain export demand amid a challenging pricing environment.
Federal assistance has helped, but the most recent row-crop losses remain on producers’ balance sheets.
OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh discusses the EPA’s new Right to Repair guidance and other regulatory developments impacting the trucking and agriculture industries.

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:

Nick Westgerdes of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers breaks down farmland values, rental rates, and sales trends in Illinois, while previewing the upcoming land values conference for 2026.
Land equity protects solvency but does not replace profitability.
Reliable canal infrastructure supports long-term access to global agricultural markets.
Corn export pace remains the bright spot, but stable ethanol export demand remains a critical support for corn markets.
Rail consolidation could affect grain basis, freight rates, and service reliability across major producing regions.
For communities that depend on agriculture as their primary economic engine, the recession is not defined by headlines on Wall Street. It is defined by the quiet disappearance of the businesses that once processed, serviced, and supported the crop.