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
A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
Cuba remains a small but dependable, cash-only outlet for U.S. grain and food products.
Expanding cheese exports are strengthening U.S. milk demand and reinforcing global competitiveness.
Benchmark machinery costs against those of similar-sized, high-performing operations to inform equipment and investment decisions.
Record pace corn exports are helping stabilize prices despite softer global grain production and ongoing supply competition.

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:

Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
Strong production and rising stocks may pressure ethanol margins unless demand or exports continue to improve.
Rising import pressure and tougher export competition are likely to persist into 2026, supporting domestic supplies while capping export growth.
Without additional support, many soybean operations will continue to face financial stress as they prepare for the 2026 crop.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
Rural population growth and stabilizing economic indicators point to post-pandemic recovery, but uneven income, shifting industries, and regional divides remain key challenges for rural communities.