WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Export inspections showed a sharp split to end October — supportive for corn, softer for soy. USDA reported 65.7 million bushels of corn inspected for export in the week ended Oct. 30, while soybeans slipped to 35.5 million bushels. Wheat posted 12.9 million bushels and sorghum 2.7 million. For farmers, that mix points to firmer corn basis near river and rail loadouts, while soybean cash strength may hinge more on local crush and quick-ship export slots over the next couple of weeks.
Corn inspections rose 34 percent week over week and 109 percent from the same week last year; soybeans fell 17 percent on the week and 58 percent year over year. By destination, soybeans were heavy to Egypt and Italy out of the Gulf and to Japan and Vietnam via the Pacific Northwest; corn moved broadly with strong Gulf loadings.
Regional soy flows underscore the river’s role: Gulf ports handled ~23.1 million bushels this week, with the PNW near 5.1 million, Interior 7.0 million, and North Texas 4.4 million. Year to date, corn inspections are up 64 percent versus last year, wheat is up 20 percent, while soybeans are down 40 percent.
At the farm gate, expect relatively better corn bids where barge and unit-train capacity is available. At the same time, soybean basis may remain choppy as exporters juggle vessel lineups and interior crush runs at full capacity. Watch Gulf drafts, PNW lineups, and daily sales wires — any confirmation of fresh China demand could quickly tighten nearby soybean basis.
Farm-Level Takeaway: A strong corn export pull is supportive of bids; soybeans need steady vessel programs or fresh sales to firm cash.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
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.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
·
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
January 21, 2026 11:50 AM
·
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
·
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
January 18, 2026 12:00 PM
·
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
January 18, 2026 07:00 AM
·
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey speaks with Texas’s Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez about USMCA renegotiation and its impact on U.S.–Mexico agriculture trade.
January 17, 2026 05:00 PM
·
