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
China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.
February 12, 2026 10:46 AM
·
Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
February 12, 2026 10:00 AM
·
Agriculture remains a key drag on regional growth amid weak prices and policy uncertainty.
February 12, 2026 08:00 AM
·
While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
February 11, 2026 02:41 PM
·
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.
February 11, 2026 01:51 PM
·
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association discusses the EPA’s new decision on over-the-top Dicamba and what it means for growers this year.
February 11, 2026 01:32 PM
·
Mike Spier, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, discusses the new U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement and its potential benefits for U.S. wheat growers.
February 11, 2026 12:37 PM
·
Gretchen Kuck of the National Corn Growers Association joined us to discuss the Ag Coalition for USMCA’s report findings and expectations ahead of the upcoming USMCA review.
February 11, 2026 12:17 PM
·
Strong corn exports offer support, while soybeans and wheat remain weighed down by ample global supplies, according to the USDA’s latest WASDE report for February.
February 10, 2026 04:25 PM
·
