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
Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.
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