Corn Inspections Jump; Soy Slows as Gulf Leads

A strong corn export pull is supportive of bids; soybeans need steady vessel programs or fresh sales to firm cash.

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
Related Stories
Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.
Set targets and use forwards, futures, or options to manage downside while preserving room for rallies.
Bangladesh’s buying surge offers temporary relief for U.S. farmers facing weaker Chinese demand, highlighting how global politics can reshape export outlets overnight.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Bernt Nelson provides an updated outlook on the current U.S. cattle market.
Sen. Roger Marshall explains which types of beef are imported into the United States, how there’s room for new imports, and logical reasons for current high prices.
Record Australian exports and rising U.S. imports reflect continued tight domestic cattle supplies — a reminder that herd recovery remains key to balancing future beef prices.
Australia’s expanding harvest and global oversupply are keeping wheat and barley prices capped, though canola markets may hold firmer on shifting oilseed demand.
Bioethanol continues to gain ground as the bridge fuel connecting agriculture, aviation, and maritime industries in the global shift toward lower-carbon energy.

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:

The ACRE Act modestly reduces farmland borrowing costs now, with more savings possible once federal guidance clarifies which loans qualify.
ARC-CO delivers the bulk of 2024 support, offering key margin relief as producers manage tight operating conditions.
Higher menu prices and tax-free tips are reshaping restaurant economics, sharply lifting server take-home pay even as diners face higher out-the-door costs.
USDA’s steady yields and heavy global stocks keep grains range-bound unless demand firms or South American weather becomes a real threat.
As economic pressures continue to squeeze agriculture, ag lenders are signaling a more cautious outlook for farm profitability heading into next year, particularly among grain producers facing lower commodity prices and higher operating costs.
China’s cost advantage with Brazilian soybeans and vague public messaging leave U.S. export prospects uncertain heading into winter.