Corn Inspections Lead Weekly USDA Export Movement Report

Corn exports remain the clear demand leader.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The latest grain inspections report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows strong corn movement continuing to drive U.S. export demand, while soybeans and wheat remain mixed week-to-week. Total inspections reached just over 3.12 million metric tons for the week ending April 9.

Corn inspections totaled roughly 70.2 million bushels, down from the previous week but still well above last year. Marketing year-to-date corn movement now exceeds 1.98 billion bushels, running significantly ahead of last year’s pace. Sorghum inspections also showed strength at about 8.0 million bushels, continuing a strong export trend, and almost all going to China.

Soybean inspections came in near 29.9 million bushels, slightly above the prior week but still trailing last year’s pace. Year-to-date soybean exports remain well below a year ago, reflecting slower global demand and continued pressure from Brazil. China remained a key buyer this week, along with Egypt and Mexico.

Wheat inspections totaled approximately 11.8 million bushels, down week-over-week but still ahead of last year’s cumulative pace at about 773 million bushels. Mexico, Japan, and Nigeria were among the primary destinations.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn exports remain the clear demand leader.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Related Stories
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.

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:

Fair market value shapes taxes, transitions, lending, and sales, making accurate valuation essential for long-term planning.
SDRP Stage 2 now helps producers recover shallow, uninsured losses from major 2023–2024 disasters, with streamlined sign-ups open through April 30.
Tyson’s capacity cuts weaken local basis, tighten kill space, and heighten dependence on imports, signaling more volatility for producers.
Low farmer shares reflect deep consolidation across the food chain, keeping producer returns thin even as retail food prices remain high.
Strong yields and higher cattle prices helped stabilize conditions, but weak crop prices and rising carryover debt remain major challenges for Eleventh District farmers.
Corn exports remain strong, while soybeans and wheat shift week to week on river conditions and global demand.