Corn Inspections Strong As China Buys More Soybeans

Export inspections showed continued strength in corn movement, while China remained a key destination for soybeans.

WASHINGTON, DC (RFD NEWS) — Corn export inspections remained the strongest weekly grain signal for the week ending May 21. USDA inspected 62.3 million bushels of corn, up from 55.1 million the previous week and 55.9 million one year ago.

Corn marketing-year inspections reached 2.37 billion bushels, more than 518 million ahead of last year. Soybean weekly inspections totaled 21.0 million bushels, nearly unchanged from the previous week but well above last year’s 7.3 million.

China was listed for about 5.0 million bushels of soybeans moving through Puget Sound and the Mississippi River. China also received nearly all of the inspected sorghum, but total sorghum volume collapsed to about 122,000 bushels from 5.6 million bushels the previous week.

Wheat inspections improved to 13.5 million bushels from 8.7 million, but trailed last year’s 20.7 million. Near the end of the wheat marketing year, inspections totaled 862.7 million bushels, up from 783.1 million one year earlier.

Corn remains the leading shipment story, while China activity supports soybean and sorghum movement despite lighter marketing-year soybean inspections.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn inspections remain strong, while China continues providing important demand for soybeans and limited sorghum movement.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs joins us to discuss planting progress, weather conditions, and how geopolitical tensions are clouding his growing season outlook as input concerns continue to escalate.
Officials say no additional spread has been detected as containment and monitoring efforts move forward.
This case could influence how much leverage grain shippers have when a preferred rail outlet is blocked or priced too high.
Global soybean competition is moving deeper into crush capacity, logistics, and value-added product control.
Industry leaders say overseas markets remain critical as USDA pushes for broader export opportunities.
CME Group’s Fred Seamon joins us to break down the drop in farmer sentiment, discuss the role of input costs and global factors, and share his outlook for the ag economy ahead.

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 inverted Choice-Select spread is not a strong warning sign in today’s tighter, higher-quality beef market, according to new analysis from Terrain.
Based on USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, pork exports increased by six percent in March compared to the previous year, while beef exports weakened overall.
Genevieve Collins from Americans for Prosperity discusses rising Texas property taxes, potential relief, and impacts on farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney joins us to discuss geopolitical trade tensions, energy market volatility, and what global shifts could mean for U.S. agriculture exports.
National Pork Producers Council President Rob Brenneman joins us to discuss Prop 12 provisions in the House’s Farm Bill as it heads to the Senate for debate.
U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Justin Tupper joins us to discuss the DOJ packer investigation, industry competition, and the outlook for cattle producers.