Corn Leads Export Inspections, Wheat and Soybeans Lag

Corn and wheat inspections outpaced last year, but soybean movement remains seasonally active yet behind, keeping basis and freight dynamics in focus by corridor.

shipping containers import export tariffs_Photo by Ralf Gosch via AdobeStock_91592445.png

Photo by Ralf Gosch via Photo by Ralf Gosch via AdobeStock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV)Export movement from the United States this week tilted bullish for corn and wheat, while soybeans trailed last year’s pace.

For the week ended October 16, inspections totaled 1.32 million tons for corn (up from 1.21 million last week and above 1.00 million a year ago) and 480,614 tons for wheat (447,531 last week; 270,571 a year ago). Soybeans cleared 1.47 million tons, rebounding week over week but well below 2.55 million a year earlier. Sorghum remained light at 2,195 tons.

Marketing-year-to-date corn inspections reached 9.34 million tons (vs. 5.81 million last year), soybeans 5.54 million (vs. 8.01 million), and wheat 11.19 million (vs. 9.30 million).

The Gulf led volumes, notably Mississippi River loadings, with added strength from North Texas. Pacific Northwest shipments featured soft white wheat and soybeans, while interior rail/river moves supported sizable soybean loadings to Mexico and Taiwan. Soybean destinations skewed toward Bangladesh, Egypt, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, Spain, and Vietnam. Wheat classes were led by soft white through the Columbia River, alongside hard red winter wheat from Texas and the Gulf.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn and wheat inspections outpaced last year, but soybean movement remains seasonally active yet behind, keeping basis and freight dynamics in focus by corridor.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Related Stories
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
Large Brazilian crops heighten downside price risk if the weather allows production to reach projected levels.
Ethanol and corn groups are not hiding their disappointment over new reports that the bill to allow year-round E15 sales failed as Congress forges ahead on government funding, with another shutdown looming.
While row crops are expected to see softer impacts, analysts say severe weather of this magnitude will not be as kind to cattle producers.
Oil-led rallies can move soybean prices quickly, but sustained gains will require continued strength in soybean oil and broader biofuel demand signals.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.

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:

A mid-January winter storm delivered snow, ice, and extreme cold to a broad swath of the U.S., disrupting transportation, stressing livestock systems, and adding cost and complexity to winter farm operations as producers look toward spring.
Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
Strong production and rising stocks may pressure ethanol margins unless demand or exports continue to improve.
Rising import pressure and tougher export competition are likely to persist into 2026, supporting domestic supplies while capping export growth.
Without additional support, many soybean operations will continue to face financial stress as they prepare for the 2026 crop.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.