Corn Leads Weekly Export Sales; Cotton Shipments Jump

Strong corn demand and cotton shipments support export outlook.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. corn export demand strengthened in the latest reporting week, supporting market momentum as global buyers remained active across major destinations, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service weekly report.

Corn led the update with net sales of 79.6 million bushels for the 2025–2026 marketing year, sharply above the previous week and well above the recent average. Top buyers included South Korea, Colombia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Spain, while shipments totaled 66.7 million bushels, led by Mexico and South Korea.

Soybean sales reached 14.1 million bushels, down slightly from the prior week, while shipments remained strong at 41.1 million bushels, led by China, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Egypt. Wheat sales totaled 7.5 million bushels, falling from the previous week, with Mexico, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines among key buyers.

Cotton export activity was mixed. Upland sales totaled 150,400 bales, down from the prior week, while shipments climbed to a marketing-year high of 282,200 bales, led by Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey, China, and Indonesia.

Livestock trade remained steady, with beef sales totaling 11,200 metric tons and pork sales at 36,100 metric tons, led primarily by Asian and North American buyers.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong corn demand and cotton shipments support export outlook.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Bill C-39 includes potential labor code changes and an extension of expanded railway interswitching.
U.S. cotton prices and demand are showing signs of improvement, but slow marketing remains a concern as the new crop approaches.
The trials give farmers a look at how soybean varieties perform across the state.
Soybean nematode damage can mimic other field problems. Fall soil sampling can help growers identify pressure and plan management for next season.

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:

Refining margins accounted for most of diesel’s price increase since February.
The bill authorizes projects affecting inland navigation, ports and other water infrastructure.
Only 6% of surveyed farmers cited AI as a trusted decision source, compared with 56% for technical agronomists.
Strong export demand is expected to keep grain moving by rail despite a smaller corn crop.
The Agricultural Act of 2026 heads toward Senate floor consideration after advancing from committee.
Cattle placements fell 9% in August, while New Mexico joined USDA’s meat inspection program, potentially expanding processing options for livestock producers.