Corn Sales Hold Strong While Soybeans Hit Low

Weak soybean sales and soft wheat demand contrast with solid corn export strength.

SELECTS_FARMHER_ 20_03_30_USA_ALL_VARIOUS_0124.jpg

FarmHER, Inc.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Export demand showed mixed signals this week, with corn maintaining strong sales while soybeans posted a marketing-year low, raising concerns about near-term price support for producers.

Corn export sales reached 55.1 million bushels, up from the prior week and above the four-week average, with strong demand from Japan, South Korea, and Mexico. Export shipments totaled 61.3 million bushels, led by Mexico and key Asian buyers, reinforcing steady global demand for U.S. corn.

Soybeans, however, saw sales drop to just 9.1 million bushels — a marketing-year low — signaling weak forward demand. Despite that, exports were stronger at 30.1 million bushels, with China taking 12.7 million bushels, highlighting continued reliance on shipment flow rather than new buying.

Wheat sales came in at 3.7 million bushels, sharply lower week-over-week, while exports totaled 11.5 million bushels, reflecting softer demand trends. Cotton sales declined significantly, down 50% from the prior week, with ongoing demand centered in Vietnam, Turkey, and Pakistan.

In livestock, pork sales improved modestly with China purchasing 3,800 metric tons, while beef demand remained steady, led by South Korea and Japan.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Weak soybean sales and soft wheat demand contrast with solid corn export strength.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist

(Tags: Export Sales, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Cotton, Pork, Beef, China, USDA, Global Trade)

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:

Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
Firm live cow prices and shifting dairy-side culling suggest cull cow values may stay stronger than usual this winter despite weaker cow beef cutout trends.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities shares an update on post-WASDE grain movement, with corn leading export momentum, soybeans steady, and wheat and sorghum continuing to move selectively.
New SDRP funding and expanded loss programs give producers additional tools to rebuild cash flow and stabilize operations after two years of severe weather losses.
The new WOTUS proposal narrows federal jurisdiction, restores key agricultural exclusions, and gives farmers clearer permitting rules after years of regulatory uncertainty.
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.