Export Inspection Data Still Flowing Despite Government Shutdown

Export Inspections In Bushels Show Mixed Momentum Patterns

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — USDA export inspections, a report that continues during the Federal government shutdown, offer an early read on demand moving downriver and to port. This week showed firmer soybeans but softer corn, wheat, and sorghum versus the prior week, with year-to-date strength in corn and wheat offset by lagging soybeans and sorghum. These flows can influence basis, barge demand, and spreads as harvest advances.

Week ended Oct. 9: corn 44.5M bu (prior 67.0M; year-ago 20.2M), soybeans 36.5M (28.8M; 70.1M), wheat 16.3M (20.1M; 14.0M), sorghum 0.82M (1.31M; 3.17M). Major lanes included Gulf corn to Mexico/East Asia, Mississippi/East Gulf soybeans to Spain, Bangladesh, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and Mexico, and Pacific Northwest wheat (HRS/SWW) to Asia, with HRW moving via the Gulf.

Marketing year to date: corn 312.6M bu (+65% yr/yr), soybeans 148.5M (-26%), wheat 391.9M (+18%), sorghum 4.8M (-71%). The mix points to comparatively stronger pull for corn and PNW wheat, while soybean momentum will depend on sustained Gulf and interior rail flows and early-season vessel lineups.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Expect comparatively firmer corn and PNW wheat basis; soybean basis hinges on continued Gulf loadings, while sorghum remains light.
Related Stories
Agricultural exports continue to be a key contributor to rural employment. However, rural businesses still struggle to fill numerous job openings.
Consumer demand for regional food systems is strong, but the challenge lies in scaling production and infrastructure to meet that growing need.
Dave Kestel, a farmer from Will County and member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, joins us to share a boots-on-the-ground update on the 2025 corn harvest.
American Coalition for Ethanol’s Ron Lamberty shares the significance of California’s approval, opening up the country’s largest gasoline market to a cleaner-burning, often lower-cost fuel option.
University of Illinois Ag Economist Gary Schnitker says early projections indicate soybeans will be more profitable than corn in 2026.
Approximately 42,000 birds were affected in the outbreak, officials said.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
Reliable waterways lower costs, protect export demand, and support long-term farm profitability.
STRAUSS CEO Henning Strauss joined us with a preview of “Meet Strauss: The Tool You Wear,” premiering live tonight at 7:30 ET — only on RFD Network and RFD+
FarmHER Chris Nellis and her daughters navigate loss while carrying on a 300-year farm legacy, milking cows in upstate New York.
Justin Wheeler with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined us with insight into current farmland values and what to watch in the year ahead.
Tennessee 4-H members Jayden Hesson and Matthew Rochford joined us to discuss how 4-H is helping young leaders plan for the future of agriculture.