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
Stronger rail movement and lower fuel prices are easing logistics, even as export pace and river conditions remain uneven.
Small, locally focused wineries are finding resilience through direct sales and regional loyalty rather than scale alone.
Recent USDA export sales data show China has been active in the U.S. market, but analysts tell RFD-TV News that the timing is a key clue.
Tight feeder supplies and lower placements indicate continued support for the cattle market, with regional impacts heightened in Texas by reduced feeder imports.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer outlines the key difference between previous ECAP payments and the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.
Jeff Johnston with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange explains the growing role of Rural America in supporting the nation’s digital infrastructure.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Incremental trade clarity with India could support select U.S. ag exports, but major gains hinge on future market-access talks.
Twisted Skillet’s Cantina Peanuts are a crispy bar snack made with raw Spanish peanuts, fried up with garlic, chile de árbol, and crunchy tortilla bits, creating a classic, savory Mexican “botana” or appetizer.
Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions provides remote water-monitoring technology to help ranchers manage livestock water more efficiently.
Jones Hamilton Company shares insights on herd health, efficiency, and innovation for cattle producers this year at NCBA CattleCon in Nashville.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses current farmer sentiment, trade considerations, and the market factors shaping the outlook for the upcoming planting season.
Student volunteers at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo are teaching visitors about agriculture through the FFA Children’s Barnyard ahead of the Junior Sale of Champions.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.