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
The agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
Lower tariff rates and new rail-service proposals may improve corn movement efficiency during early-season marketing.
Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
Early Cattle-on-Feed estimates point to slightly tighter cattle supplies, reinforcing the need to monitor prices and timing for winter marketing.
Heavy rains are wreaking havoc on Argentina’s farmland, leaving nearly 4 million acres at risk and delaying corn and soybean plantings in one of the world’s top grain export regions.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the recent Fifth Circuit Court decision overturning a prior Tax Court decision on self-employment tax for limited partners, the ruling’s impact on farmers, and potential next steps in Congress.
Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.
Pennsylvania Farm Show scholarship recipient Elizabeth Dice discusses her award, her background in farming, and her path forward in the agriculture industry.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska joined us with the latest on efforts to secure year-round E15 sales.
Nearly everyone in the South Texas ag community appears extremely worried about the potential of a New World screwworm epidemic, according to a local veterinarian. RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports.
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.