Global Feed Grain Supplies Rise On Stronger Corn

Strong exports continue to support corn despite larger supplies.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Global feed grain supplies are increasing in 2025/26, driven mainly by larger corn production overseas, while strong export demand continues to support the U.S. outlook.

USDA’s March Feed Outlook shows foreign coarse grain production rising slightly this month, led by bigger corn crops in Ukraine and Brazil. Those gains more than offset reductions in Argentina, while Australia’s barley crop also moved higher. Global ending stocks increased as production gains outpaced only modest growth in domestic use.

For U.S. producers, the domestic corn balance sheet was unchanged, but export demand remains a major support. Corn export commitments are running at a record pace for this point in the marketing year, and export inspections remain well ahead of last year. Ethanol demand is also helping hold corn use steady, even as domestic fuel consumption stays mostly flat.

In sorghum, ethanol use continues to strengthen, supporting food, seed, and industrial demand, while barley and oats saw lower import expectations tighten supplies modestly.

Looking ahead, global competition from Brazil, Ukraine, Australia, and India will remain a key factor in feed grain pricing and export opportunities.

Related Stories
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.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.

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:

Farm numbers still favor small operations, but production, resilience, and risk management are increasingly concentrated among fewer, larger farms.
China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.
Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
Agriculture remains a key drag on regional growth amid weak prices and policy uncertainty.
Tight cattle supplies favor poultry and pork while keeping beef margins under pressure.
Mike Spier, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, discusses the new U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement and its potential benefits for U.S. wheat growers.