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
USMEF’s Jay Theiler discusses his leadership role in representing U.S. beef and pork and provides an update on this week’s conference in Indianapolis.
As economic pressures continue to squeeze agriculture, ag lenders are signaling a more cautious outlook for farm profitability heading into next year, particularly among grain producers facing lower commodity prices and higher operating costs.
USDA released the November WASDE Report on Friday, the first supply-and-demand estimate to drop since September, just before the 43-day government shutdown.
U.S. Trade officials announced new deals with El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina, as well as a steep reduction in tariffs on Swiss imports.
China’s cost advantage with Brazilian soybeans and vague public messaging leave U.S. export prospects uncertain heading into winter.
AFBF economist Faith Parum breaks down the potential impact of the proposed policy change to allow year-round sales of E15 biofuel.

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:

A new maritime biofuels coalition aims to position ocean shipping as a significant growth market for U.S. crops and waste-derived fuels.
Larger operations maintain cost advantages, while softer equipment sales suggest producers are pacing machinery upgrades amid tighter margins.
Transportation access, legal disputes, and fertilizer freight costs will directly influence input pricing and grain movement in 2026.
Corn and wheat exports remain supportive, but weaker soybean demand — especially from China — continues to pressure oilseed markets.
China’s pullback is hitting core U.S. commodities hard, reshaping export expectations for soybeans, cotton, grains, and livestock.
Slower grain movement may pressure basis, but falling diesel prices could help offset transportation costs.