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
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.
Farmers face tighter barge capacity and higher freight costs during peak harvest.
Bigger-than-expected corn and wheat stocks are bearish for prices, while soybean figures were neutral. Farmers may face additional price pressure as harvest accelerates.
“MAKE SOYBEANS, AND OTHER ROW CROPS, GREAT AGAIN!”

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:

For tight margins, contract grazing leverages existing acres into new income streams and spreads risk. Here are some tips for row crop farmers looking to diversify.
Global nitrogen and phosphate prices remain high despite improved supply fundamentals, with limited Chinese exports and stronger fall applications tightening availability.
Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.
The Court may limit emergency tariff powers, complicating a key bargaining tool; ag could see shifts in input costs and export dynamics as China, Brazil, and India talks evolve.
U.S. sugar producers and processors should brace for price pressure and challenging export logistics with global sugar supply ramping up — driven by Brazil, India, and Thailand — especially at the raw processing level.
The Farm Bureau urges trade enforcement, biofuel growth, fair input pricing, and pro-farmer policy reforms to restore long-term certainty.