Global Oilseed Production Forecast to Reach Record Levels in 2026/27

USDA says growing soybean output and expanding biofuel demand are helping drive the increase.

Soybean plants growing in a field backlit by the sun

bobex73 - stock.adobe.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD News) — Global oilseed production is projected to reach a record level during the 2026/27 marketing year as soybean, sunflowerseed, rapeseed and peanut production all increase.

USDA’s Economic Research Service forecasts total global oilseed production at 718.1 million metric tons, up nearly 20 million metric tons from the previous year.

Soybeans are expected to account for most of the increase, with global production projected at a record 441.5 million metric tons.

Economic Research Service (ERS) says larger soybean crops are expected in Brazil, the United States, Argentina and several other major producing countries.

At the same time, global oilseed crush is forecast at 549.8 million metric tons, driven by rising demand for livestock feed, aquaculture production and vegetable oils used in both food and industrial products.

USDA says biofuels continue playing a major role in demand growth, particularly in countries like Indonesia, Brazil and the United States.

Soybean oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil and sunflowerseed oil all remain key components of the global outlook.

Brazil’s soybean crop is projected to reach a record 186 million metric tons, with the country expected to account for 62 percent of global soybean exports.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Record oilseed production may expand supply, but crush and biofuel demand remain major supports for soybean and vegetable oil markets.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Rising Chinese feed output — especially for swine — signals sustained demand for protein meals and feed inputs, even when meat production growth appears modest.
Ethanol output is improving, but weak domestic demand and export headwinds temper optimism about corn demand. Renewable Fuels Association President & CEO Geoff Cooper discusses the latest developments on Federal approval of year-round E15.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller joins us to discuss the cattle herd rebuild, trade concerns, and how ranchers would define “America First” policy priorities.
In the U.S. and Canada, reduced planted acres—not yield losses—led to a decline in potato production, while Mexico saw modest gains due to increased yields and harvested areas.
Corn demand remains supportive, but weaker soybean buying limits overall export momentum.
China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.

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:

RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains how geopolitical developments in the Middle East can create energy-driven pressures that impact the supply chain and reshape demand for certain ag products.
Leadership continuity signals a steady focus on family farm advocacy.
India trade tensions may affect the U.S. export outlook.
USDA’s March WASDE report leaves U.S. corn, soybean and wheat ending stocks unchanged while adjusting global production estimates for South America.
Tariff revenues rarely flow directly back to farmers.
U.S. Agriculture Faces Mixed Weather, Market Pressures