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
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
Rich Nelson, a commodity broker for Allendale Inc., joins us to break down what the U.S.-China trade agreement means for the ag economy.
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
Global agriculture is stabilizing after years of price swings, with flat to modestly rising returns expected as productivity offsets slower demand growth.
Prepare for softer milk checks into winter, watch cull-cow values and timing, and stress-test cash flow as product prices recalibrate.
Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.

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:

Tight feeder supplies and lower placements indicate continued support for the cattle market, with regional impacts heightened in Texas by reduced feeder imports.
Weather-driven transportation disruptions can tighten logistics, affect basis levels, and delay grain movement during winter months.
Lower milk prices may pressure margins, but strong cattle values could soften near-term financial impacts.
Record ethanol production, coupled with stronger demand, supports corn use despite tighter margins elsewhere.
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.