Grain Inspections Show Solid Export Demand for Corn and Soybeans

Corn and soybean shipments continue to move at a steady pace as spring trade flows develop.

trade_adobe stock.png

Adobe Stock

WASHINGTON, DC (RFD NEWS) — U.S. grain inspections improved this week, with corn and soybeans leading movement as export demand stayed active across major shipping channels.

Corn inspections reached 66.9 million bushels, up slightly from the previous week and well ahead of a year ago. Soybean inspections totaled 40.5 million bushels, also higher week to week, though still below last year’s pace. Wheat inspections improved to 16.8 million bushels, while sorghum reached 7.2 million bushels.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong exports continue supporting the grain demand outlook.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist

The stronger movement was supported by active shipping through the Gulf and Pacific Northwest. The Mississippi River system continued to handle the bulk of corn and soybean traffic, keeping export channels moving at a solid pace.

China remained a key part of the story with soybean shipments totaling roughly 24.3 million bushels for the week. China also accounted for a notable share of the sorghum movement, underscoring its ongoing role in feed-grain demand.

The latest inspection totals resulted in firmer corn demand, better wheat movement, and continued dependence on China for soybeans.

Related Stories
Vive’s Art Graves shared insights on the new Phobos FC 360 foliar fungicide, its advantages for Canadian growers, early performance results, and the company’s ongoing commitment to advanced crop protection solutions.
Energy shifts influence diesel and fertilizer costs.
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.

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:

RFD NEWS Markets Specialist Tony St. James reviews the USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2025 Summary.
Strong corn exports support prices while soybeans lag yearly pace. However, large carryover stocks limit upside despite solid yields.
Fuel costs ease over the long term, but fertilizer energy remains volatile.
Adequate transportation capacity exists, but fuel costs and soft river demand could widen basis risk.
Slightly higher sales amid shrinking acreage and inventories point to tighter supplies supporting catfish prices.
Winter Weather Shapes Markets and Early Fieldwork Nationwide
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.