March Soybean Crush Climbs As Oil Output Rises

March crush data showed stronger soybean and canola processing, but softer animal fat production.

Bottles of oil on counter in shop, Pattern of vegetable oil bottles at factory warehouse store or supermarket_photo by sirirat via AdobeStock_821696498.jpg

Photo by sirirat via Adobe Stock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. soybean crush increased in March as processors turned more beans into crude and refined oil. USDA said soybean crush reached 227 million bushels, up from 214 million in February and 207 million a year earlier.

That pushed oil production higher as well. Crude soybean oil output reached 2.64 billion pounds in March, up 6 percent from February and 7 percent from March 2025. Once refined soybean oil production totaled 2.00 billion pounds, up 14 percent from the previous month.

Canola processing has also strengthened. Canola crush reached 225,183 tons in March, above both February and a year earlier. Crude canola oil production rose 18 percent from February, while once refined, canola oil output increased 24 percent month to month.

Not every fat and oil category moved higher. Cottonseed refined oil fell 6 percent from February and 28 percent from a year earlier. Edible, inedible, and technical tallow production also declined sharply from the previous month.

The monthly report points to stronger oilseed processing in soybeans and canola, while animal fat output remained weaker.

Farm-Level Takeaway: March crush data showed stronger soybean and canola processing, but softer animal fat production.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist

Related Stories
Lower inventories and cautious farrowing plans suggest tighter hog supplies into 2026, keeping producer margins sensitive to demand trends and health risks.
U.S. soybean farmers are growing increasingly frustrated by Argentina’s gains in Chinese grain contracts and Trump’s pledge of economic support for the South American ally.
Midwest corn and soy producers are monitoring for disease and lower yields due to the ongoing drought over the last 30 days.
A new study by the National Grains and Feeds Association found that their industry generates $401.7 billion in economic output and supports over 1.16 million jobs nationwide.
Argentina hopes to boost demand, but critics see the move as a blow to American farmers.
Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.

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:

Farmers will need to closely monitor forecasts if the regulatory changes are implemented, as temperature cutoffs will replace fixed spray dates.
With China’s pullback, U.S. sorghum producers must broaden their export markets. Building connections now could help stabilize prices and demand for the upcoming larger crop.
Higher domestic rail tariffs and mixed capacity shifts will influence grain movement this harvest. Strong corn exports provide momentum, but logistics costs remain a critical factor.
Despite global improvement, food insecurity remains deeply concentrated in vulnerable regions.
The Final Grain Stocks Report may be the last key figures we see if a government shutdown halts future updates.
Livestock and government payments provide a boost, but crop receipts and rising expenses keep pressure on margins. Strong financial planning remains key in a volatile environment.