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
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
January 29, 2026 12:44 PM
·
Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
January 29, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
January 28, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
January 27, 2026 03:08 PM
·
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
January 27, 2026 12:19 PM
·
Rail continues to carry a larger share of the grain load, increasing sensitivity to rail capacity, labor, and pricing conditions.
January 27, 2026 11:55 AM
·
