Soybean Crush Demand Lifts Prices Across Soy Complex

Strong crush margins — now at multi-year highs — are encouraging processors to expand production.

Soybean plants growing in a field backlit by the sun

bobex73 - stock.adobe.com

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Strong domestic crush demand is driving higher soybean, soybean oil, and soymeal prices, according to analysis from the American Soybean Association and economist Jacquie Holland.

USDA’s latest WASDE report shifted 35 million bushels of soybean demand from exports into domestic crush, reflecting growing use tied to biofuels and livestock feed. That change helped support prices, with USDA raising the season-average soybean price to $10.30 per bushel.

Soybean oil is leading the rally. Increased demand tied to renewable diesel policy and tighter global energy supplies pushed soybean oil prices higher, with the USDA raising its price outlook 7 percent. Strong crush margins — now at multi-year highs — are encouraging processors to expand production.

Soymeal demand is also rising, supported by increased poultry and pork production as consumers shift toward lower-cost proteins. USDA raised soymeal prices by $10 per ton, reflecting strong domestic disappearance and export demand.

Globally, soybean supplies remain ample, but rising consumption — especially tied to energy and feed — continues to support the market.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong crush demand is supporting soybean price strength.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Related Stories
American soybean and corn leaders, along with Canada’s AgriFood sector, testified before the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office in support of the trade pact between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
“The Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) Final Rule streamlines requirements across multiple crops, responds to producer feedback, and strengthens USDA’s commitment to putting America’s farmers first,” said the USDA.
Working capital is tightening for crop farms, increasing reliance on operating loans even as land values steady in the broader sector.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer has developed a detailed calculator to help producers navigate the program’s requirements. He joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to explain how it works.
Strong plant output and rising exports contrast with softer domestic blending demand, suggesting margins are poised for volatility.
Milk output is rising, but steep drops in Class I–IV prices are tightening margins 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:

Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
Early Cattle-on-Feed estimates point to slightly tighter cattle supplies, reinforcing the need to monitor prices and timing for winter marketing.
Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
Row crop losses in 2025 are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.
Experts say farmers and ethanol producers would benefit from a risk-based ILUC system that protects forests without relying on speculative modeling.
Farmland values remain stable, but weakened credit conditions and lower expected farm income signal tighter financial margins heading into 2026.