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
Learn the conditions farmers must meet to qualify for this new three-year tax deferral on farmland sales, how much it could save, and other details to consider.
David Hardin with the Indiana Soybean Alliance discusses USMEF’s push to open new global export markets for both meat and soy-based feed.
Some sustainability shifts are not particularly challenging and can be implemented with resources already available to farmers and ranchers on their operations.
With the U.S.–Vietnam agreement nearing signature, U.S. cotton, corn, and soybean exporters could lock in new demand lanes just as global supply shifts.
The government reopens after 43 days. USDA resumes key reports, weighs farm aid, and watches China’s next move on U.S. soybean purchases.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty shares tips for fall and winter to guide landowners and farmers.

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:

A strong corn export pull is supportive of bids; soybeans need steady vessel programs or fresh sales to firm cash.
USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.
An import lag for ground beef will likely look different than last year’s egg shortage. The difference comes down to biosecurity and market flexibility.
China’s crusher losses and Brazil tensions, Gale warns, could reopen critical soybean trade channels for U.S. producers.
Persistently low Mississippi River levels are turning logistics challenges into pricing risks — tightening margins for grain producers and exporters across the heartland.
The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.