WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — U.S. export sales for the week ending September 18 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Inspection Service showed corn leading the pace while soybeans and wheat also moved briskly.
Grain Exports
Net corn sales reached 1.92 million metric tons (75.7 million bushels), with top buyers Mexico, unknown destinations, and Colombia. Shipments totaled 51.8 million bushels, led by Mexico and Japan. Sales were well above last year’s levels, signaling robust early demand.
Soybean net sales totaled 724,500 metric tons (26.6 million bushels), with Egypt, Taiwan, and Mexico topping the list. Shipments were lighter at 18.8 million bushels, led by Egypt and Indonesia.
Wheat sales reached 539,800 metric tons (19.8 million bushels), up sharply from last week, with the Philippines and Italy as top markets. Shipments were 32.9 million bushels, led by the Philippines and Indonesia.
Cotton sales slowed to 86,100 bales, down sharply from the previous week, although shipments improved to 137,200 bales, led by Vietnam and India.
Meat Exports
Pork net sales reached 29,400 metric tons, with Mexico and South Korea being the largest buyers.
Beef sales were modest at 8,400 metric tons, down nearly half from last week.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong corn exports are anchoring U.S. trade, while soybean sales remain steady but shipments lag, wheat demand is improving, and cotton sales softened despite stronger shipments.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
January 20, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
·
Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
January 19, 2026 03:00 PM
·
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
·
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
January 18, 2026 12:00 PM
·
