U.S. Grain Stocks Build as Corn, Sorghum Lead

Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.

corn grain silo stock photo_input costs and producer inflation_adobe stock.png

Adobe Stock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. grain inventories climbed broadly as of December 1, reflecting larger supplies of corn, soybeans, wheat, and sorghum heading into winter, according to the latest Grain Stocks report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Corn and sorghum posted the largest year-over-year increases, reinforcing a supply-heavy tone for feed grains despite solid fall usage.

Corn stocks totaled 13.3 billion bushels, up 10 percent from a year earlier. On-farm inventories jumped 14 percent, while off-farm stocks rose 4 percent. At the same time, disappearance from September through November reached 5.29 billion bushels, well above last year, signaling strong feed, ethanol, and export demand even as supplies rebuilt.

Soybean stocks increased 6 percent to 3.29 billion bushels. Off-farm inventories rose sharply, up 10 percent, while on-farm stocks were only slightly higher. Fall disappearance fell 20 percent from last year, reflecting slower export movement and ample global supplies.

All wheat stocks totaled 1.68 billion bushels, up 7 percent year over year. Off-farm wheat inventories climbed 11 percent, while on-farm stocks declined modestly. Wheat disappearance during the fall quarter ran 9 percent above last year, suggesting steady domestic and export usage.

Sorghum stocks surged 26 percent to 268 million bushels, with both on- and off-farm holdings rising equally. Disappearance also increased sharply, up 27 percent, highlighting active feed and export demand alongside expanding supplies.

Overall, the NASS report highlights higher grain supplies entering 2026, with corn and sorghum balances drawing particular market attention.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Tariff relief and new trade agreements may temper food costs by reducing import costs.
Grain farms still have strong balance sheets, but another stretch of low profits will force hard cost cuts, especially on high-rent, highly leveraged operations.
Mold damage is tightening China’s corn supplies, supporting higher prices and creating potential demand for alternative feed grains in early 2026.
Tight Credit, Strong Yields Define Early December Agriculture
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.

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:

Australia’s expanding harvest and global oversupply are keeping wheat and barley prices capped, though canola markets may hold firmer on shifting oilseed demand.
Bioethanol continues to gain ground as the bridge fuel connecting agriculture, aviation, and maritime industries in the global shift toward lower-carbon energy.
Expanding bioethanol use strengthens rural economies, supports farm markets, and positions U.S. agriculture at the center of global low-carbon trade.
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
Corn and wheat inspections outpaced last year, but soybean movement remains seasonally active yet behind, keeping basis and freight dynamics in focus by corridor.
Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.