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
Imported lean beef continues to play a critical role in U.S. hamburger and ground-beef production, with any added volume from Argentina serving as a supplement — not a market overhaul.
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.
Stay alert for trade announcements—especially border reopening timelines, tariff threats, and developments in Brazil’s export flows.
Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.
For aging operators and their rural neighbors, staying socially engaged is a practical strategy to preserve decision-making capacity and farm vitality.
Set targets and use forwards, futures, or options to manage downside while preserving room for rallies.
Bangladesh’s buying surge offers temporary relief for U.S. farmers facing weaker Chinese demand, highlighting how global politics can reshape export outlets overnight.
Rising demand for Comfort Colors t-shirts reinforces the pull for U.S.-grown cotton, linking rural fiber production to a fast-growing mainstream apparel brand.

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:

The Farm Bureau urges trade enforcement, biofuel growth, fair input pricing, and pro-farmer policy reforms to restore long-term certainty.
The Sheinbaum–Rollins meeting signals progress, but the focus remains on fully containing screwworm before cross-border movement resumes.
Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
RaboResearch says China’s pivot from mass production to innovation-driven growth could reshape global pesticide supply chains — and influence prices and product access for U.S. farmers in the coming years.
Expect modest relief on several produce lines, mixed protein trends into holiday buying, and softer veg-oil costs — a good week to sharpen forward buys selectively.
A strong corn export pull is supportive of bids; soybeans need steady vessel programs or fresh sales to firm cash.