USDA Releases Final Grain Stocks Estimates

The Final Grain Stocks Report may be the last key figures we see if a government shutdown halts future updates.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its Final Grain Stocks Report on Tuesday, providing key figures that may be the last we see if a government shutdown halts future updates.

CommodityEstimatesTrade Guess
Corn1.53 BB1.34 BB
Soy316 MB323 MB
Wheat2.12 BB2.04 BB

While soybean growers work to bring in this year’s crop, selling it remains a challenging task. The American Soybean Association warns that the U.S. is losing competitiveness after China recently turned to Argentina for supplies.

“If we can be competitive with beans, we can get them moved like they did with Argentina,” says ASA Vice President Scott Metzger. “Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It shows that if that opportunity is there, China is willing to buy.”

The grain trade says the numbers underscore broader concerns as China steps back from U.S. purchases. The National Corn Growers Association calls the situation a “four-alarm fire” and is urging Congress to act quickly to remove market barriers.

Related Stories
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
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.
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
Cotton jassid, a invasive pest, is raising concerns for Southeast cotton growers as experts work to understand its impact this season.
Higher output keeps milk supplies ample, reinforcing expectations for softer dairy prices even as feed costs remain favorable.
Cash flow management and lender communication are becoming critical survival tools for farmers as tightening margins increase risk and borrowing pressure.
Expanded global trade access boosts long-term export demand potential for U.S. ag products.