WASDE Highlights Steady U.S. Outlook for Major Crops in December

Stable U.S. fundamentals continue for major crops, but global adjustments in corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton may influence early-2026 pricing.

WASDE REPORT GRAPHIC

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for December (PDF Version) delivered mostly steady U.S. projections for wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton while global shifts continue to influence market direction. Wheat saw no domestic supply-or-use changes, though world production climbed on large crops in Canada, Argentina, the European Union, Australia, and Russia — pushing global ending stocks higher.

Corn saw the largest domestic adjustment: exports increased by 125 million bushels after a strong fall in shipping pace, tightening ending stocks to 2.0 billion bushels. Globally, Ukraine’s crop fell sharply due to wet harvest conditions, even as the EU and Russia posted modest increases.

Soybean supply, use, and farm-price projections were unchanged for the U.S., but world output rose slightly on higher production in Russia and India. Global soybean crush expanded, while exports slipped and ending stocks edged higher on larger inventories in Brazil and Russia.

Cotton estimates reflected higher U.S. production, lower mill use, and larger ending stocks, with world production and consumption both easing modestly.

Related Stories
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.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Bernt Nelson provides an updated outlook on the current U.S. cattle market.
Australia’s expanding harvest and global oversupply are keeping wheat and barley prices capped, though canola markets may hold firmer on shifting oilseed demand.
Expanding bioethanol use strengthens rural economies, supports farm markets, and positions U.S. agriculture at the center of global low-carbon trade.

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 Natural Resources Conservation Service says drought resilience starts before the next rainfall shortage.
Purdue data show stronger net returns for organic corn and soybeans despite lower yields and higher costs.
The agreement is expected to formally take effect on Friday, and markets will continue watching for signs that shipping traffic and global energy flows are returning to normal.
The agency also plans to strengthen workforce culture and modernize infrastructure and technology.
The administration says the move will support domestic seafood production and coastal economies.
Eligible producers have until July 15 to purchase coverage for the 2027 commodity year.