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
Sponsored
Syngenta Technical Agronomy Manager Bruce Battles joined us on Friday on Market Day Report to discuss how Durastak can help producers manage Corn Rootworm.
“It’s a down crop across the board.”
Crop diseases and pests are taking a toll on Kansas corn. Two crop experts from Kansas State University share tips for producers dealing with cutworms and armyworms.
Betsy Jibben with Ag Market Consulting takes us behind the scenes on report day with AgMarket.net.

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:

Talks highlight the widening role of agriculture in U.S.–India trade policy, though neither side appears ready for major concessions before tariff issues and oil imports are resolved.
Southern farms are deepening online engagement for cost savings and market access, while higher-cost precision technologies face renewed scrutiny amid tight budgets.
Global trade teams and summit discussions highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. corn and ethanol exports as nations explore renewable fuel options and reduced-carbon energy pathways.
Slightly higher output amid softer gasoline pull points to steady corn grind — watch regional stocks and export pace for basis clues.
Expect firm calf and fed-cattle prices — pair selective heifer retention with prudent hedging and liquidity to bridge rebuilding costs.
Using FEMA and USDA data, Trace One researchers estimate average annual U.S. agricultural losses of $3.48 billion, with drought accounting for more than half.