WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA ) raised corn and soybean production and increased projected ending stocks for corn, soybeans and wheat, sending grain futures sharply lower and adding pressure to producer marketing decisions during harvest.
Corn took the hardest hit. USDA raised the 2026 yield to 181.2 bushels per acre and production to 16.034 billion bushels. Ending stocks climbed 282 million bushels from September to 1.849 billion, well above average trade expectations. If realized, this will be the second largest corn crop in U.S. history.
Soybean yield increased to 53.1 bushels per acre, with production at 4.56 billion bushels. Ending stocks rose to 315 million bushels. Wheat ending stocks increased 23 million bushels to 740 million as production and imports rose and exports declined.
Markets reacted quickly. Corn futures fell about 5%, soybeans dropped roughly 2 percent, and wheat declined about 3% as traders adjusted to larger-than-expected supplies across all three crops.
The larger carryout estimates increase pressure on post-harvest pricing and storage decisions. USDA’s next supply and demand update is scheduled for November 10.
