Weekly Export Sales Show Gains In Corn, Beef

Corn and beef exports showed strong momentum, cotton sales surged, and soybean sales held steady, though China remains absent from the U.S. market.

Aerial of cargo ship carrying container for export cargo from cargo yard port to other ocean concept smart freight shipping ship front view_Photo by Yellow Boat via AdobeStock_1601867486.jpg

Aerial of a cargo ship carrying a container of exports.

Photo by Yellow Boat via Adobe Stock

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — U.S. export sales were mixed for the week ending September 11, according to the USDA.

Corn bookings reached 1.23 million metric tons (48.5 million bushels), led by Mexico, South Korea, Japan, and Spain. Shipments were even stronger at 1.56 mmt (61.2 million bushels), with Mexico and Japan topping destinations.

Soybean sales totaled 923,000 mt (33.9 million bushels), mainly to Egypt, Mexico, and Spain, while exports hit 837,000 mt (30.8 million bushels).

Wheat sales reached 377,500 mt (13.9 million bushels), up from last week but still trailing the four-week average, while shipments nearly doubled at 774,800 mt (28.5 million bushels), led by Mexico and Indonesia.

Cotton sales were reported at 186,100 running bales, the highest in several weeks, with Vietnam and India the top buyers.

Beef sales rose to 15,800 mt, up 31 percent, while exports jumped to 13,200 mt, mainly to Japan and South Korea.

Pork sales reached 22,000 mt, with Mexico and Japan leading buyers, while exports climbed to 29,400 mt.

Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn and beef exports showed strong momentum, cotton sales surged, and soybean sales held steady, though China remains absent from the U.S. market.

Related Stories
Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
Smaller cow numbers and a declining calf crop point to prolonged tight cattle supplies, limiting near-term herd rebuilding potential.
Strong rail demand and higher fuel costs raise transportation risk even as barge and export flows stabilize.
CattleCon 2026 officially kicks off Tuesday and continues through Thursday, bringing producers together to shape the future of the U.S. cattle industry.
Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.
Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.

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:

Lawmakers request information from CEO Scott Stump over sponsorship concerns and potential implications for the organization’s nonprofit status.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
Adequate transportation capacity exists, but fuel costs and soft river demand could widen basis risk.
Slightly higher sales amid shrinking acreage and inventories point to tighter supplies supporting catfish prices.
Winter Weather Shapes Markets and Early Fieldwork Nationwide
Lower oil prices may trim input costs but pressure biofuel demand.