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
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.
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey speaks with Texas’s Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez about USMCA renegotiation and its impact on U.S.–Mexico agriculture trade.
Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.
National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses corn supply pressures, market fundamentals, policy considerations, and producer outlook for the year ahead.
Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features swine competition with top exhibitors, including Grand Champion Brinley Wilson, ahead of Saturday’s premium sale.

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:

Farm-legal expert Roger A. McEowen discusses avoiding contractual obligations in times of pandemic.
Is a handshake as good as your word? That is the topic of today’s blog post by RFD-TV farm legal expert Roger A. McEowen — the ability to enforce oral contracts for the sale of goods.
Explore the culinary wonders of Camino’s Apple Hill, where tradition meets delicious innovation at community institutions like Larsen Apple Barn.
Seven out of the eight major fertilizers saw recent price decreases. However, one key type of fertilizer bucked the overall trend with an 11-percent rise.
The USDA’s latest crop forecast for corn and soybean production will impact U.S. producers as well as make an impact on global trade.
Egg prices have been on a roller coaster this year, soaring sky-high and falling back down to Earth in just a few months.