Weekly Grain Inspections Reflect Shifting Export Demand

Corn exports remain strong, while soybeans and wheat shift week to week on river conditions and global demand.

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, D.C. (RFD-TV) — U.S. grain inspections moved lower last week as soybean and corn volumes eased from earlier peaks, signaling mixed export demand heading into December. Total inspected grain reached 117.8 million bushels (2.98 MMT), down from the prior week but slightly above last year.

Corn led all commodities at 64.2 million bushels (1.63 MMT), a noticeable week-over-week decline but still well ahead of last year’s pace. Soybean inspections totaled 29.3 million bushels (799,042 MT), sharply lower than the previous week as Gulf loadings slowed. Wheat shipments reached 17.4 million bushels (474,530 MT), supported by strong Pacific Northwest movement. Sorghum posted 2.9 million bushels (74,300 MT), with Mexico and Asian buyers maintaining steady interest.

Regionally, Gulf ports handled the bulk of corn and soybean traffic, while the Pacific Northwest dominated wheat — especially hard red spring and soft white classes. Interior loadings remained important for Mexico, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Year-to-date, corn inspections are running well above last season, wheat is modestly higher, and soybeans are still below 2024 as river logistics and global competition shape flows.

Looking ahead, exporters expect soybean volumes to firm as river levels improve and Asian demand stabilizes.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Corn exports remain strong, while soybeans and wheat shift week to week on river conditions and global demand.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association discusses the EPA’s new decision on over-the-top Dicamba and what it means for growers this year.
Mike Spier, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, discusses the new U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement and its potential benefits for U.S. wheat growers.
Gretchen Kuck of the National Corn Growers Association joined us to discuss the Ag Coalition for USMCA’s report findings and expectations ahead of the upcoming USMCA review.
Strong corn exports offer support, while soybeans and wheat remain weighed down by ample global supplies, according to the USDA’s latest WASDE report for February.
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.

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 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum highlights modest price support from tighter supplies across cotton, grains, dairy, livestock, and sugar into 2026.
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses the latest Farm Bill proposal and the path ahead for Congress and U.S. agriculture.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week to accelerate domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, signaling that farm input availability is now treated as a national security risk.
The global rice surplus outweighs tighter U.S. supplies, pressuring prices.
A weaker dollar supports export demand and may strengthen crop prices.
Smaller supplies could support cotton prices despite weak demand.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.