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
Lower freight costs helped sustain export demand amid a challenging pricing environment.
Federal assistance has helped, but the most recent row-crop losses remain on producers’ balance sheets.
OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh discusses the EPA’s new Right to Repair guidance and other regulatory developments impacting the trucking and agriculture industries.
The EPA has approved over-the-top dicamba applications for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons, outlining new rules that impact herbicide use for U.S. crop producers.
Seasonal price patterns can inform soybean marketing timing, particularly when harvest prices appear unusually strong or weak.
At CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses profitability, consumer demand, and how the integrated U.S.–Canada beef supply chain impacts cattle producers across North America.

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:

Strong corn exports support prices while soybeans lag yearly pace. However, large carryover stocks limit upside despite solid yields.
Fuel costs ease over the long term, but fertilizer energy remains volatile.
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.
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.