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
Corn exports remained active the week of May 7, but weak soybean, cotton, and sorghum sales kept attention on China and late-year demand.
Dave Walton with the American Soybean Association joins us to discuss China’s new ag purchase commitments, E15 policy concerns, and spring planting conditions.
Jenna Stanton with the United States Cattlemen’s Association joins us to discuss beef import concerns, cattle market signals, and the latest developments surrounding U.S. beef trade.
Farmers will soon be asked to help shape some of USDA’s most closely watched crop and inventory reports.

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 CPA Paul Neiffer discusses SDRP payment limits and offers advice for those seeking higher limits.
Farmers are closely watching upcoming U.S.-China trade talks as rising fertilizer and diesel costs continue to pressure exports, margins, and rural economies.
Dr. David Anderson says lean beef demand and lighter cow culling are still giving cull cow prices room to push higher.
Stronger overseas demand for both fuel ethanol and feed co-products continues to reinforce corn use beyond the domestic market.
The inverted Choice-Select spread is not a strong warning sign in today’s tighter, higher-quality beef market, according to new analysis from Terrain.
Based on USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, pork exports increased by six percent in March compared to the previous year, while beef exports weakened overall.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
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.