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
Industry leaders representing more than 40 nations gathered to discuss the future of ethanol and other corn-based products.
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.
Stay alert for trade announcements—especially border reopening timelines, tariff threats, and developments in Brazil’s export flows.
Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.
Set targets and use forwards, futures, or options to manage downside while preserving room for rallies.
Bangladesh’s buying surge offers temporary relief for U.S. farmers facing weaker Chinese demand, highlighting how global politics can reshape export outlets overnight.

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:

Ethanol exports are expanding on strong demand from Canada and Europe, while DDGS shipments remain broad-based and supportive for feed markets.
Mary-Thomas Hart, with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, discusses the latest WOTUS developments and their implications for agriculture.
Only properly documented, unexhausted fertilizer applied by prior owners may qualify for Section 180 expensing; broader nutrient-based claims carry significant legal and tax risk.
Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.
Lower turkey and wheat prices helped ease Thanksgiving costs, but underlying farm-sector pressures remain significant.
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
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.