USDA Projects Record Grain Production Despite Smaller Crop Forecast

The USDA's Grain Transportation Report for September 17, 2026, reveals that farmers are projected to produce 15.8 billion bushels of corn and 4.5 billion bushels of soybeans this fall, down 213 million bushels and up 16 million bushels respectively from last month's forecast.

The report indicates less domestic corn use, down 150 million bushels, and more soybean exports, up 25 million bushels, for marketing year 2026/27 compared to the August report. Corn exports are projected at 3.3 billion bushels, down 4 percent from the prior year but up 29 percent from average.

Class I railroads originated 27,445 grain carloads during the week ending September 5, with an average September shuttle secondary railcar bid of $592 above tariff. The rate for shipping a metric ton of grain from the Pacific Northwest to Japan was $37.75, up 1 percent from the previous week.

USDA projects a smaller corn crop than last year but the second largest on record if realized, with farmers projected to harvest 15.8 billion bushels of corn in marketing year 2026/27. Corn exports for marketing year 2026/27 are projected at 3.3 billion bushels, down 4 percent from the prior year but up 29 percent from average.