Soybean crush demand remained firm in July as processors continued to benefit from bullish margins and solid product uptake across the domestic market, Brownfield has reported.
Soybean crush demand remained firm in July as processors continued to benefit from bullish margins and solid product uptake across the domestic market.
According to the USDA, 222 million bushels of soybeans were crushed during the month – above pre‑report expectations, 4 million bushels higher than June, and 17 million bushels above the same period last year.
The sustained strength in crush activity reflects expanding domestic use of soybean products, with producers working to meet anticipated demand.
However, the elevated pace of production pushed soybean oil stocks above analysts’ forecasts, while soybean meal inventories also exceeded year‑earlier levels.
Corn demand from the ethanol sector also stayed strong. The USDA reports that 474.741 million bushels of corn were used for ethanol production in July 2026, up 2% on the month and 4% compared with July 2025. Ethanol manufacturing continues to account for a significant share of total US corn use, supported by favourable producer and blending margins.
Output of distillers dried grains with solubles reached 1,853,111 tonnes in July. This was 2% higher than June, although 1% below the level recorded a year earlier.
The USDA will release updated estimates for soybean crush and corn-for-ethanol use on 11 September.
According to the USDA, 222 million bushels of soybeans were crushed during the month – above pre‑report expectations, 4 million bushels higher than June, and 17 million bushels above the same period last year.
The sustained strength in crush activity reflects expanding domestic use of soybean products, with producers working to meet anticipated demand. However, the elevated pace of production pushed soybean oil stocks above analysts’ forecasts, while soybean meal inventories also exceeded year‑earlier levels.
Corn demand from the ethanol sector also stayed strong. The USDA reports that 474.741 million bushels of corn were used for ethanol production in July 2026, up 2% on the month and 4% compared with July 2025. Ethanol manufacturing continues to account for a significant share of total US corn use, supported by favourable producer and blending margins.
Output of distillers dried grains with solubles reached 1,853,111 tonnes in July. This was 2% higher than June, although 1% below the level recorded a year earlier.
Strong US soybean crush and robust ethanol output keep corn demand elevated
