The National Agricultural Statistics Service released the May 2026 Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks report, showing year-over-year gains in soybean processing despite a slight monthly decline.
Soybean crushing and oil production
Soybeans crushed for crude oil totaled 6.39 million tons (213 million bushels) in May 2026, compared with 6.53 million tons (218 million bushels) in April 2026 and 6.11 million tons (204 million bushels) in May 2025.
Crude oil produced was 2.47 billion pounds, down 2 percent from April 2026 but up 2 percent from May 2025. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.92 billion pounds during May 2026 decreased 1 percent from April 2026 but increased slightly from May 2025.
The monthly decline from April to May reflects the difference in calendar days, with April containing 30 days and May containing 31 days.
Canola processing jumps from prior year
Canola seeds crushed for crude oil totaled 164,947 tons in May 2026, compared with 202,217 tons in April 2026 and 107,840 tons in May 2025. The year-over-year increase represents a 53 percent gain in crushing volume.
Canola crude oil produced was 135 million pounds, down 21 percent from April 2026 but up 61 percent from May 2025. Canola once refined oil production, at 137 million pounds during May 2026, was down 21 percent from April 2026 but up 48 percent from May 2025.
Other oilseed and animal fat production
Cottonseed once refined oil production totaled 22.3 million pounds during May 2026, down 21 percent from April 2026 and down 23 percent from May 2025.
Edible tallow production was 85.6 million pounds during May 2026, up 58 percent from April 2026 but down 10 percent from May 2025. The sharp monthly increase in edible tallow contrasts with year-over-year declines across tallow categories.
Inedible tallow production was 298 million pounds during May 2026, up 6 percent from April 2026 but down 8 percent from May 2025. Technical tallow production was 116 million pounds during May 2026, up 13 percent from April 2026 but down 5 percent from May 2025.
Choice white grease production, at 107 million pounds during May 2026, increased 9 percent from April 2026 but decreased 1 percent from May 2025.
The data shows mixed trends across oilseed and animal fat categories, with most products posting monthly gains but year-over-year comparisons varying by commodity. Soybean and canola processing both showed strength compared with the prior year, while cottonseed and tallow products generally declined on an annual basis.
