2024 could be challenging for U.S. farm exports

When it comes to selling crops, the American Farm Bureau says demand from key export markets is not looking great for 2024.

“Unfortunately, I think fiscal year ’24 is probably going to be a little bit challenging for U.S. farm exports. As we’ve seen the U.S. dollar continues to fluctuate, but stay high, it makes our products price above our competitors. And then it makes, of course, imports cheaper,” says Veronica Nigh.

Despite an excellent product coming from American fields, the Farm Bureau says it is still not enough to overcome a strong dollar. Couple that with low levels along inland waterways, increased transportation costs, and a lapse in the Farm Bill, Nigh says finding new markets will be challenging.

Related Stories
A Reuters report shows China has a soybean “glut,” finding stockpiles at Chinese ports are at record levels, with crushers there holding the most supplies since 2017.
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says recent wins in markets like Malaysia and Cambodia help farmers focus on production rather than trade barriers.
Lucia Ruano, USMEF’s Central America representative, discusses what is driving demand for U.S. beef and pork in the region.
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
Export strength is concentrated in corn and wheat, while soybeans and sorghum lag, keeping basis and logistics dynamics highly commodity-specific into late fall.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on what the bill could mean for truckers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Jim Mintert shares a closer look at farmer sentiment and the key issues shaping the agricultural economy in January.
Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers there are already sounding the alarm about what this could mean for the future of ag research.
Global pork production is expected to rise in the first half of 2026, despite trade volatility stemming from shifting import policies and swine disease pressures.
Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.
Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Batey joined us with the latest on biosecurity efforts and the state’s new “Know Before You Show” initiative.