MEMPHIS, TENN. (RFD-TV) — U.S. corn harvest has moved past the halfway mark, but high diesel prices are adding pressure to farm budgets and raising questions about where producers deliver their grain.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined Market Day Report to discuss harvest progress, grain market conditions, and how transportation costs are influencing delivery decisions as farmers look ahead to 2027.
Harvest Progress and Yield Expectations
In his interview with RFD-TV, Williamson said 60% of the U.S. corn crop had been harvested, slightly behind the five-year average of 66% for that point in the season. The soybean harvest was further along, with 79% complete and progress ahead of normal.
He said the full picture on yields should become clearer as harvest advances and more data becomes available. Differences between USDA’s previous supply and demand estimates and what producers are finding in the field will also be important to watch in upcoming reports.
Williamson said corn and wheat prices have moved into what he considers oversold territory, while some end users are taking advantage of lower prices to make purchases.
He said livestock producers, poultry operations and ethanol plants are among the buyers watching the market for opportunities.
Diesel Costs Influence Grain Delivery Decisions
High diesel prices remain a major concern for farmers as they finish harvest and move grain to market.
Williamson said the recent increase in fuel costs has been especially painful for producers, adding to the expense of running combines and transporting crops.
The higher costs are prompting some farmers to reconsider where they deliver grain. Williamson said merchants are responding in some cases by offering relief to customers, but producers still need to compare the economics of different delivery locations.
“When you’re looking at grain deliveries, you want to stay as close to you as you can,” Williamson said.
He encouraged farmers to account for transportation expenses alongside local basis prices when deciding where to sell and deliver their grain.
Market Uncertainty Remains
Williamson said several factors could influence grain markets in the weeks ahead, including upcoming USDA reports, international developments and broader economic uncertainty.
He also pointed to elevated crude oil prices and continued geopolitical tensions as concerns for energy costs.
In the Mississippi Delta, low river levels are another factor to watch. Williamson said the Mississippi River gauge in Memphis was around minus one foot at the time of the interview, with levels potentially falling further by Halloween.
Dry conditions have helped harvest progress across the northern Delta and Missouri Bootheel, he said, but additional moisture would be welcome.
