Returning from a recent trip to the Panama Canal, an Indiana farmer says drought in Central America continues to impact global trade. Carey McKibben told Brownfield Ag News that the lower water levels are slowing business with some of the United States’ largest trade partners.
The slowdown is impacting both imports and exports since domestic producers export a lot of corn and soybeans to Peru and Chile. And, in return, those countries send fruits, vegetables, and aquaculture back to the U.S.
This year is the second-driest year on record in the Canal’s history and ultimately became the first year to require trade restrictions due to extremely low water levels.
Currently, only 22 ships are allowed to pass through the waterway each day. The Panama Canal Authority is set to increase that number to 24 on January 16 if weather conditions are favorable.
U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman and U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin meet with Ohio farmers to discuss E15 expansion, rising input costs, trade concerns, and the need to move forward on a new farm bill.
April 23, 2026 12:13 PM
·
High prices alone may not drive herd expansion.
April 23, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Cotton may gain demand as polyester costs rise.
April 23, 2026 07:00 AM
·
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman joined us to discuss planting progress, crop trends, grain movement, and farmland market activity in Iowa.
April 22, 2026 03:43 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss Canada’s advisory committee and the upcoming USMCA review and its potential impact on agriculture.
April 22, 2026 03:14 PM
·
The massive Morill wildfire left Nebraska ranchers facing major losses, as relief funds and federal aid step in to support recovery efforts.
April 22, 2026 01:12 PM
·
