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.
Higher domestic rail tariffs and mixed capacity shifts will influence grain movement this harvest. Strong corn exports provide momentum, but logistics costs remain a critical factor.
September 30, 2025 04:12 PM
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Malone, Senior Director of Trade Execution at Bunge, emphasized the importance of spaces where women can engage in meaningful conversations about global trade, supply chains, and leadership opportunities.
September 30, 2025 03:16 PM
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The total value of the U.S. potato crop was $4.60 billion in 2024, representing an 8% decrease from the previous year.
September 29, 2025 06:00 PM
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The decline in production marks the second consecutive year of contraction in the U.S. turkey industry.
September 29, 2025 05:05 PM
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We caught up with Karen Braun, Chief Market Analyst at Zaner Ag Hedge, at the Women in Agribusiness to discuss the data behind commodity trading.
September 29, 2025 03:30 PM
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Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined us Monday to share highlights from Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit and her perspective on USDA’s new initiatives.
September 29, 2025 02:14 PM
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