Expert: Basis Trends Upward Despite Mississippi River Levels Trending Lower

Hunter Biram, an extension economist with the University of Arkansas, is tracking Mississippi River water levels as grain shippers shift their focus to transportation following the wrap-up of fall harvest.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (RFD-TV) — Hunter Biram, an extension economist with the University of Arkansas, is tracking Mississippi River water levels as grain shippers shift their focus to transportation following the wrap-up of fall harvest.

Biram joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to break down current river conditions, how they compare to previous years, and what they mean for barge freight costs as the industry moves deeper into the post-harvest shipping season.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Biram discussed where Mississippi River levels currently stand and whether these conditions align with typical seasonal patterns.

He said that right now, the river sits just below the critical level as set by the National Weather Service, but it is not nearly as low as we have seen in recent years. He also noted that, despite the river levels trending lower, they have not had an impact basis. Instead, the basis is trending upward.

Biram also outlined the latest outlook for river levels in the weeks ahead and explained the potential ripple effects on transportation costs and market timing if low levels persist. He also underscored the central role the river system plays in U.S. grain movement and how fluctuations can impact both exporters and producers, especially in the Southern U.S.

Related Stories
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig recaps discussions surrounding a potential federal aid package for farmers and shares insights on producer sentiment in the Heartland.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined RFD-TV to discuss coping strategies for those aching joints.
FarmHER Katey Jo Evans of The Frozen Farmer joins us for a sneak peek of the latest episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast.
As we gear up for the big event, Team BUBBA’s Brent Chapman of Kansas joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to talk preparation, teamwork, and the state of competitive bass fishing.
Friday’s release will be the first WASDE report in about two months, and early estimates indicate a corn surplus is still on the way.
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.