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.
Grain shippers face lower freight values thanks to weak soybean exports and strong rail service, but barge traffic and forward Gulf loadings suggest continued uncertainty as harvest ramps up.
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