NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — U.S. grain transportation showed mixed but generally supportive signals in early December as rail volumes strengthened, barge movement rebounded, and fuel costs eased. Higher rail originations and lower diesel prices are helping offset seasonal logistical challenges for producers and shippers.
Class I railroads originated more than 30,700 grain carloads for the week ending December 6, up 20 percent from the prior week and well above both last year and the three-year average. Shuttle railcar premiums declined from the previous week but remain elevated compared with a year ago, while non-shuttle markets softened below tariff levels, signaling improved near-term availability.
Barge traffic also recovered sharply. Grain movements totaled nearly 888,000 tons, up 62 percent week over week, as more barges moved downriver. However, unloadings in the New Orleans region fell, reflecting lingering river and weather-related constraints.
Export loading remained slower than last year, with fewer vessels scheduled at Gulf terminals, though ocean freight rates to Japan edged lower from both Gulf and Pacific Northwest origins. Diesel prices declined nearly six cents per gallon, offering modest cost relief.
U.S. produce growers face a structural disadvantage—cheaper imports driving down prices while rising labor costs squeeze margins. Without new policies or technology, profitability remains uncertain.
September 23, 2025 04:09 PM
·
China is making strategic moves by purchasing more soybeans from Argentina and may soon follow the EU and reopen its market to Brazilian chicken exports.
September 23, 2025 01:21 PM
·
Farmers should watch for soybean export rebounds with harvest, while corn and wheat shipments remain strong and sorghum demand struggles.
September 23, 2025 11:54 AM
·
Rollins says the new trade relationship with Taiwan, which is committed to buying a significant amount of U.S. soy, could not come at a better time for farmers facing financial strain.
September 23, 2025 11:06 AM
·
The three-point plan was announced during remarks at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
September 23, 2025 10:44 AM
·
Higher tariffs may shield some U.S. crops but risk retaliation, lost markets, and higher costs for growers. The WTO disputes highlight the fragile balance between trade policy, farm exports, and input supply chains.
September 22, 2025 12:39 PM
·
USMEF CEO Dan Halstrom joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report for his analysis on the U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, which includes big bucks for U.S. Beef.
September 22, 2025 12:30 PM
·
Record U.S. sorghum crop faces weak demand as China slashes imports, while corn farmers warn of rising costs, shrinking margins, and global market pressures.
September 22, 2025 11:46 AM
·
Dairy farmers are expected to face strong output and export gains, but lower prices and tighter margins will persist into next year.
September 22, 2025 10:52 AM
·
