LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD NEWS) — Grain movement remains active across export channels, but uneven demand and rising fuel costs are shaping marketing opportunities heading toward spring delivery windows.
Railroads originated 27,733 grain carloads for the week ending January 31 — 9 percent above last year and 6 percent above the three-year average. Secondary shuttle bids dropped sharply week to week, signaling adequate railcar supply.
River traffic improved but remained historically weak. Barged grain totaled 265,900 tons, up 40 percent from the prior week but still 57 percent below a year ago. Gulf unloads fell 13 percent, pointing to a slower export pull-through.
Ocean demand strengthened as 39 vessels loaded at the Gulf, 18 percent above last year. Freight to Japan increased to $53.75 per metric ton from the Gulf and $30 from the Pacific Northwest.
Diesel averaged $3.688 per gallon, slightly above last year, keeping shipping costs elevated into planting season.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Adequate transportation capacity exists, but fuel costs and soft river demand could widen basis risk.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Dr. Todd Davis, Chief Economist with the Indiana Farm Bureau, shares a snapshot of his state’s harvest conditions and insights from producers.
October 07, 2025 02:37 PM
·
Market analyst Kevin Huddleston said news of trade deals could rebound cotton prices in late fall, and producers need to be ready to strike deals.
October 07, 2025 02:05 PM
·
Lewis Williamson, from HTS Commodities, joined us to share insights on the farm economy from producers in the field.
October 07, 2025 12:47 PM
·
Despite tariffs having a less significant impact on exports, corn producers struggle with tariff-related increases on inputs, which complicates their bottom line.
October 06, 2025 01:13 PM
·
October 06, 2025 12:40 PM
Jack Daniel’s will end its Cow Feeder Program, which served around 100 livestock operations near the distillery, and redirect spent grains to its anaerobic digester.
October 06, 2025 12:33 PM
·
October 06, 2025 12:11 PM
Prepare for acute UAN risk and a brief urea shock; maintain steady ammonia and phosphate plans, and monitor potash basis on the coasts.
October 06, 2025 11:56 AM
·
“A government shutdown impacts all Americans and has serious consequences, including for farmers. It just adds additional uncertainty, disrupts critical services.”
October 06, 2025 11:23 AM
·
