NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Grain transportation activity remains elevated across rail and export channels, signaling strong demand movement even as river traffic softened seasonally. New data show railroads continuing to carry a growing share of grain logistics, reinforcing rail’s expanding role in U.S. agriculture.
U.S. Class I railroads originated more than 32,000 grain carloads for the week ending January 10, up 22 percent from the prior week and 26 percent from last year. Secondary railcar values reflected that demand, with January shuttle bids averaging $325 above tariff, rising week to week and sharply higher than a year ago. Non-shuttle bids remained modest but stable.
Longer-term trends confirm rail strength. Class I railroads moved a record 1.38 million grain carloads in 2025, the highest total since federal tracking began. Gains were widespread, led by Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, reflecting strong export flows to Mexico and expanded Midwest grain handling capacity.
Barge movements declined 15 percent week to week but stayed above year-ago levels, while Gulf export loadings and vessel lineups remained strong. Ocean freight rates to Japan were steady to slightly higher, supporting export competitiveness.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Rail continues to carry a larger share of the grain load, increasing sensitivity to rail capacity, labor, and pricing conditions.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Verified U.S. data show real leather’s carbon footprint is lower than advertised — an edge for the American cattle industry in both marketing and byproduct value.
November 07, 2025 11:32 AM
·
Stagger buys and diversifies fertilizer sources — watch CBAM, India’s tenders, and Brazil’s import pace to time urea, phosphate, and potash purchases.
November 07, 2025 11:16 AM
·
Distillers dried grains (DDG) values follow corn and soybean meal trends, with ethanol grind and feed demand shaping costs into early 2026.
November 07, 2025 10:45 AM
·
Pork producers should prioritize health and productivity gains, hedge feed and hogs selectively, and watch Brazil’s export pace and China’s sow policy for price signals.
November 06, 2025 03:03 PM
·
For tight margins, contract grazing leverages existing acres into new income streams and spreads risk. Here are some tips for row crop farmers looking to diversify.
November 06, 2025 02:45 PM
·
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.
November 06, 2025 12:01 PM
·
While the U.S.-China framework for soybean trade is in place, Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs tells us he will believe it when he sees it.
November 06, 2025 11:38 AM
·
Global nitrogen and phosphate prices remain high despite improved supply fundamentals, with limited Chinese exports and stronger fall applications tightening availability.
November 06, 2025 11:16 AM
·
Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.
November 06, 2025 10:53 AM
·
