Harvest'25: Ag Markets Adjust as Harvest Wraps Up Without Access to Most USDA Data

Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — The ag sector has now gone a whole month without harvest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the federal government shutdown continues. With combines finishing up in many regions, farmers are shifting their attention to transportation and storage decisions for the remainder of the season. Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report with the ag analyst perspective.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Williamson said the post-harvest focus is shifting toward basis levels, grain movement, and storage costs as producers wait for updated federal reports to resume. He added that recent U.S.–China trade developments have provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major market moves.

Related Stories
Fred Seamon with CME Group joins us to discuss the latest Ag Economy Barometer and the key economic pressures shaping producer sentiment in May.
IDA Texas’s Cooper Little discusses producer response to New World Screwworm in Texas, ongoing coordination with animal health officials, and the steps being taken to manage and protect livestock movement across the region.
The FAO report continues to serve as a key benchmark for global food market conditions, offering insight into how shifting supply and demand dynamics are impacting food systems worldwide.
A marriage into a South Georgia farm family sparked a lifelong commitment to agriculture.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Avocado growers and buyers face sharp price swings when Mexican supply changes faster than alternative sources can respond.
Corn farmers and ethanol groups are urging Senate action on E-15 legislation while grain basis values strengthen in eastern states.
Julia Andrus with Phospholutions joins us to discuss fertilizer market uncertainty, evolving grower strategies, and how efficiency is reshaping nutrient management decisions in modern agriculture.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses Canada’s record farm cash receipts, profitability trends in livestock and crops, and the impact of rising input costs in 2026.
Fred Nichols with Huma discusses corn nutrition timing, side-dress nitrogen strategies, and key management tips as the 2026 crop continues to develop across the Midwest.
Matthew Poling with CLAAS joins us to discuss harvest strategies for a below-average wheat crop and combine adjustments growers should consider.