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.
Tight storage could widen basis and limit marketing flexibility.
February 16, 2026 02:00 PM
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Large carry-in stocks across major crops could limit price recovery in 2026/27 unless demand strengthens or weather-related supply reductions occur.
February 16, 2026 12:30 PM
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Stable small business confidence supports rural economies, but lingering cost pressures and uncertainty continue to shape farm-country decision-making.
February 16, 2026 12:03 PM
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Cotton acres slipping as competing crops gain ground.
February 16, 2026 12:00 PM
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Rising Chinese feed output — especially for swine — signals sustained demand for protein meals and feed inputs, even when meat production growth appears modest.
February 16, 2026 11:30 AM
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Ethanol output is improving, but weak domestic demand and export headwinds temper optimism about corn demand. Renewable Fuels Association President & CEO Geoff Cooper discusses the latest developments on Federal approval of year-round E15.
February 16, 2026 11:00 AM
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