Harvest'25: Nebraska Harvest Faces Headwinds from Exports, Costs, and Storage Limits

NEFB President Mark McHargue provides an update from the Husker State, where farmers are working hard to bring in one of the largest harvests in recent years.

LINCOLN, Neb. (RFD-TV) — As fall harvest advances across the country, Nebraska farmers are reporting steady progress despite growing concerns about slowing export demand, high transportation costs, and limited grain storage capacity amid a record crop.

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to provide an update from the Husker State, where farmers are working hard to bring in what is shaping up to be one of the largest harvests in recent years.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, McHargue noted that while the weather has generally cooperated, many producers are facing tighter margins compared to past seasons. He said this year’s record yields are welcome, but the combination of high input and shipping costs is creating economic pressure for farm families.

Storage capacity is another growing concern. With back-to-back large harvests, many farmers are running out of space, forcing them to make tough decisions about where to store or sell grain.

To address these mounting challenges, the Nebraska Farm Bureau recently sent a letter to the state’s congressional delegation urging action on key policy priorities to support the state’s producers.

Related Stories
Adequate transportation capacity exists, but fuel costs and soft river demand could widen basis risk.
Lower oil prices may trim input costs but pressure biofuel demand.
Tight storage could widen basis and limit marketing flexibility.
Cold-driven spikes in gas prices can quickly raise fertilizer and energy costs.
Large carry-in stocks across major crops could limit price recovery in 2026/27 unless demand strengthens or weather-related supply reductions occur.
Cotton acres slipping as competing crops gain ground.
Rising Chinese feed output — especially for swine — signals sustained demand for protein meals and feed inputs, even when meat production growth appears modest.
Ethanol output is improving, but weak domestic demand and export headwinds temper optimism about corn demand.
Alliant Chairman of Agriculture and former U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns explains the R&D Tax Credit, the recent Tax Court ruling, and ways livestock producers and agribusinesses can qualify.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Duvall’s connection to cowboy culture extended beyond the screen.
The National Farm Machinery Show is underway in Louisville, Kentucky, bringing together the latest in agricultural equipment, technology, and innovation. Here are some highlights from the trade show floor so far!
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses how AI integration in grocery retail could impact farmers and the broader food supply chain.
Livestock Conservancy Senior Program Manager Jeannette Beranger explains the upcoming poultry census and ongoing efforts to preserve rare and heritage poultry breeds raised across the U.S.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller joins us to discuss the cattle herd rebuild, trade concerns, and how ranchers would define “America First” policy priorities.
Ag Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson has referred to the proposal as “Farm Bill 2.0.”
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.