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
Pressure to lower gas prices across the Golden State could be the saving grace of this year’s corn harvest. California may soon be the final U.S. state to approve E-15 sales.
Both Congressional Ag Committees took up the bill over the summer, but there’s no word on when the Senate could move forward; it does expire on September 30.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with his insights on the incident and a deeper dive into the issues at hand.
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will travel to Europe and Asia to seek new trade partnerships for U.S. crops after China reduced imports due to tariffs.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Having a good read on fuel prices is a must during harvest, but one analyst says grain farmers should also be watching the crude oil markets.
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew discusses the urgent need for aid as farm families face mounting input costs and long-term market uncertainty.
Bradley Roy was the youngest angler to compete in a Bassmaster Elite Series event. Now, he’s prepping to hit the water with MLF Hall of Famer Greg “The Rooster” Vinson in the Team Series Patriot Cup.
Stories like this remind us what FFA is all about — leadership, service, and growth.
The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.
President Donald Trump says a deal is nearly done on lowering beef prices, but he has not released details.
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.