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
Mike Steenhoek, with the Soy Transportation Commission, shares his outlook on current grain stocks and transportation lines amid bumper crops filling bins across the United States.
American soybean and corn leaders, along with Canada’s AgriFood sector, testified before the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office in support of the trade pact between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Working capital is tightening for crop farms, increasing reliance on operating loans even as land values steady in the broader sector.
Higher ocean freight raises export costs just as global grain competition intensifies.
Henning Strauss, CEO of STRAUSS, joins us to share his company’s commitment to crafting tools that farmers wear.
Strong plant output and rising exports contrast with softer domestic blending demand, suggesting margins are poised for volatility.
Weaker U.S. dairy prices come as value-added exports expand and ingredient inventories tighten, creating mixed market signals for producers.
WTO gauges point to agricultural raw materials trade growing more slowly than overall goods, reinforcing the need to manage export risk and monitor policy shifts closely.
Buzzard discusses her upcoming appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast with host Kirbe Schnoor and the importance of sharing authentic stories about agriculture.

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.