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
With China’s pullback, U.S. sorghum producers must broaden their export markets. Building connections now could help stabilize prices and demand for the upcoming larger crop.
Higher domestic rail tariffs and mixed capacity shifts will influence grain movement this harvest. Strong corn exports provide momentum, but logistics costs remain a critical factor.
Malone, Senior Director of Trade Execution at Bunge, emphasized the importance of spaces where women can engage in meaningful conversations about global trade, supply chains, and leadership opportunities.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has until October 12 to sign a bill passed by the California state legislature allowing E15 sales.
The Final Grain Stocks Report may be the last key figures we see if a government shutdown halts future updates.
USDA and EPA officials aim to maintain America’s robust food supply while ensuring farmers have access to key resources and crop protection tools.
The Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution that had been approved by the House the previous week. They could take it up again today, but it would take seven democrats to end the stalemate.
Livestock and government payments provide a boost, but crop receipts and rising expenses keep pressure on margins. Strong financial planning remains key in a volatile environment.
The total value of the U.S. potato crop was $4.60 billion in 2024, representing an 8% decrease from the previous year.

Agriculture Shows
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.
The goal of “Where the Food Comes From” is as simple as its name implies — host Chip Carter takes you along on the journey of where our food comes from — and we don’t just mean to the supermarket (though that’s part of the big picture!). But beyond where it comes from, how it gets there, and all the links in the chain that make that happen.
Join markets specialist Scott Shellady, better known as the Cow Guy, as he covers the market-close, breaking down headlines that drive the commodities and equities markets with commentary from respected industry heavyweights.