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
Industry leaders argue the decision could disrupt confidence in conservation practices and increase regulatory uncertainty for producers across the region.
A Nebraska rancher says his land may not support cattle this year after 2,000 acres were burned in recent devastating wildfires across the state.
Brandy Carroll with the Arkansas Farm Bureau shares an update on planting conditions and what producers are facing this season.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains shifting global trade dynamics and what they could mean for agriculture and energy markets.
Rising diesel and energy costs are squeezing farmers and rural communities, increasing production expenses and raising concerns about consumer demand for beef even as U.S. meat exports regain the Australian market.
Farmer John Jenkinson shares the latest on planting conditions in Kansas and what producers are facing this season.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The FAO Food Price Index for October 2023 is out. Where do global food prices stand, and which categories saw the largest gains?
Agriculture Accounting Expert Paul Neiffer joined us Friday on Market Day Report to take a further look.
Falling feed costs and strong demand for butter could be good news for dairy farmers looking to get their finances back on track.
Author Lee Klancher joined RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to discuss a new, special edition version of his book, “Farmall Century” hitting the shelves in honor of the iconic tractor’s major milestone and impact on the ag industry over the last century.
In today’s production update, Total Acre Farming’s David Hula has an enlightening conversation with Jeremy Rountree about a new, industry-disrupting product from Brandt Fungicide.
What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the split-interest transaction? And what are the rules when property that was acquired in a split-interest transaction is sold? That is the topic of today’s blog post by RFD-TV Agri-Legal Expert Roger McEowen.
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!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.