The torrential flooding in South America could soon disrupt exports from Brazil’s fourth-largest soybean port in Rio Grande Do Sul as floodwaters spill over into roadways and rail routes linked to the major Brazilian grain port.
Loaded grain trucks must travel an extra 250 miles per trip to circumvent blockades and reach the Rio Grande port. That, of course, is causing delays as well as increasing freight costs.
Brazilian grain traders exported more than 10 million tons of soybeans and 3 million tons of soy meals out of Rio Grande Do Sul in 2023.
Brazil’s southernmost state has received more than 31 inches of rain in a week, which has led to the declaration of a public emergency and the deaths of at least 100 people. 128 are still missing. More rain is in the forecast through the first half of May.
Negotiators are focusing on tariffs, market access, and economic security as broader trade discussions continue.
Julia Andrus with Phospholutions joins us to discuss fertilizer market uncertainty, evolving grower strategies, and how efficiency is reshaping nutrient management decisions in modern agriculture.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses Canada’s record farm cash receipts, profitability trends in livestock and crops, and the impact of rising input costs in 2026.
The agreement establishes a new system to monitor water deliveries to Texas and sets limits on how far Mexico can fall behind on its treaty obligations.
China’s expanding farm assistance in Cuba bears watching as food trade becomes part of regional influence.
Dr. Derrell Peel says the longer the border remains closed to Mexican cattle imports, the more likely some industry changes could become permanent.