There are finally some improvements along the Mississippi River.
Week-over-week, 35 percent more barges were unloaded in New Orleans, meaning more goods are making their way down to ports. But, barges are carrying 30 percent less, which is impacting producer profits as shipping costs are still elevated compared to normal.
USDA says farmers are making about $2 less per bushel of both corn and soybeans. The Army Corps of Engineers is continuing its dredging operations in St. Louis.
Water levels in Canada’s St. Lawrence River are starting to go down, too. It is causing concern as many U.S. farmers are using the seaway to ship their products because of the troubles on the Mississippi. A Canadian grain farmer shares what he is experiencing.
“If you had corn or beans to move right now in the Hamilton area, with 3 major exporters, Parish and Heimbecker, G-3, and Richardson’s all with no bid for corn, and local elevators that rely on taking their grain into the port to get exported, they’re backed up. I’m worried, I kind of rely on ports. We’re in Ontario, right? We produce more grain than we can use here. Especially corn, we export it. I think this stuff’s going to have to wait until spring,” said Jeff Barlow.
U.S. and Canadian officials are considering boosting water flow on the eastern end of Lake Ontario to improve conditions for commercial ship traffic on the St. Lawrence Seaway. Ag products from Great Lakes ports account for about 40 percent of the trade along this river.
Market analyst and friend of the show, Shawn Hackett, says Brazil’s shifting use of crops for biofuel production is a significant factor.
October 31, 2025 01:17 PM
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The Livestock Conservancy joins us in the RFD-TV Studio to discuss how protecting heritage-breed poultry is essential to resilient food systems and the preservation of agricultural traditions.
October 31, 2025 12:59 PM
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Arizona producers are proving that desert farming and water conservation can coexist through technology, reuse, and efficiency — reinforcing both food security and environmental stewardship.
October 31, 2025 12:39 PM
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Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association (ASA), shares his reaction to news of soybean sales to China, which is considered both “welcome news” and a return to near-normal trade relations.
October 31, 2025 12:26 PM
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Rabobank’s outlook signals a tightening margin environment, emphasizing the need for cost control, trade stability, and clearer policy signals heading into 2026.
October 31, 2025 11:44 AM
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Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the implications for farmers.
October 30, 2025 02:37 PM
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“It does not extinguish right away here — in any sort of sense — the real profitability concerns and people’s ability to pay bills and get to the other side of this in the very short term. This is where the skepticism builds.”
October 30, 2025 02:20 PM
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U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
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Rich Nelson, a commodity broker for Allendale Inc., joins us to break down what the U.S.-China trade agreement means for the ag economy.
October 30, 2025 12:04 PM
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