LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD NEWS) — Grain rail traffic remains steady early this year, with shifting secondary markets and new export routing options shaping movement into Mexico and the Southeast.
U.S. Class I railroads originated 27,108 grain carloads during the week ending February 7 — down 2 percent from the prior week but 6 percent above both last year and the three-year average. Secondary shuttle bids averaged $163 per car above tariff, narrowing sharply from a year ago and signaling less congestion pressure. Non-shuttle bids averaged $25 above tariff, also well below year-earlier levels.
BNSF Railway announced that beginning Monday (March 1st), its Mexico locations will qualify for single-destination efficiency trains carrying wheat. The 110-car unit trains can now move directly to Mexico without being split into blocks, streamlining cross-border wheat logistics. Over the first six weeks of 2026, 226,000 metric tons of wheat moved by rail to Mexico — 10 percent below last year.
In the Southeast, North Carolina committed $16.3 million in freight rail grants, supporting short lines that serve grain elevators and feed mills. The state imported more than 7 million tons of Midwest grain by rail in 2024.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Rail logistics remain supportive, with access to Mexico improving.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Strong corn exports offer support, while soybeans and wheat remain weighed down by ample global supplies, according to the USDA’s latest WASDE report for February.
February 10, 2026 04:25 PM
·
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
February 10, 2026 04:11 PM
·
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
February 10, 2026 03:57 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney outlines the Trump Administration’s current trade priorities and what meaningful market expansion looks like for farmers.
February 10, 2026 03:08 PM
·
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
February 10, 2026 01:11 PM
·
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey was in Mission, Texas, where state and federal officials addressed growers and producers at a round table event hosted at a citrus grower’s facility. He shows us how welcome news was all around.
February 10, 2026 12:05 PM
·
