Researchers at the University of Nebraska Lincoln are looking to bolster grain bins across the state to withstand earthquakes and windstorms.
Inspired by Iowa’s 2020 derecho that caused an estimated $11 billion in damages, Dr. Christine Wittich and her team hope their research on seismic shake tables leads to better construction standards for bins.
Grain bins are a key piece of infrastructure in Rural America...with an estimated 750,000 located across the country. The loss of a single grain bin can cost up to $250,000, and damages to them are typically not covered by crop insurance policies.
Related Stories
A weaker dollar supports export demand and may strengthen crop prices.
Smaller supplies could support cotton prices despite weak demand.
Federal aid helps, but producers will bear most of the losses. Balance sheets may look stable, but margins remain fragile without policy support.
RFD NEWS Markets Specialist Tony St. James reviews the USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2025 Summary.
Strong corn exports support prices while soybeans lag yearly pace. However, large carryover stocks limit upside despite solid yields.
Fuel costs ease over the long term, but fertilizer energy remains volatile.