Soybeans
The temporary closures come as grain traffic on the Arkansas River continues running ahead of recent years.
China’s pledge is supportive, but producers need confirmed sales and shipments before counting it as stronger export demand.
Soybeans accounted for nearly half of the $15 billion in losses on U.S. ag exports to China due to tariffs, according to researchers at North Dakota State University.
USDA says federal biofuel policy and growing renewable diesel capacity are increasing demand for feedstocks.
USDA says growing soybean output and expanding biofuel demand are helping drive the increase.
Emily Oberbroeckling says producers in northeast Iowa have made strong planting progress while continuing to monitor moisture conditions.
Corn inspections remain strong year-to-date, while China’s soybean and sorghum movement remains important to late-season export demand.
USDA says both crops remain ahead of the five-year average as farmers continue monitoring dry Corn Belt conditions.
Corn exports remained active the week of May 7, but weak soybean, cotton, and sorghum sales kept attention on China and late-year demand.