Strain on Grain: AFBF Economist Breaks Down Growing Storage Capacity Issues

Large carryover stocks continue to put pressure on commodity prices, creating uncertainty for growers looking to market their grain.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — As harvest moves forward across the country, farmers are facing mounting challenges tied to record crop yields, slowing export demand, and rising transportation and storage costs.

According to American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Bernt Nelson, the combination of strong production and large carryover stocks continues to put pressure on commodity prices, creating uncertainty for growers looking to market their grain. He joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss what these factors mean for U.S. agriculture as harvest continues.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Nelson said many producers are now weighing their storage options, as bins fill up quickly after back-to-back bumper crops. The tight storage situation, coupled with expensive freight rates, is forcing some to consider alternative marketing strategies or off-farm storage—both of which can eat into profits.

While abundant supply typically benefits consumers, Nelson notes that it is contributing to softer price trends in many markets, leaving farmers hoping for stronger demand signals in the months ahead.

Related Stories
Paraguay could gain additional U.S. market access through a temporary tariff-free quota.
New systems are moving beyond data analysis to make real-time decisions directly on farm equipment.
Ted Ogle of Superior Livestock says limited supplies still underpin the market despite a slight retreat in cattle prices, but expects volatility to persist into the fall.
The USDA’s September Cattle-on-Feed report shows inventories remain above year-ago levels, while both placements and marketings fell to record lows for the month.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

American dairy producers are no longer subject to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) overregulation.
New data tool brings modern, streamlined data access to producers nationwide
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew recaps this week’s Washington fly-in, NFU’s Farm Bill priorities, and the growing economic pressure on producers.
NCGA President Jed Bower discusses the Farm Bill and why year-round E15, making it into the final bill, is critical for corn growers as input costs continue to eat away at margins.
Santa Teresa livestock port reopens September 24, restoring another cattle trade route from Mexico while maintaining new safeguards against New World screwworm.
A community survey found strong demand for fresh produce, meat and locally sourced products.
Agriculture Shows
Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and Ag PhD Daily brings you the information you need to best manage your business only on RFD-TV and RFD+
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.