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
Clean power growth remains strong, but slower deal-making could affect future rural energy and land-use opportunities.
The Purdue student team joins us to discuss how they developed Soy-Seal, their innovative soybean-based adhesive tape, and its potential ag impact.
New farm payment rules allow LLC members to have separate limits, but some local FSA offices are still applying outdated policies, creating confusion for producers.
John Mays with Central Life Sciences joins us to discuss the importance of pest management ahead of wheat storage and how protecting grain quality can support stronger marketing opportunities.
University of Arkansas researchers are working to help farmers reduce grain waste and get more value out of their crops.
ASFMRA’s Luke Worrell joined us to discuss farmland market trends, insights from the Illinois Land Values Conference, changing buyer and seller demographics, and the latest outlook on planting progress.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss rising input costs, proposed fertilizer legislation, and potential support for farmers navigating tight margins.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to discuss the latest crop progress report and how market uncertainty and input costs are shaping planting decisions this spring.
As AI-driven data centers expand in rural South Texas, local officials and economists debate water use, farmland impacts, and the balance between technology growth and agriculture preservation.
The Farm Monitor takes us along to see how they’re leaning on technology to improve poultry production.
Students say the program builds confidence, teamwork and a sense of purpose.
Roger McEowen breaks down the EPA’s updated dicamba regulations and shares what farmers need to do to remain compliant under the new rules this growing season.
Agriculture Shows
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.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.