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
A new maritime biofuels coalition aims to position ocean shipping as a significant growth market for U.S. crops and waste-derived fuels.
Sponsored
Golden Harvest’s Corn Technical Product Lead, Todd McRoberts, unveils their line of Northern corn hybrids built for resilience and performance in colder climates.
Transportation access, legal disputes, and fertilizer freight costs will directly influence input pricing and grain movement in 2026.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
Tyson’s capacity cuts weaken local basis, tighten kill space, and heighten dependence on imports, signaling more volatility for producers.
One of the most iconic symbols of the holiday season is the Christmas tree. This year at RFD-TV! We are celebrating the tree farmers across Rural America that grow these iconic treasures. Here’s a soundtrack for you to enjoy this year as you gather to decorate yours — it’s a few of our favorite songs about Christmas trees!
Former Market Day Report anchor Janet Adkison was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame, recognizing over 20 years of service sharing stories that impact Rural America.
Jake Charleston, with Specialty Risk Insurance, joins us now for an industry update and advice for cattle producers as they consider options for managing the risks of a murky market.
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.