NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Grain transportation networks are under heavy pressure this fall as U.S. grain supplies exceed available storage for the first time since 2016. USDA estimates total fall grain supplies at 25.66 billion bushels — about 10% above average — leaving a national storage deficit of 184 million bushels. That shortage is forcing more grain into rapid movement, heightening demand for rail, barge, and truck capacity heading into winter.
States with the most profound storage deficits include Iowa (-390 mbu), Kansas (-320 mbu), South Dakota (-318 mbu), North Dakota (-310 mbu), Nebraska (-257 mbu), and Minnesota (-205 mbu). These same states now account for most of the emergency storage authorized under the U.S. Warehouse Act. Rail traffic is responding, with Kansas, Minnesota, and South Dakota each loading significantly more grain cars over the past six weeks.
Producers are also seeing infrastructure support expand. In Ohio, a $500,000 state grant will help rehabilitate R.J. Corman’s Western Ohio Lines, improving access to multiple grain elevators served by CSX and Norfolk Southern. Meanwhile, Iowa has temporarily suspended weight limits for grain and fertilizer transport through December 19, allowing trucks up to 90,000 pounds on non-interstate highways.
Export activity remains steady despite logistics strain, with unshipped balances for corn, soybeans, and wheat up 8% from last year. But barge movements dipped 12% last week, and ocean vessel loadings from the Gulf remain below year-ago levels. Brian Hoops, of Midwest Market Solutions, says USDA’s latest data shows solid sales for corn, soybeans, and wheat. He says rains are helping parts of South America, though some regions still need moisture, and early soybean interest from China is adding support.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Tight grain storage and stronger export positioning are pushing more grain onto railroads, highways, and river systems as logistics become a key bottleneck this fall.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Chris Bliley with Growth Energy discusses ongoing concerns about U.S. ethanol exports and the expansion of market access promised under the Phase One deal between the U.S. and China.
October 30, 2025 02:30 PM
·
“It does not extinguish right away here — in any sort of sense — the real profitability concerns and people’s ability to pay bills and get to the other side of this in the very short term. This is where the skepticism builds.”
October 30, 2025 02:20 PM
·
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
·
Rich Nelson, a commodity broker for Allendale Inc., joins us to break down what the U.S.-China trade agreement means for the ag economy.
October 30, 2025 12:04 PM
·
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
October 30, 2025 10:37 AM
·
Global agriculture is stabilizing after years of price swings, with flat to modestly rising returns expected as productivity offsets slower demand growth.
October 29, 2025 03:35 PM
·
Prepare for softer milk checks into winter, watch cull-cow values and timing, and stress-test cash flow as product prices recalibrate.
October 29, 2025 03:11 PM
·
Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.
October 29, 2025 03:04 PM
·
Cattle markets are collapsing this week, and analysts say that several factors are at play. Consumer beef prices also remain near all-time highs, threatening long-term demand.
October 29, 2025 12:58 PM
·
