Union and dock owners are expected to ratify a six-year contract this week

The shipping industry expects the Longshoremen’s Association to ratify their new contract this week, putting an end to months of uncertainty for farmers looking to move their grain.

“Hopefully, by the end of February, early March, there will be a new six-year contract, which, again, that’s very important to us, because that provides predictability, additional predictability when it comes to our supply chain,” said Soy Transportation Coalition’s Mike Steenhoek.

That vote could come as soon as tomorrow. Steenhoek expects both parties to pass the contract, which will be in effect until 2030.

Related Stories
“Farmers for Free Trade” warns that disaster is brewing as President Trump’s trade policy is causing farm input costs to rise even more.
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
Catch the action on RFD-TV and streaming live on the RFD-TV Now app.
While artificial intelligence, or AI, is reshaping both jobs and messaging in agriculture, CoBank data suggests human expertise still matters.
The new AFBF Women in Agriculture survey is accepting responses from women in the industry across the United States now through March 31.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Stagger buys and diversifies fertilizer sources — watch CBAM, India’s tenders, and Brazil’s import pace to time urea, phosphate, and potash purchases.
Recognizing phosphorus and potash as critical minerals underscores their importance in crop production and food security, providing producers with an added layer of risk protection.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer shares insight into what these new accounts, established in provisions of the Big, Beautiful Bill, could mean for the farm families.
AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares how passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act could give the dairy industry a needed boost.
Jan and Erin Johnson also join FarmHER + RanchHER host Kirbe Schnoor on this week’s Dirt Diaries podcast to dig in on entrepreneurship, legacy, and letting go.