USDA data shows ag trade balance sheets are in the red with double-digit declines in the billions of dollars expected this year.
For wheat, economists explain that there is a unique situation happening.
“We see wheat exports rounded up to $2 billion, which is down 6% from the same period last year, whereas we’ve got a 6% increase by volume for last year, so we’re actually exporting more wheat, but at a lower price. So we’re seeing a negative value change over the last year,” said USDA economist Bart Kenner.
While the markets work to digest all the recent changes, some traders are following the numbers and they say they are showing a pattern.
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Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
Lyndsey Smith with Real Ag Radio joined RFD-TV to share a Canadian perspective on the discussions.
Bioethanol is becoming a global standard. For growers, that boom comes as drops in Mississippi River levels and in soybean demand occur in tandem, leaving barge space for corn and wheat.
