NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Severe winter weather is disrupting grain transportation across major U.S. corridors, raising short-term risks for grain movement and basis levels. Extreme cold in the Midwest has slowed barge traffic on the Mississippi River System, while historic flooding in the Pacific Northwest briefly shut down key rail lines serving export terminals.
Ice accumulation has challenged barge operations since early December. Navigation on the Upper Mississippi River ended in late November, and ice has since slowed traffic on the Illinois River, where some barges have required ice couplings. These conditions have contributed to persistently low water levels on the Lower Mississippi River, where draft and tow-size restrictions have been implemented by at least one operator near St. Louis.
At the same time, heavy rainfall from an atmospheric river caused record flooding in western Washington, temporarily closing BNSF Railway’s Scenic and Stampede Subdivisions — critical routes to Puget Sound grain terminals. While service has since resumed, the disruptions highlight vulnerability during peak export periods, even as Pacific Northwest grain inspections remain above average.
Separately, Iowa temporarily waived hours-of-service rules for hauling heating fuels to address winter energy shortages.
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January 27, 2026 11:55 AM
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Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined us with the latest update on storm conditions and impacts across the state.
January 26, 2026 04:30 PM
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Mike Knotts with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association joined us with the latest on storm impacts, power restoration, and safety considerations following the ice storm.
January 26, 2026 04:00 PM
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Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us with his outlook on crop insurance and risk management following the recent winter storm that tore through most of the United States, including the Midwest.
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A mid-January winter storm delivered snow, ice, and extreme cold to a broad swath of the U.S., disrupting transportation, stressing livestock systems, and adding cost and complexity to winter farm operations as producers look toward spring.
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January 26, 2026 09:56 AM
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USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
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Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.
January 23, 2026 01:54 PM
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