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.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
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From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
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The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
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Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
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Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
January 19, 2026 03:00 PM
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While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
January 18, 2026 12:00 PM
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Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
January 18, 2026 07:00 AM
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RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey speaks with Texas’s Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez about USMCA renegotiation and its impact on U.S.–Mexico agriculture trade.
January 17, 2026 05:00 PM
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Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.
January 16, 2026 01:16 PM
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