NASHVILLE, TN (RFD NEWS) — Transportation costs remain a major hurdle for U.S. wheat moving to Japan, even as USDA projects stronger wheat exports this marketing year.
USDA’s Grain Transportation Report shows freight accounted for 35 to 39 percent of first-quarter landed costs from Kansas and North Dakota.
Converted to bushels, transportation costs ranged from about $2.65 per bushel for Kansas wheat moving through the Pacific Northwest to $3.56 per bushel for North Dakota wheat shipped through the Gulf. Total landed costs ranged from about $7.44 to $9.04 per bushel.
Ocean freight increased from a year earlier, rising 14 percent through Pacific Northwest routes and 19 percent through Gulf routes. Higher bunker fuel costs and strong Asian shipping demand contributed to those increases.
Even with higher freight pressure, lower farm values kept total landed costs below last year across all four routes. North Dakota wheat moving through the Gulf remained the most expensive route.
USDA projects 2025/26 wheat exports near 910 million bushels, up 10 percent from the previous year, making transportation costs and export competitiveness increasingly important.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Stronger wheat exports help demand, but high freight costs continue to limit producer competitiveness in overseas markets.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.
November 07, 2025 11:02 AM
·
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.
November 06, 2025 03:40 PM
·
Pork producers should prioritize health and productivity gains, hedge feed and hogs selectively, and watch Brazil’s export pace and China’s sow policy for price signals.
November 06, 2025 03:03 PM
·
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.
November 06, 2025 02:34 PM
·
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.
November 06, 2025 12:01 PM
·
While the U.S.-China framework for soybean trade is in place, Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs tells us he will believe it when he sees it.
November 06, 2025 11:38 AM
·
