Market Matters Blog

A soybean farmer testified at the March 24 USTR hearing concerning the proposal to place hefty fees on Chinese ship operators and Chinese-built ships and how it would financially harm U.S. farmers.

Every spring, the shipping season in St. Paul, Minnesota begins when the first tow pushing barges makes it through Lake Pepin and eventually locks through Hastings, Minnesota, at Lock and Dam No. 2.

The U.S. Trade Representative is proposing fees and restrictions on Chinese ship operators and Chinese-built ships, causing concern in the U.S. maritime industry.

The office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is proposing fees on Chinese-made ships entering U.S. ports, which could be financially detrimental to U.S. businesses, including the agricultural industry.

In their annual early season planting survey, the National Cotton Council reports 2025 U.S. cotton acres will fall, opening the door for corn to fill the gap.

DTN's weekly average spot price for domestic distillers dried grains is down $1 versus one week ago.

The Twin Ports of Duluth-Superior reported a strong year for grain tonnage in 2024.

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange announced it will launch micro grain and oilseed futures contracts to include corn, Chicago wheat, soybean, soybean meal and soybean oil.

One day after the inauguration of Donald Trump, a new chairman was named to head the STB.

DTN's weekly average spot price for domestic distillers dried grains is higher versus one week ago.

DTN's weekly average spot price for domestic distillers dried grains is higher versus one week ago.

Shipping season will end on the Great Lakes for the winter as the last of the Soo Locks close on Jan. 15.

DTN's weekly average spot price for domestic distillers dried grains is steady versus two weeks ago.

The Bulk Carrier Vessel Federal Biscay left Duluth Saturday evening, becoming the last oceangoing departure of the 2024 Duluth-Superior navigation season.

U.S. farmers harvested a near-record crop in 2024 even after a wet spring in some areas stalled planting.

Money managers seem reluctant to abandon their heavily net-short canola position, according to recent data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

The last tow leaving St. Paul, Minnesota, on Dec. 1 put an end to the 2024 shipping season on the far Upper Mississippi River. In the meantime, levels on the Lower Mississippi River are falling again.

DTN's weekly average spot price for domestic distillers dried grains is higher versus two weeks ago.

A final canola production estimate from Statistics Canada of 17.845 mmt should put the unsustainable pace of canola exports and domestic use back into focus. Other crops have increased breathing room.

Just as renewed contract talks began between International Longshoremen's Association and United States Maritime Alliance, they quickly ended as automation once again became a sticking point with the union.