Despite a record harvest creating logistical pressure, the U.S. transportation system is currently keeping up with demand, thanks in part to recent investments and a temporary slowdown in export activity.

Max Fisher, chief economist and treasurer for the National Grain & Feed Association, explains that global trade shifts provided a buffer.

The current trade environment, particularly reduced grain movement to major export hubs in the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf of Mexico, has eased congestion.

“The trade barriers have meant that we have a little excess capacity, especially in our rail system right now,” Fisher tells Mid-West Farm Report. “So there's just not as much grain moving through it. For the time being, because of a little slack in the amount of grain demand for rail, the service has just been excellent.”