Ag Groups Welcome New RFS Volume Obligations

The Environmental Protection Agency released the long-awaited final Renewable Fuels Standard volume obligations for 2026 and 2027, and U.S. ag groups responded positively. “The final rule locks in the highest-ever renewable fuel volume obligations and provides clarity for farmers, ethanol producers, oil refiners, and fuel distributors alike,” said Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association. Jed Bower, president of the National Corn Growers Association, said the announcement, combined with the summertime E15 waiver last week, is a “positive move for the nation’s corn growers,” who are navigating an exceptionally difficult environment. Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, said, “These increased targets for biodiesel and renewable diesel send a strong signal to the marketplace and create meaningful new demand for America’s family farmers and ranchers.” Scott Metzger, president of the American Soybean Association, said farmers “needed a win,” and this announcement delivered that win in a “big way.”  

Ag Retailers Applaud EPA Action on DEF Systems

The Agricultural Retailers Association welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency’s action to address diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system failures. The ARA called it a timely step to support farmers and agricultural retailers as spring planting gets underway. DEF system malfunctions have caused costly equipment downtime and operational disruptions across agriculture. The EPA’s action to remove the problematic sensor requirement will help keep equipment running and reduce unnecessary delays in the field. “America’s agricultural retailers and growers continue to face high fuel costs and tight margins,” said ARA President and CEO Darren Coppock. “This commonsense relief will help them stay productive and profitable at a critical time of the year.” ARA also emphasized that the timing of the announcement is especially important as farmers prepare for and begin spring planting. ARA’s Board of Directors recently ratified this issue as a policy priority for 2026. 

U.S. Hog Inventory Up Slightly in February

As of March 1, there were 74.3 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, up slightly from March 2025 but down one percent from December 1, 2025. That’s according to the recent USDA Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Other key findings in the report included that of the 74.3 million hogs and pigs, 68.4 million were market hogs, while 5.89 million were kept for breeding. Between December 2025 and February 2026, 33.2 million pigs were weaned on U.S. farms, up one percent from the same period one year earlier. From December through February, hog and pig producers weaned an average of 11.9 pigs per litter. U.S. producers intend to have 2.86 million sows farrow between March and May 2026, and 2.9 million farrow between June and August of this year. Iowa had the largest state inventory at 24.7 million head. 

Sheep Funding Opportunity Available for Summer Fair Season

As fairs, festivals, and farmers’ markets ramp up across the country, the American Lamb Board is offering two funding opportunities to support local educational and promotional efforts that build awareness and drive demand for American lamb. ALB is proud to offer sponsorship funding for events that strengthen and grow the U.S. sheep industry. Organizations hosting events that include educational sessions, tours, or demonstrations, and networking opportunities are encouraged to apply. Requests should include a proposed agenda, event location, and event date. Sponsorship options include promotional materials, up to $400 in value. There’s a $750 and a $1,500 cash sponsorship. ALB also offers a matching promotional funding program designed to increase awareness and demand for American lamb through consumer-focused marketing and promotional efforts. Eligible projects include local consumer-facing promotional events, cooking classes, on-farm tours, and other opportunities. To apply, go to LambBoard.com.

NACD Leadership Advocates for Locally-Led Conservation During Fly-In

The National Association of Conservation Districts leadership and over one hundred locally elected conservation district officials convened last week in Washington, D.C., for the NACD Annual Spring Fly-In. Conservation district officials and their associations engaged directly with members of Congress and federal agencies to advance priorities that strengthen America’s voluntary, locally-led conservation delivery system. As part of their advocacy efforts, conservation leaders underscored the importance of passing a farm bill that strengthens local conservation, maintains a strong FY 2027 funding for NRCS conservation operations, invests in the conservation workforce and local delivery infrastructure, and ensures federal programs remain flexible and responsive to local priorities. “The current model works because it is locally led, partnership-driven, and grounded in trust,” said NACD President Gary Blair. “It depends on strong, sustained investment to continue delivering results.” 

Dry Weather to Continue in the Central and Southern U.S.

National Weather Service maps show that very dry weather will continue across most of western Nebraska, which has already been hit by devastating wildfires. The dry weather will stretch down into the Southern Plains early this week. Red flag fire danger warnings have already been issued in multiple regions amid a forecast of very dry and windy weather. Winds in west-central Nebraska are forecast early this week at 10 to 20 miles per hour, gusting as high as 35 mph. The relative humidity will drop as low as ten percent, and temperatures early this week will climb to almost 90 degrees in multiple locations. Southwestern Kansas will have wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour, while the humidity will fall to around eight percent. “Any fires that develop will catch and spread very quickly in these conditions,” the National Weather Service said in an announcement. 

Tuesday Watch List

Markets

Tuesday's trade will center around the release of USDA's Prospective Plantings and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports, both at 11 a.m. CDT. Otherwise, traders will remain in tune to developments regarding the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Weather

The first of three storm systems this week continues across the Great Lakes on Tuesday. It will produce areas of showers and thunderstorms and stall a front from the Central Plains to the Ohio Valley. Scattered showers will form along the front but will be isolated across the Plains. The next system will be moving through the West.

EPA Announces RFS Standards for 2026-27

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized new renewable fuel standards that increase biofuel blending requirements and aim to strengthen domestic energy production, according to a federal announcement. The rule, part of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard program, sets new volume targets for 2026 and 2027 and is expected to boost demand for ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable fuels. Officials said the standards are designed to reduce reliance on foreign oil while supporting U.S. farmers and rural economies. “Today’s announcement is truly historic for our nation’s farmers and energy producers. These numbers represent the highest levels of biofuels ever required to be blended into our fuel supply,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. The policy also includes measures intended to prioritize domestically produced biofuels over imports, reinforcing energy security goals. The Renewable Fuel Standard requires refiners to blend renewable fuels into the nation’s fuel supply or purchase credits to comply. Industry groups have closely watched the rule, which influences commodity markets, fuel prices and investment decisions across agriculture and energy sectors.

Farmers Expected to Shift Acres from Corn to Soybeans Amid Rising Costs

U.S. farmers are expected to plant fewer corn acres this spring and shift more land to soybeans as rising input costs continue to pressure farm budgets, analysts say. Higher fertilizer and diesel prices, driven in part by global geopolitical tensions, have made corn more expensive to produce than soybeans, which require less nitrogen. As a result, producers are adjusting planting decisions to manage financial risk, according to Reuters. The shift comes as farm income is projected to decline for a fourth consecutive year, according to economists. Lower commodity prices and elevated input costs have squeezed margins across much of the farm sector. Market analysts say the acreage changes could influence grain supplies later this year, potentially supporting corn prices if production falls. Planting decisions remain fluid, however, as farmers weigh weather conditions, input availability and market volatility ahead of the spring planting season.

Farm Bill Uncertainty Persists as Lawmakers Debate Key Ag Policies

Uncertainty surrounding the next farm bill continues as lawmakers remain divided on several key agricultural and nutrition policy issues. Members of Congress from both parties agree on the need to update farm programs, but disagreements over funding levels, nutrition assistance and regulatory provisions have slowed progress. Reuters reports key sticking points include the future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, disaster aid funding and proposals to expand year-round sales of higher ethanol blends such as E15. Farm groups have urged Congress to act quickly, citing financial stress among producers and the need for policy certainty ahead of planting season. Without a new farm bill, many existing programs will continue under temporary extensions, leaving long-term policy questions unresolved. Lawmakers have indicated negotiations are ongoing, but no clear timeline has emerged for final passage.

Wildfires Threaten Grazing Land and Livestock Operations Across Plains

Wildfires burning across parts of the central and western United States are raising concerns for cattle producers and grazing operations as the 2026 fire season intensifies. Large fires in the Plains have already scorched significant acreage, damaging pastureland and reducing available forage for livestock. The Washington Post reports ranchers in affected areas are working to relocate cattle and secure feed supplies. Fire conditions have been fueled by dry weather, strong winds and low humidity, creating an elevated risk across key agricultural regions. Agriculture officials warn that prolonged fire activity could have lasting impacts on herd management and feed costs, particularly if grazing land recovery is slow. Experts say the early severity of fires may signal a challenging season ahead, with continued risks to both livestock operations and rural infrastructure.

Severe Storms Increase Risks for Farmers Heading into Planting Season

Severe weather across much of the central United States is raising concerns for farmers as spring planting season begins. Forecasters report a recent pattern of strong storms, including tornadoes and heavy rainfall, along with sharp temperature swings that could disrupt fieldwork and damage infrastructure. Wet conditions in some areas may delay planting, while high winds and storms pose risks to farm buildings and equipment. The New York Post reports livestock producers also face challenges from rapidly changing weather conditions. Timely planting is critical for crop yields, and prolonged delays could affect production potential for key commodities such as corn and soybeans. The volatile weather outlook adds another layer of uncertainty for producers already dealing with tight margins and fluctuating input costs. Meteorologists say conditions could remain active in the coming weeks as seasonal patterns shift.

SAF Leading Airline Industry to Net Zero Emissions

Sustainable aviation fuel is emerging as a key tool in the aviation industry’s effort to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as companies look to reduce their environmental footprint without overhauling existing aircraft. Unlike conventional jet fuel, sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, is produced from renewable sources such as used cooking oil, agricultural waste and forestry residues. Business Airport International reports these fuels can cut lifecycle carbon emissions by as much as 80% compared with traditional petroleum-based fuels while working in current engines and infrastructure. The aviation sector has already made progress on efficiency, but industry leaders say SAF represents the most immediate path to deeper emissions reductions. Business aviation, while a small share of global emissions, has taken a leading role in adopting the fuel. Challenges remain, including limited supply and higher production costs. Still, policymakers and industry groups are pushing for expanded production, viewing SAF as critical to meeting long-term climate goals.

Monday Watch List

Markets

USDA will release their weekly grain export inspections report at 10 a.m. CDT Monday. Otherwise, there are no major reports scheduled. Traders will likely position ahead of Tuesday's USDA reports and watch for updates regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Weather

A system is moving along the U.S.-Canada border on Monday. It is producing scattered showers across northern areas throughout the day and will likely produce thunderstorms in the Midwest this evening. Some of those could become severe with large hail being the main threat. Dryness in the Plains is a concern for spreading wildfires as well.

FAPRI Releases 2026 U.S. Agricultural Market Outlook Now Available

The University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute released its 2026 U.S. Agricultural Market Outlook. The near-term outlook for farm finances shows stark differences between crop and livestock sectors. Net returns remain poor for most row crops, but the cattle sector, in contrast, is experiencing record prices and returns to cow-calf producers. Grain and oilseed prices are expected to rebound modestly in 2026, having fallen from their recent peaks. Corn, soybeans, and wheat prices remain below their average of the last decade. Corn prices are projected to average $4.31 for the 2026 crop, while soybean prices are projected at $10.39 a bushel for 2026-2027. Prices for cotton, rice, sorghum, and many other crops are expected to show modest increases, but margins remain poor. The beef cow herd continued declining, resulting in record cow-calf operator profitability. This profitability eventually causes the cycle to turn, and cattle prices are predicted to start declining in 2027. 

More Reaction to EPA’s E15 Summertime Waiver

U.S. agricultural groups continued to react to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Summertime E15 waiver announcement. “Nationwide access to E15 is a much-needed win for family farmers and consumers alike,” said National Farmers Union President Rob Larew. “It helps lower costs at the pump while creating markets for farmers.” National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower said, “This development will help our corn growers, who are doing their best to navigate tough times.” Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) said every cent saved at the pump can make a real difference, adding that, “We must now act in Congress to pass my bipartisan legislation to permanently allow the sale of nationwide, year-round E15.” Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau, said biofuels play an important role in meeting America’s energy needs and are a win-win for farmers and drivers. “E15 gasoline saves consumers 10 to 30 cents per gallon at the pump,” Duvall said.

Court Decision Upholds Ban on Lab-Grown Meat

Earlier this week, a federal appeals court upheld Florida’s ban on lab-grown meat, which has been in place since 2024. The Center for the Environment and Welfare said the decision is another setback for those working to overturn Florida’s ban on lab-grown protein. “Lab-grown meat is an experimental product with many unknowns because there is a lack of long-term health studies,” said Will Coggin, research director at the Center. “Florida is joined by many other states that share concerns about petri (PEE-tree) dish protein, and it’s a sensible policy that keeps pace with consumer expectations.” Lab-grown meat is produced by extracting animal cells and growing them in large metal vats known as bioreactors. While the federal government approved the sale of lab-grown meat in 2023, there’s still no research on the long-term health effects of consuming the products. To date, seven states beyond Florida have enacted legislation banning the product. 

USGBC Releases the Corn Export Cargo Quality Report

USGBC Releases the Corn Export Cargo Quality ReportThe average aggregate quality of U.S. corn samples tested for the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council’s 2025-2026 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report was better than or equal to U.S. No. 2 on all grade factors. “The Council’s report, now in its 15th edition, is a testament to the organization’s dedication and commitment to connecting international end users of feed grains and their co-products to U.S. farmers,” said Mark Wilson, USGBC chair. Broken corn and foreign material registered at 2.4 percent after moving through export channels, the lowest in the report’s 15-year history. Protein content was measured at 8.5 percent dry basis, similar to last year’s crop, and starch concentration was observed at 72.1 percent, higher than in 2024-2025. The report is based on 430 yellow commodity corn samples collected from export shipments as they underwent the inspection and grading processes performed by licensed inspectors. 

Farm Futures Says Corn Acres May Surpass USDA Forecast

A Farm Progress survey led by Farm Futures Magazine indicated a few more corn acres than the USDA Outlook projected in February, but still fewer than in 2025. Based on the cumulative numbers from all states in the survey, corn planting intentions in 2026 are expected to drop about 2.4 percent from 2025, or about half the drop that USDA projected in February. “U.S. farmers are widely expected to slash corn plantings in 2026 as heavy supplies from last year’s record 17-billion-bushel harvest weigh on grain prices and pressure margins,” said Bruce Blythe, senior editor at Farm Futures. A 2.4 percent drop in corn acreage from 2025 would result in farmers planting about 96.4 million acres, over two million lower than the USDA’s February prediction. Soybean acres could be up a million from the USDA’s estimate, and possibly reach over 86 million acres. “Southern acres appear set to shift from unprofitable cotton and rice to more soybeans,” Blythe said.  

Weekly Ethanol Production Grows

Data from the Energy Information Administration and analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association showed ethanol production expanding 2.1 percent to 1.12 million barrels a day during the week ending March 20. That’s equivalent to almost 47 million gallons daily. Output was six percent higher than the same week last year and 7.8 percent above the three-year average for the week. Ethanol stocks swelled 2.9 percent to 27.2 million barrels, the largest weekly volume in a year. Stocks were 0.7 percent less than the same week last year but 3.2 percent higher than the three-year average. Inventories were built across all regions except the West Coast. The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rose 2.2 percent to 8.92 million barrels a day. Demand was 3.3 percent higher than a year ago. Ethanol exports dropped 32 percent to an estimated 119,000 barrels a day, a ten-week low. 

Friday Watch List

Markets

While there are no major reports scheduled for Friday, markets will be tuned in to the White House Ag event, with President Trump scheduled to speak at 11:30 a.m. CDT. Later in the afternoon, CFTC will release the weekly Commitments of Traders report, updating positions as of Tuesday, March 24.

Weather

A sharp cold front continues to push southward through the country on Friday. Scattered showers are forming along it but will wane throughout the day and be very limited over driest areas of the Southern Plains, Delta, and Southeast. A burst of colder air follows behind it as well.

Trump Administration Approves Summer E15 Fuel Sales

The Renewable Fuels Association welcomed a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to allow uninterrupted sales of lower-cost E15 this summer. At a time of rising gasoline prices, year-round sales of E15 will help American drivers save money at the pump, strengthen the rural economy, and boost energy independence. The RFA thanked EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and the White House for announcing waivers that will allow continued sales of E15 at almost 5,000 gas stations across the country. “With geopolitical conflict roiling energy markets worldwide, we applaud the President and Administrator Zeldin for acting quickly and decisively to combat potential fuel shortages and help keep a lid on gas prices this summer,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. In announcing the decision, EPA pointed out that the lower-cost, American-made E15 blend is legally approved for use in more than 95 percent of vehicles on the road today. 

Klobuchar Touts Improvements in the Domestic Supply Chain

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, addressed the recent Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit conference. She said one of the most important things on her mind is the price of fertilizer. “Last month, as farmers began preparations for the spring planting season, fertilizer components like urea spiked 25 percent,” she told attendees. “Ammonia, phosphate, sulfate, and potassium have also sharply eroded what little profit margin exists on the farms this year.” Klobuchar also said that, since the 1980s, the number of companies producing ammonia has declined substantially. “Today, four companies control more than three-quarters of the nitrogen fertilizer in the U.S., while potash and phosphate fertilizer markets are 100 percent controlled by these four companies,” she added. “The increased concentration in the fertilizer industry has put the farmers in a really hard situation, and the Iran war only makes that situation even worse.” 

Groups Call for Reasonable Guidelines for Aviation Tax Credits

A letter signed by over 20 agricultural and biofuel groups was sent to officials at the Agriculture, Treasury, and Energy Departments, and the White House, asking for reasonable guidelines to allow farmers to benefit from the 45Z tax credit. The credit is intended to facilitate the sale of ethanol and other biofuels in the aviation sector. “Farmers are facing structural economic issues where projected costs exceed expected revenues,” the letter said. “Biofuels are a critical market for U.S. farmers, and tax incentives like the 45Z tax credit are essential policy instruments to secure long-term demand for liquid fuels made from American-grown feedstock.” The letter also said stable, long-term market incentives will help farmers outpace their global competitors, and allow them to make capital, input, and management decisions that shape the next several growing seasons. “Clear 45Z guidance is critical for farmers and their lenders to plan ahead with confidence,” the groups said. 

Spring Arrives on the Upper Mississippi River

Army Corps of Engineers staff locked the Motor Vessel Crockett through Lock and Dam 2 in Hastings, Minnesota, this week, with two additional barges en route to St. Paul, Minnesota. She was immediately followed by four additional tows. The lockages marked the unofficial start to the navigation season because the lock and dam is the last one before reaching St. Paul. The average first tow arrives around the third week in March. The earliest date for a tow to reach St. Paul occurred on March 4 in 1983, 1984, and 2000. Keeping the Mississippi River navigation system open is critical for the nation’s economy. A 15-barge tow is the equivalent of more than 1,050 semi-trailers or 200 rail cars. One barge can carry more than 50,000 bushels of wheat, enough to make 2.1 million loaves of bread. Shipping commodities on the river saves money and ultimately helps reduce grocery store costs. 

Food and Agriculture Generate 20 Percent of All U.S. Economic Activity

Every year, the Feeding the Economy report provides a comprehensive look at the full economic footprint of U.S. food and agriculture. Among the report’s biggest takeaways is that food and agriculture support $10.4 trillion in total U.S. economic output, representing about 20 percent of all economic activity. The sector supports almost 29 million jobs, or roughly 30 percent of total U.S. employment, even though on-farm jobs account for less than two percent. Food and agriculture generate over $1.3 trillion in tax revenue, reinforcing their role as a foundation of local, state, and federal economies. Maintaining domestic food and agriculture production helps anchor jobs, income, and economic activity within the United States. The report highlights a broad reality: agriculture is not just one sector of the overall economy, but it is a foundational driver of economic activity, supporting millions of jobs, trillions in output, and significant tax revenue across every state. 

Compeer Awards Over 100 Scholarships to Future Ag Students

Compeer Financial selected 105 high school seniors out of 447 eligible applicants to receive a scholarship worth $2,000 toward the pursuit of a degree related to agriculture. This year’s recipients excel academically with an average GPA of 3.9. In addition, 74 percent are involved in FFA, while 20 percent are members of 4-H. Areas of study receiving the most interest among the scholarship winners include ag, plant, animal, and veterinary sciences; agricultural business; and ag education. “Compeer is committed to sustaining agriculture and our rural communities, and the next generation is integral to supporting the expanding industries that contribute to a dynamic, collaborative, and thriving rural environment,” said Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving within Compeer Financial. “Compeer Giving is proud to help these hard-working students as they pursue a degree in agriculture or a related field and enable them to explore the vast career opportunities across ag-related industries.” 

Thursday Watch List

Markets

USDA will lead off Thursday with their weekly Export Sales report at 7:30 a.m. CDT. Later in the afternoon, USDA will release the quarterly Hogs and Pigs inventory report at 2 p.m. CDT. Otherwise, the market will of course be in tune to developments regarding the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Weather

A strong front is diving south through the northern half of the country on Thursday. Scattered showers are already occurring with it, but it will be more potent Thursday afternoon and evening across the Midwest as strong-to-severe thunderstorms are expected to develop from Missouri to Ohio.

Ag Chair says Senate to Start Farm Bill Work in Weeks

Senate Ag Chair John Boozman (BOZE-man) said he plans to take up a five-year farm bill within weeks, regardless of any possible delays a similar bill may face in the House. E & E News quoted the Chair as saying “weeks, not months,” although he didn’t offer any specifics. Bozeman did tell U.S. agriculture groups not to think delays were inaction, as he noted lawmakers and congressional leadership are discussing how to advance the bill. The most recent action on the farm bill came in the House, when Ag Committee members voted 34-17 to advance a new farm bill. However, Farm Aid reported that the bill itself remains controversial, and several sticking points may make it difficult to advance out of the full House. One particularly contentious part of the bill is protection for pesticide companies from legal claims about the product’s health impacts. The inclusion threatens Republican support from the Make America Healthy Again movement.

USDA Promotes New Voluntary “Product of the USA” Label

On National Agriculture Day, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the launch of a national public awareness campaign to inform meat, poultry, and egg producers about the “Product of the USA” voluntary labeling standard that went into effect on January 1, 2026. The campaign is also designed to increase consumer understanding of what the label means. “American consumers want to support America by buying American, and this label will strengthen our food supply chain through transparency, fairness, and trust,” said Rollins. “This new standard policy ensures producers who invest in a fully American supply chain can compete fairly, and it gives consumers the confidence they deserve about the food they bring home.” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., said the new label puts America’s producers first, gives families clear, honest information, and empowers them to choose food raised right here at home. 

Farmers Share Big Concerns About Greenhouse Gas Data Collection

U.S. dairy farmers across the country are increasingly being asked to provide detailed operational data to cooperatives, proprietary processors, and supply-chain partners for sustainability and Scope 3 GHG reporting. These requests can include sensitive data like herd records, feed and manure data, cropping practices, energy use, fuel consumption, and other aspects of farm business management. The requests are occurring even though federal agencies like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the EPA under the Biden and Trump administrations stepped back from Scope 3 requirements, citing concerns that they are outside a company’s direct control, controversial, and difficult to regulate and verify. Farmers contacting the American Dairy Coalition say programs tied to the dairy checkoff program’s Innovation Center of U.S. Dairy and Net Zero Initiative through the FARM ES Program appear to be expanding beyond their original voluntary intent. 

Lawmakers Seek Fertilizer Cost Transparency

A bipartisan group of Senators introduced a bill that would require mandatory price reporting of fertilizer. Bloomberg said the move is a bid for more market information after the war in Iran prompted the biggest rise in crop nutrient costs in years. The bill, called the Fertilizer Transparency Act,” would offer market participants of all sizes with comparable levels of market information on fertilizer components. “At a time when rising fertilizer costs and low commodity prices are continuing to erode farmers’ profitability, we should be increasing price transparency for farmers in the current market and increasing domestic fertilizer production and storage here at home,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar, the Ranking Member of the Senate Ag Committee. Josh Linville of StoneX said Middle East Urea has jumped by the highest amount since the Strait of Hormuz closed three weeks ago, climbing $285, a 60 percent hike compared to the pre-war prices. 

Farmers Get Less Than Six Cents of Every Dollar Spent on Food

Data from the U.S. Economic Research Service’s Food Dollar Series provides a clear picture of how consumer food spending is distributed across the U.S. food supply chain. The latest estimates show that crop producers capture about 2.5 cents of every food dollar, down from 2.9 cents in 2023. Livestock producers receive about 3.3 cents, up from three cents a year earlier. Combined, U.S. farmers and ranchers account for about 5.8 cents of the total value added in the food system, down from 5.9 cents in 2023. In 2024, farmers received 11.8 cents of every dollar spent on domestically produced food, down from 12.1 cents in 2023, a 2.5 percent decrease year over year. The remaining 88.2 cents of the food dollar went toward the marketing bill, which includes costs associated with food processing, transportation, packaging, wholesaling, retailing, and food service. This shift illustrates how an increasing share of food spending is driven by services and supply chain activities rather than farming.

USDA Releases Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Reports

USDA’s 2026 projection for beef production was lowered by 110 million pounds from last month to 25.81 billion pounds. A sharp decline in fed cattle slaughter expected in the first quarter was partially offset by a slight increase in second quarter slaughter and heavier carcass weights. In 2026, the dairy cow herd is projected to average 9.57 million head, an increase of 30,000 head, and milk production is forecast to be higher at 234.7 billion pounds, 0.2 billion pounds higher than last month’s forecast. Quarterly commercial pork production forecasts for 2026 are unchanged, leaving the annual production forecast unchanged at 28.3 billion pounds, 2.5 percent higher than last year. In poultry, projected broiler production was adjusted higher in the first half of 2026, reflecting recent hatchery data, while 2026 broiler export projections were unchanged. Projected broiler prices were adjusted lower in the second quarter on recent price trends.

Wednesday Watch List

Markets

On Wednesday, the EIA will release the weekly Petroleum Status report at 9:30 a.m. CDT, which will include last week's ethanol production. Otherwise, it looks to be another quiet day for reports, but markets will remain sensitive to war-related headlines as has been the case for the past month.

Weather

A system is moving along the Canadian border on Wednesday, producing some areas of showers across the far north. Warmer air continues to spread eastward south of the system with some extremely warm temperatures again in the Southern Plains.

Groups Urge Action on Phosphate Duties

Over 50 state grower groups and eight national ag groups filed a letter with the Department of Commerce on Friday asking it to revoke countervailing duties on imports of phosphate fertilizer as the sunset review begins. The letter was signed by groups like the National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, USA Rice, and several others, and said that if the duties continue, they will further worsen the dire economic conditions faced by American farmers. “Maintaining the phosphate fertilizer duties will allow a small set of powerful corporations to continue to limit supply options for farmers,” the letter said. “This has already prevented farmers from accessing the tools that meet their crop production needs and resulted in lower yields and negative economic impacts.” In 2020, the Commerce Department, acting on a petition filed by The Mosaic Company, imposed duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco and Russia. 

Trade Associations Ask for Finalized RFS

The March 2026 Cattle on Feed Report showed February placements of 1.61 million head, which was a four percent increase over 2025, exceeding analyst expectations before the report. The March 1 total on-feed inventory was 11.55 million head, 0.3 percent below last year, while February marketings fell seven percent compared to 2025. Beef Magazine said the report was considered slightly bearish due to the higher-than-expected placements, which were a four percent increase from a light placement year in 2025. Some of the key feeding states saw high placements, including Iowa, up 11 percent, Kansas was also 11 percent higher, and Texas placements rose by eight percent. February fed cattle marketings totaled 1.52 million head, seven percent below 2025. Marketings were the second lowest for February since the series began in 1996. Other disappearances totaled 50,000 head during February, 17 percent below 2025. 

Argentina Grain Exports Jump

Argentina is shipping grains to overseas markets at a strong pace this season. Reuters said record sunflower exports and booming corn sales helped to move one of the country’s biggest harvests in years. The Rosario Grains Exchange said the shipping is moving at a good pace, even though the conflict in the Middle East is adding volatility to global prices and raising freight costs. Argentina is benefiting from record corn and wheat production and the best sunflower harvest of the 21st century. Sunflower oil exports posted their strongest start to the marketing year since 2005, and shipments of raw sunflower seeds hit unprecedented levels in the first quarter. Corn is also off to a quick start as the new corn export season is expected to break records and top four million metric tons. Argentina’s edge in the world market could weaken later this year when Brazil’s second-season corn crop begins reaching global buyers. 

Applications Open for Sheep Heritage Foundation Scholarship

Applications are open for the American Sheep Industry Association’s annual Sheep Heritage Foundation Scholarship. The deadline to apply is May 31, and the recipient will be announced in July. The $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to one graduate-level Master’s or Doctoral student who is attending school in the United States. The scholarship was developed to drive advancement in the American sheep industry through either wool or lamb research. Applicants must be graduate students involved in sheep and/or wool research in areas like animal science, agricultural economics, or veterinary medicine, with proof of graduate school acceptance. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, present two letters of reference, and complete the application. Again, the deadline to apply is May 31, 2026. For more information or to apply, go to sheepusa.org. 

USDA Launches Trade Mission to Vietnam

The USDA launched a Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Productions Mission to Vietnam this week to open new markets, strengthen export opportunities, and secure fair and reciprocal trade for American farmers, ranchers, and producers. “American farmers, ranchers, and producers thrive when they have strong, reliable markets for their high-quality products,” said USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg, who’s leading the mission. “By strengthening our trade relationship with Vietnam, we’re opening doors for U.S. agriculture, ensuring they have a fair chance to compete and succeed.” In 2025 alone, agriculture, fishery, and forest product exports surged by 45 percent to a record $5.6 billion, making Vietnam the eighth-largest market for the U.S. The mission’s goal is to expand on the momentum by expanding market access, connecting suppliers with new buyers, and advancing negotiations for America’s farmers and ranchers. USDA will return to Vietnam later this year for a broader agribusiness trade mission to continue expanding opportunities. 

Celebrating Aerial Applicators on National Ag Day

As the nation celebrates National Ag Day on Tuesday, the National Agricultural Aviation Association honors the men and women whose work in aerial application supports global food production and modern agriculture. National Ag Day highlights the vital contributions of farmers, ranchers, aerial applicators, and the broader agricultural community. For more than a century, aerial applicators have helped farmers deliver a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food, fiber, and bioenergy, while also protecting forests and controlling the pests that threaten human and animal health. Each year, American farmers rely on aerial application to treat approximately 127 million acres, or nearly 28 percent of U.S. cropland, applying fertilizers, seeds, and crop protection treatments with precision and efficiency. “Aerial application plays a vital role in modern agriculture by allowing crops to be protected quickly, precisely, and with minimal impact to the soil,” said Andrew Moore, NAAA CEO. 

Tuesday Watch List

Markets

There are no major agricultural or macroeconomic reports scheduled for Tuesday. The trade will likely remain sensitive to updates regarding the war in the Middle East after a volatile start to the week on Monday.

Weather

It is fairly calm across most of the U.S. with a couple of systems moving through Canada for Tuesday. Very little precipitation is expected. Instead, temperatures will be rising again east of the Rockies.

USDA Support Programs Remain Key as Farm Income Pressures Persist

Federal farm support programs are playing an increasingly central role as U.S. producers navigate a period of economic uncertainty marked by high costs and weak commodity prices. Programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including income support and disaster assistance initiatives, have provided a financial backstop for many farmers facing tight margins. Recent enrollment in aid programs has remained strong, reflecting ongoing stress in the agricultural sector. Industry groups say current conditions, including elevated fertilizer and fuel costs, have made federal assistance essential for maintaining operations. Some policymakers, however, are debating whether existing programs provide sufficient coverage, particularly as Congress works to finalize a new farm bill. Analysts say continued reliance on federal support underscores broader structural challenges in agriculture, including price volatility and rising production expenses.

U.S. Soybean Shipments to China Rise as Summit Delay Clouds Trade Outlook

A surge of U.S. soybean shipments to China is providing a boost to export demand, even as uncertainty grows over the future of trade talks between the two countries. Recent export activity shows increased volumes of U.S. soybeans moving to China, the world’s largest buyer, as previously arranged purchases are fulfilled. Bloomberg reports the shipments come amid shifting global competition, particularly from Brazil, and reflect continued reliance on the Chinese market for U.S. growers. However, market sentiment has been tempered by delays surrounding a potential summit between U.S. and Chinese leaders, raising questions about future trade policy and demand stability. Analysts say uncertainty over negotiations could weigh on soybean prices and influence farmer marketing decisions. China remains the top destination for U.S. soy exports, making trade relations a key factor for the farm economy. Any disruption or delay in talks could have ripple effects across commodity markets.

Bipartisan Senators Introduce Bill Targeting Fertilizer Costs and Transparency

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced legislation aimed at increasing transparency in fertilizer markets and potentially lowering costs for farmers facing high input expenses. Senators Tammy Baldwin, Chuck Grassley, and Joni Ernst said the proposal would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study competition, pricing trends and supply factors in the fertilizer industry. The agency would be directed to publish a public report within one year examining issues such as market concentration, import reliance and trade policies. Lawmakers said fertilizer remains one of the largest expenses for U.S. producers, with prices contributing significantly to overall production costs. Farm groups have raised concerns about limited market transparency and the impact of consolidation on pricing. Supporters say the bill could provide farmers with better insight into price drivers, while helping policymakers evaluate potential reforms to improve competition and affordability.

Lawmakers Highlight Support for Farmers at Senate Agriculture Hearing

Lawmakers from both parties voiced support for U.S. farmers during a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing focused on expanding domestic agricultural production, as producers face rising costs and financial pressure. At the hearing, titled “Increasing Domestic Production of U.S.-Grown Agricultural Products,” members heard testimony from agricultural trade group leaders on challenges facing the farm sector. Republicans emphasized expanding domestic and export markets, reducing regulatory burdens and advancing policies such as biofuels and the Buy American Cotton Act to improve profitability. Democrats focused on strengthening nutrition and specialty crop programs, making year-round E15 fuel sales permanent, addressing farm labor shortages and ensuring equitable distribution of federal aid. Lawmakers from both parties also raised concerns about tariffs, global conflicts and consolidation in agriculture, as well as the need for labor reform and increased research investment. The hearing underscored broad agreement that federal policy will play a key role in supporting long-term resilience in U.S. agriculture.

Nebraska Wildfires Threaten to Delay U.S. Cattle Herd Rebuilding

Massive wildfires in Nebraska are threatening to slow efforts to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd, as key grazing land in one of the nation’s top beef-producing states has been destroyed. Fires fueled by high winds have burned roughly 775,000 acres of pasture, removing a critical feed source for tens of thousands of cattle, according to state officials. The loss of grassland is expected to delay herd expansion plans, even as producers have been encouraged by historically strong cattle prices. Industry leaders say the fires compound ongoing challenges, including drought and high production costs, which have already pushed U.S. cattle inventories to multi-decade lows. Ranchers may be forced to move cattle, rely on more expensive feed, or reduce herd sizes in the short term. Analysts note that while strong beef demand has supported prices, the destruction of pastureland could further tighten supplies and prolong the timeline for herd recovery.

USDA Continues Rural Investment Efforts with Community Project Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is continuing to invest in rural infrastructure projects, announcing new funding for community facilities as part of broader efforts to support rural economies. Recent projects include investments in public services such as schools, emergency response facilities and community centers. USDA officials say the funding is aimed at improving quality of life and sustaining economic activity in rural areas tied closely to agriculture. Local leaders say such projects can help stabilize rural populations and support workforce development, particularly in regions where agriculture remains a primary economic driver. The funding is part of USDA’s long-standing rural development mission, which includes loans and grants for infrastructure and community services. Officials say continued investment will be critical as rural communities face economic pressures linked to volatility in the farm sector.

Monday Watch List

Markets

On Monday, USDA will release their weekly Grain Export Inspections report at 10 a.m. CDT. Monday afternoon, USDA will release the monthly Chicken and Eggs report at 2 p.m. CDT. There are no other reports scheduled, but traders will continue to watch for updates on the continuing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on energy markets.

Weather

A front moved through over the weekend, bringing through some showers for the Ohio Valley and a round of cooler air. That continues on Monday, but warm temperatures in the West will spread back through the country as we go on more of a rollercoaster ride throughout the week.

U.S. Seeking Fertilizer From Other Sources

The Trump administration is turning to other sources of fertilizer due to the ongoing shipping challenges caused by the Iran war. White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett said the administration is looking to Venezuela and possibly Morocco. “We’ve established licenses for Venezuela to produce more fertilizer, calling it an insurance policy against disruption,” Hassett told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” program. “I’m not saying we can eliminate what disruption there is so far, but we can minimize it.” Reuters also said fertilizer supplies have shrunk as the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran cut off critical nitrogen fertilizer supplies from the Gulf to the world’s farmers, sending prices spiking by more than a third in recent weeks. Bloomberg said the U.S. currently has duties in place on Moroccan phosphate, and the duties are now under review. “Pleas from U.S. farm groups to remove those fees that ramped up after the war began in Iran,” Bloomberg reported.

U.S. Shipping Law Waived as Gas Prices Soar

President Donald Trump issued a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act, which was confirmed by the White House on Wednesday. Axios (AXE-ee-ohs) said the White House formally eliminated the requirements that only American ships can transport cargo between domestic ports. Officials are looking to ease access to fuel and supplies while the Strait of Hormuz (hor-MOOZ) remains bottled up by war in Iran. The White House is attempting to pull multiple levers as the Iran war pushes gasoline prices higher and restricts access to goods that farmers and other industries need  to function. Market analysts say the move may only have up to a modest effect on most gasoline prices in the U.S., which now average approximately $3.84 per gallon according to AAA, up from roughly $3 before the conflict began. Oil prices rose higher on Wednesday as signs showed the war escalating further, with global benchmark Brent Crude was up over five dollars to about $109 per barrel.

Dairy Checkoff Launches Online Grant Database for Farmers

The dairy checkoff’s new online tool is designed to help dairy farmers and their advisors more easily identify grants and funding opportunities for conservation and on-farm improvements. The Funding Opportunities Database, available through the Dairy Conservation Navigator, organizes federal, state, and private funding programs into a single searchable platform tailored to dairy operations. For many farmers, identifying funding programs can be one of the most challenging steps in pursuing new projects. Agricultural grants are spread across multiple federal agencies, state initiatives, and private organizations, each of which has different deadlines, priorities, and application processes. “Dairy farming creates many opportunities for improvement but also makes identifying the right funding sources more complicated,” said Bridgett Hilshey, senior director of environmental stewardship at Dairy Management, Inc. Go to dairyconservation.org/grants. 

NCGA Press Call: “Implications of Middle East Conflict”

During a press conference this week, the National Corn Growers Association called on Congress to pass legislation that will allow for the year-round sale of E15. Farmers and the ethanol industry are ready to deliver a solution to high prices at the pump, impacting all American drivers, and support farmers’ profitability. It’s a win-win and an easy solution for Congress to deliver. The group also called on U.S. fertilizer companies to ask the Trump administration to remove duties on phosphate imports from Morocco to help reduce fertilizer costs for farmers, a move that some reports say is already under consideration by officials. “With corn prices low and input costs high, Iowa’s corn growers are facing a fourth year of negative profitability, a situation made even more uncertain by the volatility in the Strait of Hormuz (hor-MOOZ) affecting global trade,” said Mark Mueller, the president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association. 

NFU Urges Swift Finalization of Poultry Tournament Rule

The National Farmers Union is unhappy that the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems rule proposed by the USDA’s Ag Marketing Service has been postponed. NFU President Rob Larew is disappointed that USDA is delaying the implementation of its rule from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027. “The rule is designed to increase fairness in poultry contracting and payment systems,” said Larew. “Growers have long raised concerns about the unfairness of tournament pricing and the amount and quality of information provided to them by poultry companies.” He also said the rule establishes guardrails on the tournament system, giving producers more certainty and transparency so they can operate their farm businesses successfully. Broiler chicken growers operate under a tournament-style system, where they must compete against their neighbors for the best price. NFU said growers cannot reasonably avoid certain practices that cause them harm. 

Celebrating National Biodiesel Day

Earlier this week, March 18th was National Biodiesel Day. Biodiesel has been an early driver of clean fuel growth in America and a consistent foundation for farm and food security throughout the 21st century. Clean Fuels Alliance America celebrated the industry’s resiliency and looked ahead to new opportunities for growth. “Biodiesel helped chart the course for today’s clean fuels market in heavy-duty transportation and opened the doors to applications in rail, marine, Bioheat fuel, and aviation,” said Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen (REE-Hagen). National Biodiesel Day commemorates the birthday of Rudolf Diesel, who invented the diesel engine and predicted the importance of biodiesel more than a century ago. “The use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today, but such oils may become, in the course of time, as important as petroleum and the coal tar products of the present time,” he said during a speech in 1912. 

Friday Watch List

Markets

USDA will release their March Cattle on Feed report on Friday after the close at 2 p.m. CDT. Shortly afterwards at 2:30 p.m. CDT, CFTC will close the week with the Commitments of Traders report, updating positions as of Tuesday, March 17.

Weather

Extreme heat in the Southwest U.S. continues to build eastward through the country on Friday. Several high temperature records are likely to fall in the Central and Southern Plains. A system will move through the Northeast Friday with scattered showers that may clip the far eastern Midwest as well.

Vaden: Supportive Biofuel Regulations Coming Soon

Farmers waiting for strong biofuel-blending rules from the Environmental Protection Agency and pro-E15 legislation from Congress may not have to wait much longer. Agri-Pulse reported that during a talk at the University of Arkansas, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen (Steven) Vaden said the wait may be coming to an end soon. The EPA’s final biofuel regulations for this year and the next will likely be the “most pro-biofuel rule put in place by any White House,” Vaden said during his speech. “This will help drive momentum for Congress to finally pass legislation to allow year-round sales of higher ethanol fuel blends, known as E15.” Vaden, the second-highest ranking official at USDA, said he’s also optimistic about the demand outlook for airplane fuel made from U.S. agricultural products. Japan’s recent agreement to buy American sustainable aviation fuel has already led to at least one proposal to build a SAF plant in the United States.  

Trade Associations Ask for Finalized RFS

Six trade associations wrote a letter to the White House asking President Trump to unleash U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel production to bolster America’s energy security during the Iran conflict. The disruption in the global oil market is constraining diesel fuel supplies, which threatens to raise the cost of all U.S. consumer goods and further harm the U.S. agriculture sector as farmers start the season’s planting. Immediately finalizing the 2026 and 2027 Renewable Fuel Standards would encourage the U.S. fuel industry to quickly ramp up enough production capacity to meet three percent of the nation’s demand for diesel. The letter was signed by Clean Fuels Alliance America, the American Soybean Association, and many other groups. “The biodiesel, renewable diesel, and the SAF industry is ready to meet the challenge of providing crucial supplies of diesel fuel free from overseas threats,” the groups wrote in the letter. 

Land Values Drop in Nebraska

The value of agricultural land in Nebraska dropped one percent over the past year to an average of $3,095 per acre as of February 1. That’s according to a preliminary report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It’s the second consecutive year of declining land values since the market topped at $4,015 per acre in 2024. Land industry professionals who participated in this year’s survey attributed the decline to lower crop prices, higher farm input costs, and prevailing interest rates. “Many operations are facing tighter liquidity as crop revenues decline while input costs remain elevated,” said Jim Jansen, an extension ag economist for the University of Nebraska. “Those conditions are leading producers and lenders to take a more cautious approach when navigating these financial pressures.” The report found that cropland values generally declined across Nebraska over the past year as tighter crop margins weighed on land markets. “Flexible lease provision can help manage price risks,” he added.

FFA Members Prepare to Celebrate National Ag Day

Four national FFA members will represent the voice of agricultural youth in Washington, D.C., during the National Ag Day Celebration on March 24. National Ag Day is a time when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies, and countless others across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by U.S. agriculture. This year’s event theme is “Together We Grow.” It honors 250 years of agricultural progress since the U.S. was established. “National Agriculture Day shines a spotlight on the people and innovations that make agriculture a vital part of our nation,” said Celya (SEEL-yah) Glowacki, the National FFA Manager of Advocacy, Literacy, and Ag-Based Experiences. “We’re proud that our National FFA SpeakAg Pioneers will be in D.C. to share their perspectives and help tell agriculture’s story from their own unique viewpoint.” She added that their voices represent the future of the industry, and FFA is excited to see them engage with leaders on a national stage. 

RFA Releases “What They’re Saying” Report on E15

The Renewable Fuels Association released a comprehensive “What They’re Saying” report on E15. It features dozens of statements from members of Congress, President Trump, administration officials, Governors, and industry leaders on the urgent need to pass year-round E15 legislation immediately. 

“As this report shows, there is broad bipartisan support and growing urgency for legislation that would finally allow year-round, nationwide sales of lower-cost E15,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “There is widespread agreement that the time to act on E15 is right now.“ He also said for the sake of America’s farmers and consumers facing higher prices at the gas pump, Congress must act immediately to allow non-fettered access to E15. Cooper noted that drivers who have access to E15 today are saving as much as 10–40 cents per gallon, on average, with some stations offering even larger discounts. 

Thursday Watch List

Markets

USDA will release their weekly Export Sales report at 7:30 a.m. CDT. After the close, USDA will also release both their weekly and monthly livestock slaughter reports at 2 p.m. CDT. Otherwise, traders will remain in tune throughout the session to updates regarding the conflict in the Middle East.

Weather

Outside of a few showers in the eastern Midwest and Northeast, quiet weather is expected for Thursday. In that quiet weather, record-warm air in the Southwest will continue to build eastward through the country.

Strike Begins at Major Colorado Meatpacker

Striking workers hit the streets on Monday to picket against JBS in Greeley, Colorado. Reuters said it’s a rare labor stoppage at an American meatpacking plant and may be a sign of upheaval in the U.S. beef industry. The union that represents almost 4,000 employees at the beef processor said it’s the first time in forty years that American meatpacking employees have gone on strike. “Workers have taken on the company over wage increases they say fall short of the rate of inflation, and over charges of inadequate safety equipment,” Reuters reported. “JBS, the world’s largest meat company, said it has made a fair offer.” The dispute will cut down on American beef production capacity right when consumers face record prices for hamburgers and steaks. Industry analysts say tight cattle supplies have forced processors to pay steep prices for cattle, which will likely leave JBS motivated to resolve the strike quickly.

False Animal Disease Claims Online

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is aware of online rumors that allege a new or unknown animal disease is circulating in a feedlot in the Texas Panhandle. “These claims are false,” NCBA said in a release. Animal health officials from the USDA, state officials in Texas, along with leaders at the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, have confirmed there is no such disease present. “Spreading unverified information like this is not only irresponsible, it’s harmful to cattle producers, the beef supply chain, and consumer confidence in our safe and wholesome product,” NCBA said. “Our industry depends on transparency, science-based animal health protocols, and strong collaboration with state and federal animal health authorities.” The organization encourages everyone to rely on credible sources and verified information. NCBA said it will continue working closely with animal health officials to monitor any legitimate concerns and ensure the continued health of the U.S. cattle herd. 

Major North Dakota Ethanol Plant to Expand

Gevo, Inc. (GEE-voh) is expanding the capacity of its North Dakota ethanol plant to 75 million gallons per year. The company is also planning to make a final investment decision on the development of an adjacent sustainable aviation fuel project later this year. During a fourth-quarter earnings call, GEVO CEO Patrick Gruber said the plant “has performed superbly well.” Paul Bloom, Gevo’s current president, who will transition into the CEO role on April 1, said the facility exceeded its nameplate capacity last year, reaching about 69 million gallons. The company also captured and sequestered 173,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, achieving a yield of almost three gallons per bushel. “To further build on the strong results, I’m happy to announce we’ve approved our capital plan for Gevo to expand capacity to 75 million gallons per year, produce more co-products, improve energy efficiency, capture more carbon dioxide, and invest in our operational reliability,” Bloom added. 

Farm Broadcasting Loses a Legend

Farm broadcasting legend Orion Samuelson, a long-time NAFB member and retired emeritus, passed away on March 16, 2026, at the age of 91. The “American Farmer’s Best Friend” was a legend whose career likely won’t be duplicated. Affectionately known as “Big O,” he changed the farm media business and had a profound impact on all of agriculture. Samuelson was one of agriculture’s few celebrities, known to millions by his first name only. Entire generations grew up on the farm while listening intently when his voice came on the radio. Samuelson brought agriculture to life through decades of reporting on WGN radio and television. He was host for The U.S. Farm Report” and later helmed “This Week in Agribusiness.” Overall, Samuelson spent 60 years in the broadcasting business until his retirement in 2020. Orion grew up on his family’s dairy farm near La Crosse, Wisconsin, and then went into the radio business. 

Weekly Corn and Soybean Export Inspections Increase

Export inspections of corn and soybeans were stronger week-over-week during the seven days ending on March 12. A report from the USDA said corn inspections totaled 1.65 million metric tons, up from 1.52 million during the previous week. However, that was down slightly from the 1.69 million metric tons assessed during the same week last year. Soybean assessments hit 966,000 metric tons, up from 887,000 tons the previous week and higher than the 664,000 metric tons inspected at the same time in 2025. Examinations of wheat fell to 343,000 metric tons, down from the 498,000 metric tons a week prior and 495,000 metric tons during the previous year. Since the start of the marketing year, the agency said USDA has inspected 42.86 million tons of corn and 28.06 million tons of soybeans, which were higher and lower, respectively, than during the same time last year. Wheat assessments reached 19.47 million metric tons, three million higher than last year at the same time.  

Ag Retailers Outline 2026 Policy Priorities

The Agricultural Retailers Association outlined its 2026 Public Policy Priorities, announcing a comprehensive agenda designed to support America’s ag retailers and strengthen the nation’s food and supply chains. The priorities also support science-based, practical policy solutions that keep U.S. agriculture globally competitive. “ARA’s priorities are built to safeguard the tools, technologies, and regulatory certainty that agricultural retailers and their farmer customers rely on every day,” said Richard Gupton, the group’s senior vice president of public policy. The 2026 priorities include a new farm bill, modern agricultural technologies, stewardship, sustainability, economic growth, energy, transportation, infrastructure, labor, and homeland security. The platform emphasizes protecting essential farm safety nets, protecting science-based pesticide regulations, expanding access to modern crop technologies, strengthening conservation programs, supporting rural workforce growth, and bolstering the infrastructure and energy systems that underpin the nation’s agricultural economy. 

Wednesday Watch List

Markets

The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the February Producer Price Index report on Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. CDT. Later in the morning, EIA will be out with the weekly Petroleum Status report at 9:30 a.m. CDT, which will include last week's ethanol production. At 1 p.m. CDT, the Federal Reserve will announce their interest rate decision and are widely expected to hold rates steady. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will speak following the decision.

Weather

Cold air in the East contrasts with record warmth building in the West. That warmth is spreading through the Plains into the Mississippi Valley on Wednesday. A little mix of rain and snow is ushering the warmer air into the Midwest, but otherwise it will be a drier day.

Brazil: A Record Crop with Tighter Margins

Brazil is projected to produce a record 6.5 billion bushels of soybeans in the 2025-2026 crop season. However, despite the big crop, farm margins are predicted to decline to their lowest level in nearly two decades. Lower soybean prices, high production costs, and weak port premiums have compressed profitability for Brazilian farmers. The situation could lead to a slowdown in soybean acreage expansion in Brazil, which has been increasing year after year since the early 2000s. The high input costs, especially for fertilizers and financial interest rates, are cutting into profits, and many farmers in Brazil will operate at or near breakeven. While some reports anticipate lower fertilizer costs and interest rates expected for the 2026-2027 production cycle, current conditions have prompted a cautious outlook for future acreage expansion. Despite the tighter margins, Brazil continues to dominate in exports, with high export projections predicted, especially to China. 

Groups File Class Action Lawsuit on Fertilizer Price Fixing

Several of the world’s largest fertilizer producers were hit with a class-action lawsuit last week, accusing the companies of conspiring to inflate fertilizer prices for U.S. farmers. They say the conspiracy added thousands of dollars in input costs per farm and raised major concerns across the agricultural supply chain. Union Line Farms of Hopkinton, Iowa, filed the suit and targets many of the companies currently dominating the global fertilizer market. The suit names companies like Mosaic, Nutrien, Koch Agronomic Services, and others, alleging they coordinated production and pricing strategies to artificially increase the cost of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash, key inputs for crop production across U.S. agriculture. When prices began rising sharply during supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions in 2020, the suit alleges that prices remained elevated long after those pressures had ceased. The suit said fertilizer costs increased by 60 percent between 2021 and 2022, adding an estimated $128,000 in additional costs per farm in 2022 alone. 

Groups Ask Companies to Renounce Fertilizer Duties

Sixty-four agricultural groups cited the impact of the Middle East conflict in a letter sent to two of the nation’s largest fertilizer producers, urging them to support the removal of duties on imported phosphate products from Morocco. “The recent Middle East conflict has led to increases in the prices of U.S. fertilizer, regardless of actual impact to the U.S. supply,” read the letter, which was sent to The Mosaic Company and J.R. Simplot. “We strongly urge efforts to lower and stabilize prices by renouncing support of phosphate duties incurred through antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.” In 2020, the Commerce Department, acting on a petition by Mosaic, imposed duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco and Russia. At the time, Mosaic claimed that unfairly subsidized foreign companies were flooding the U.S. market with fertilizers and selling them at extremely low prices. The petition was supported by J.R. Simplot.

China Signals Openness to Buying More U.S. Ag Products

Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials held what were called “remarkably stable” talks in Paris during the weekend on several topics. Reuters said the discussions centered on potential areas of agreement in agriculture, critical minerals, and managed trade for U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider in Beijing. Two sources familiar with the talks told Reuters that the Chinese side showed additional willingness toward buying more U.S. agricultural goods, including poultry, beef, and non-soybean row crops, adding that China is still committed to buying 25 million tons of American soybeans each of the next three years. However, the Associated Press said President Trump is considering a delay in the visit to China at the end of the month as he wants to increase the pressure on Beijing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz (hor-MOOZ) and calm oil prices that have soared during the Iran war.

Grants Available to Combat Emerging Agricultural Threats

The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) launched a new competitive grants program to rapidly address emerging and re-emerging pest and disease threats across the nation’s food and agricultural systems. The grants program, titled “Rapid Response to Emerging and Re-Emerging Pest and Disease Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems,” is designed to deploy timely, science-based solutions to protect agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and food security. “This program empowers researchers and Extension professionals to act quickly, delivering practical solutions that safeguard our agricultural communities and the nation’s food supply,” said Dr. Jaye Hamby, director of NIFA (NEE-fah). Applications must directly address the effects associated with the emergence or re-emergence within the last 180 days of pests or diseases in animal or plant production systems or within the food supply. For information, visit nifa.usda.gov.

Moffitt is the New Vice President for American Farmland Trust

American Farmland Trust has promoted Jenny Lester Moffitt to Vice President of Farmland Protection and Strategic Priorities, where she’ll lead a national effort to safeguard America’s working lands now and into the future. Moffitt will unite AFT’s farmland protection, information, and capacity-building initiatives, strengthen the National Agricultural Land Network and Farmland Information Center, and expand conservation easements, land transfers, and public-private partnerships. “I’m honored to take on this role and help expand American Farmland Trust’s efforts to protect farmland and ensure the farmers and ranchers have the opportunity to thrive for generations to come,” said Moffitt. “As a farmer and longtime advocate for working lands, I know how much farmland protection matters to the people and communities who depend on it.” Before joining AFT in 2025, Moffitt served as USDA’s Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Reforms and was the first woman to serve in the position. 

Thursday Watch List

Markets

There are no major economic or agricultural reports scheduled for Tuesday, but investors and traders will be tuned in to news regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as well as U.S.-China relations with President Trump's upcoming visit to China now likely to be postponed from its originally planned dates at the end of March/beginning of April.

Weather

A punch of arctic air has brought frosty conditions all the way down to the Gulf of America Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, warmer air is building over the West and spreading into the Plains, which will become record highs later this week. On the front edge of that warmer air, snow is developing over the Dakotas that will continue eastward into the Midwest. Just an inch or two is forecast.

Farmers Sell Grain as Prices Surge Amid Middle East Conflict

U.S. farmers are accelerating grain sales after global tensions involving Iran pushed corn, soybean and wheat prices sharply higher in recent days. Futures markets rallied as energy prices climbed and concerns grew about disruptions to fertilizer and fuel supplies tied to the conflict. Soybean prices reached their highest level since 2024, while corn and wheat also climbed to multi-month highs, prompting many farmers to market crops they had stored during last year’s weak price environment. Major grain traders including ADM and Bunge have increased purchases as elevators across parts of the Midwest see a wave of farmer sales, according to market analysts. Reuters reports higher crop prices have improved short-term cash flow for producers who struggled with declining farm income and rising production costs in recent seasons. However, analysts say the rally may offer only temporary relief as farmers continue to face elevated expenses for fertilizer, fuel and seed. The latest surge reflects how geopolitical conflicts can quickly ripple through global agricultural commodity markets.

U.S. Ethanol Production Climbs to Multi-Week High

U.S. ethanol production increased in the latest federal report, signaling stronger demand for the corn-based biofuel as the industry enters the spring driving season. Production averaged about 1.126 million barrels per day during the week ending March 6, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, marking the highest output in several weeks. Higher ethanol production typically boosts demand for corn, the primary feedstock used in U.S. biofuel plants. The ethanol industry consumes roughly one-third of the nation’s corn crop each year, making production trends closely watched by grain markets and farmers. Analysts say ethanol margins have improved recently as energy prices climb and fuel demand remains steady. The sector also continues to benefit from strong export demand and federal renewable fuel policies supporting biofuel blending. Industry groups note that ethanol production reached record levels in 2025, highlighting the fuel’s growing role in U.S. energy markets and rural economies.

U.S. Ethanol Exports Slip to Start the Year

U.S. ethanol exports declined slightly at the start of 2026, reflecting shifting global fuel demand and changing trade flows in the biofuels market. Exports totaled roughly 212 million gallons in January, down about 4% from the previous month, according to industry reports and federal trade data. Analysts say shipments remain historically strong but can fluctuate month-to-month as international fuel markets adjust. The United States is the world’s largest ethanol producer and a major exporter of the corn-based fuel, shipping product to markets including Canada, the European Union and several Asian countries. Despite the early-year dip, long-term demand for U.S. ethanol remains solid as countries pursue lower-carbon transportation fuels and blending mandates. Federal energy data also show ethanol production and capacity expanded in recent years as domestic consumption and export opportunities increased. Industry analysts say export performance will remain a key factor influencing corn demand and biofuel plant profitability in 2026.

Minnesota Loses 1,300 Farms to Bankruptcy in 2025

Minnesota lost about 1,300 farms between 2024 and 2025, reflecting broader financial pressure facing U.S. agriculture, according to new federal data. A report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows the number of farms in the state fell from roughly 65,300 in 2024 to about 64,000 in 2025, as farmers grappled with rising costs and weak commodity prices. Producers and farm groups say the decline is the result of years of financial strain rather than a single poor season. KAAL-TV reports farm bankruptcies nationwide rose about 46% in 2025, adding to concerns about the long-term viability of some operations. Farmers say many are selling crops below breakeven levels, forcing difficult decisions about whether to continue operating. Industry leaders note that some farms are closing as operators retire or consolidate operations, while advances in technology allow fewer producers to farm larger acreages. Federal officials have introduced assistance programs aimed at helping farmers manage short-term financial stress, but many producers say stronger domestic demand and stable markets will be critical to sustaining the next generation of farms.

Corn Basis Holds Steady While Soybean Basis Shows Wider Swings

Corn basis levels across much of the Eastern Corn Belt have remained relatively steady in recent weeks, while soybean basis has shown greater volatility across the region, according to a new market update from Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. As grain markets transition to May futures contracts, local corn bids have held firm in many areas, with particularly strong basis levels reported in parts of Indiana and Ohio. Soybean basis, however, has varied widely between regions, with some districts experiencing weaker bids as processors adjust demand. The report notes that ethanol plants have continued to offer competitive premiums for corn relative to nearby elevators, supporting local cash prices in some markets. At the same time, soybean crush plants have softened bids in several areas, contributing to the uneven soybean basis environment. Agricultural economists say tracking local basis remains critical for marketing decisions because regional demand from ethanol plants, processors and exporters can create significant differences in cash grain prices.

U.S. Launches New Trade Probes That Could Lead to Tariffs

The United States has opened new investigations into alleged unfair trade practices that could lead to tariffs on dozens of countries, part of a broader effort to rebuild trade leverage after courts struck down earlier tariffs. The probes, launched by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, will examine issues including industrial overcapacity and forced labor practices in global supply chains. Countries that could be affected include China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the investigations aim to determine whether foreign practices harm American workers and industries. The inquiries could lead to new tariffs by mid-2026. The move follows a court ruling that invalidated some of President Donald Trump’s earlier tariffs imposed under emergency powers, prompting the administration to pursue alternative legal pathways to maintain trade pressure. Trading partners have raised concerns that the investigations could escalate global trade tensions and disrupt supply chains.

Monday Watch List

Markets

Reports for Monday include weekly grain Export Inspections at 10 a.m. CDT. Later in the afternoon at 2 p.m. CDT, USDA will release their monthly Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook. Otherwise, traders will be tuned in to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as well as trade negotiations in Paris between the U.S. and China.

Weather

A major winter storm system that has dumped impressive snowfall totals so far in the Upper Midwest continues to produce heavy snow into the Great Lakes on Monday. Its cold front is also producing a line of very strong-to-severe thunderstorms from Ohio to the Florida Panhandle Monday morning as well. The front will continue eastward, increasing chances for widespread severe weather out to the East Coast. Strong winds are bringing in a burst of arctic air that could cause frost damage for winter crops across the South and Southeast into Tuesday.

Ag and Manufacturing Leaders Push for USMCA Renewal

Leaders from the agriculture, manufacturing, and technology sectors convened in Washington to highlight the importance of renewing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement as the landmark trade deal approaches the formal review period. The panel discussion was co-hosted by the National Corn Growers Association and the National Foreign Trade Council. “USMCA has been incredibly important to farmers like me,” said Matt Frostic, a Michigan farmer and the first vice president of the NCGA. “Mexico and Canada are two of our most important trading partners, and the certainty of this agreement allows farmers to plan, invest, and continue feeding and fueling the world.” Speakers from the agriculture and manufacturing sectors pointed out that the agreement has strengthened North American trade and created greater certainty for businesses across many sectors. “As the agreement enters its review period, it’s important that policymakers strengthen what works so American agriculture can continue to grow,” Frostic added. 

Lawmakers Eyeing War Funding Package for More Farm Aid

President Donald Trump will seek a funding package for the war unfolding in Iran, and Republican lawmakers are debating whether to attach wildfire aid and $15 billion in tariff relief for farmers to the package. Four sources told E&E News that senior GOP congressional aides stressed that no decision had been made yet. Sources said House Republicans are particularly cautious about the idea of a package growing too large. Meantime, Bloomberg said that Senate Republicans are feeling rising pressure from farmers in their states for a bailout to offset quickly rising fuel and fertilizer prices due to the war. The Republican Senate Ag Committee Chair called for new federal aid to help farmers in the wake of spiking prices for gas, diesel, and fertilizer, driven by the offensive against Iran. “I think very definitely that they’re going to need help,” Senator John Boozman (BOZE-man) told Bloomberg. “If you’re growing something, you’re losing money.” 

Most Rented U.S. Farmland is Owned by Non-Farmers

Over two million landowners rented out 348 million acres of farmland. That’s according to the results of the 2024 Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL) survey results released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Of these, 79 percent are owned by non-farming landowners. Non-operating landowners include entities that rent out agricultural lands under a variety of ownership arrangements, such as privately owned, trust, family entity, non-family entity, or others. Of the land rented by non-operating landlords, over 251 million acres were rented out by private landowners, trusts, or family entities. According to the survey results, rented farmland acres, combined with the buildings on this land, are valued at over $1.6 trillion. In 2024, landlords combined received $34.1 billion in rental income while incurring $12 billion in total operating expenses. The report also showed that the average age of landlords is 69.2 years old, which exceeds that of the average farmer, who is 58.1 years old. 

Government Providing $1 Billion to Study Impact of Crop Protection Tools

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with USDA and the Environmental Protection Agency, announced over $1 billion to study the impact of “cumulative chemical exposures” on human health. The agencies are also looking to eventually reduce reliance on “chemical crop protection tools.” HHS is contributing $200 million toward this effort, of which $100 million will be spent on a grand prize challenge for researchers to identify creative solutions for evaluating the exposure, diagnosis, and treatments of cumulative chemical exposures on individual health. The other $100 million from HHS will be put towards developing new technologies to reduce reliance on chemical crop protection tools in order to improve human health. USDA is committing $840 million, with $700 million of that going toward regenerative agriculture projects. The EPA is also providing $30 million for finding alternatives to the pre-harvest desiccation use of pesticides. 

Partnership to Strengthen American Farmer Resilience

ADM announced a partnership with American Farmland Trust and will partner with hundreds of farmers across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri. The $500,000 investment from ADM Cares is part of ADM’s Farm Forward Initiative, the company’s long-term commitment to working alongside American farmers to strengthen resilience in a rapidly changing landscape. Through the partnership, ADM Cares and AFT will engage American farmers to offer direct technical assistance for succession planning, connections to production resources and peer networks, and grant funding to support farmer productivity, market access, and farmer well-being. “By partnering with trusted organizations like AFT, we’re offering American farmers access to the tools, resources, and support they need to strengthen their businesses, care for their land, and sustain their families,” said Gary McGuigan, ADM Senior Vice President. The partnership comes as American farmers are adapting faster than ever to changing market demands, evolving trade policy, and ongoing uncertainty. 

Rail Merger Costly for Farmers

The proposed merger of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railways would leave farmers with fewer transportation options and vulnerable to shipping cost increases at a time when balance sheets are squeezed to the breaking point. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the proposed merger and said the risks are clear. “It would leave farmers more dependent on fewer railroads at a time when they already have almost no ability to walk away from higher costs or poor service,” said an AFBF Market Intel Report. “The merger doesn’t create new competition for agriculture.” The report also said the merger removes what little leverage remains by eliminating key routing and interchange options that currently help keep rates and service in check. The $85 billion merger would create the first coast-to-coast Class I Railroad in U.S. history. The system would span roughly 50,000 route miles across 43 states. 

Friday Watch List

Markets

Macroeconomic reports scheduled for Friday include the first revision of fourth quarter 2025 GDP at 7:30 a.m. CDT. At the same time, the Bureau of Economic Analysis will release the delayed Personal Consumption Expenditure report for January. For agriculture reports, there are no major releases scheduled but CFTC will be out with their Commitments of Traders report at 2:30 p.m. CDT, updating trader positions as of Tuesday, March 10.

Weather

A system has moved into the Great Lakes on Friday morning with strong winds continuing as well as some areas of rain and snow. The system will continue through the Northeast Friday as well, while winds diminish across the Midwest. There is not much of a break though, as the next system is moving into the Pacific Northwest with scattered showers that move as snow into the Northern Plains. This is ahead of the main action this weekend that will produce another strong storm system with heavy snow and blizzard conditions.

Specialty Crop Payment Rates Due in April

The USDA has already allocated over $6 billion in payments under the Farmer Bridge Assistance Programs. Payment rates for specialty crops under the program are due in early April. “I believe we’ll have those payment rates in place by early next month,” Deputy Ag Secretary Stephen Vaden told Politico. “We’ll publish those payment rates as soon as we have them, and then quickly get going on the payment part of it.” He added that sugar beets, cotton, and rice are the commodities in the most financial distress because of their high production costs and trade issues. In fact, because of those issues, Senate Ag Chair John Boozman recently told Bloomberg that he’s calling for new federal aid to farmers in the wake of a spike in gasoline, diesel, and fertilizer prices that are driven by the military offensive against Iran. “I think they’re definitely going to need more assistance,” Boozman said.

FDA Approves Wound Spray to Treat New World Screwworm

The Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for using the indexed product F10 Antiseptic Wound spray with Insecticide for the prevention and treatment of infestations caused by New World Screwworm. The treatment is approved for cattle, horses, species of hoof stock, raptors, and other wild birds, pet birds, and captive wild, exotic, and zoo mammals. F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide is indexed for use as a topical antiseptic for surface wounds, to repel flies, and to treat infestations due to fly strike in raptors, pet birds, captive small mammals, captive reptiles, and captive exotic/zoo mammals. The FDA Report says that when the product is used under the conditions described in the authorization, the known and potential benefits of F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide outweigh the known and potential risks. 

Duvall Testifies Before Senate Ag Committee

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall offered a variety of solutions for increasing the demand for U.S.-grown agricultural goods during testimony before the Senate Ag Committee. He joined several other agricultural leaders to share priorities to address a structural imbalance that threatens both farmers’ livelihoods and food insecurity in the U.S. The solutions offered included authorizing year-round E15, modernizing farm labor programs, and establishing improved programs to enable schools and the military to purchase directly from local farms. When it comes to E15, Duvall said it’s a no-brainer. “It’s a win-win-win,” he said. “It’s a win for our consumers, a win for the farmer, and it’s a win for Congress to make sure that you can do that for the consumer and for the farmer at the same time.” Duvall also recently sent a letter to President Trump asking him to intervene to address the disruption of fertilizer shipments from the Middle East. 

U.S. Tractor and Combine Sales Down 12 Percent in February

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ monthly “Flash Report” said the sales of all tractors during February in the U.S. were down 12 percent from the same month in 2025. During February, a total of 9,084 tractors were sold, which compares to 11,167 sold during the same month in 2025. For the month, two-wheel drive smaller tractors under 40 horsepower were down 11 percent from last year, while 40-and-under-100-horsepower sales were down nine percent from 2025. Sales of two-wheel drive 100-plus-horsepower tractors were down 26 percent, while four-wheel drive tractors were up 11 percent. Combine sales in February totaled 159, down 13 percent from last year. For the year, total tractor sales are down nine percent from 2025. For the year, combine sales totaled 322 through February, which was up 15 percent from last year during the first two months. 

National FFA Hosting Next Gen Conferences

The National FFA Organization is proud to host Next Gen conferences for members three times a year. They focus on specific career pathways to in-demand industries. Earlier this month, the first FFA Next Gen Conference of 2026 was in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a focus on hands-on learning in power, structural, and technical systems. FFA members apply to attend Next Gen Conferences, which provide an opportunity to map out their future careers through exploration sessions, industry roundtable discussions, and tours. These Next Gen conferences open the doors for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to get an in-depth look at career opportunities for their futures before they even graduate high school. The Raleigh event hosted 72 FFA members participating from around the country. Members toured John Deere Turf Care and BASF during the conference. Next Gen Conferences occur three times a year, and for more information, go to ffa.org. 

March WASDE is a “Non-Event”

Ending stocks for corn, soybeans, and wheat were left unchanged in the March World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, called a “non-event” by some analysts. There were no changes to the 2025-2026 U.S. corn outlook relative to last month. The season-average corn price is unchanged at $4.10 per bushel. The biggest change was in global coarse grain production, which was forecast to be 2.7 million tons higher at 1.593 billion. The U.S. soybean supply and use projections included increased imports and crush, and unchanged ending stocks. Soybean imports and crush were raised by five million bushels. The season-average soybean price is unchanged at $10.20 per bushel. There were no changes this month for the 2025-2026 U.S. wheat supply and use categories. The season-average farm price is up a nickel to $4.95 per bushel on NASS prices reported to date and price expectations for the remainder of the year. 

Thursday Watch List

Markets

On Thursday, USDA will release the weekly Export Sales report at 7:30 a.m. CDT. At the same time, the U.S. Census Bureau will release the Trade Balance report for January. At 2 p.m. CDT, USDA will release a series of commodity outlooks such as their monthly feed, cotton, and oil crops reports.

Weather

The cold front will continue to push off the East Coast with scattered showers on Thursday, aiding in some drought reduction. A system will move through the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest and be quite strong. This system will produce extremely strong winds with gusts over 70 mph looking likely across the Northern Plains and up to 60 mph in the Upper Midwest. Some areas of rain and snow will occur with the system as well with the heaviest accumulations near the Canadian border.

Plans to Fight NWS Move Forward

The USDA and the Army Corps of Engineers announced a construction contract with Mortenson Construction to build a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Texas. This facility is a key part of the five-prong strategy by Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins that’s designed to fight New World Screwworm. The plan will expand USDA’s domestic response capacity, bolstering production for U.S. livestock, wildlife, and public health. The Army Corps is partnering with USDA and will provide oversight for the contract, design, engineering, and construction of the facility. “The Army Corps is the best in the business, and their engineering expertise and proven track record in delivering complex projects will help ensure that we can build a modern, resilient facility that protects American agriculture from invasive pests for decades to come,” said Rollins. Lt. General William Graham said the Corps has helped secure America by engineering solutions to its toughest challenges. 

As Fuel Prices Soar, the Time is Now for Immediate Action on E15

The Renewable Fuels Association urged the White House to take immediate action allowing broader use of lower-cost, American-made ethanol in the U.S. fuel supply to help blunt the impact of higher prices for crude oil and gasoline. “Adding larger volumes of low-cost ethanol to gasoline is a proven solution for reducing fuel prices and helping to insulate the U.S. market from global supply shocks,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper in a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “A series of deregulatory actions could rapidly unleash billions of gallons of additional fuel volume, providing relief at the pump for hardworking families.” Cooper also said the Environmental Protection Agency should issue emergency summertime fuel waivers that allow a 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RPV) volatility tolerance for E15 use nationwide, as well as E10 in certain areas that previously opted out of the 1-psi RVP Waiver Program. 

Intervention Needed to Prevent Food-Supply Shocks

U.S. farmers are bracing for a system shock resulting from the disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz (hor-MOOZ) and the impact on fertilizer availability and prices. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall urged the Trump administration to intervene in a letter laying out several recommendations. An analysis by Farm Bureau economists reveals the seriousness of the situation, as they pointed out the large volumes of urea, ammonia, phosphates, sulfur, and petroleum produced in Gulf countries that move through the Strait of Hormuz. “Countries exposed to disruption in the region account for almost 49 percent of global urea exports and about 30 percent of global ammonia exports, reflecting the concentration of fertilizer production and export capacity in and near the Persian Gulf,” the letter said. Recommendations included utilizing the U.S. Navy to provide safe transit for fertilizer shipments through the Strait, as well as financial help for vessels carrying fertilizer cargo.

National Ag Day Events in Washington, D.C.

Leaders from across the U.S. ag sector will gather at USDA headquarters to celebrate National Agriculture Day. It’s a celebration recognizing the vital role agriculture plays in providing food, fiber, fuel, and economic strength to communities across the U.S. National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America and observed annually to increase public awareness of agriculture’s contributions and the people who produce the nation’s food and resources. The theme this year is “Agriculture: Together We Grow – Celebrating 250 Years of Progress in Agriculture.” A series of events will take place in Washington throughout the day. The centerpiece event, Ag Day at USDA, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at USDA’s Whitten Patio. The program will feature remarks from agricultural leaders like Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler, and Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. For more information and event registration, visit agday.org.

Angus Foundation Introduces New Vo-Tech Scholarships

The Angus Foundation is expanding its commitment to supporting the next generation of the beef industry with the launch of its new Vo-Tech Scholarship, available beginning with the 2026 application season. This scholarship is designed to support students who are actively involved in the Angus breed and are pursuing vocational and technical education that leads directly to skilled careers in agriculture and related fields. The Vo-Tech Scholarship supports students attending accredited technical schools, community colleges, or certification programs. Eligible areas of study include welding, diesel mechanics, feedlot or processing center operations, animal husbandry, ag technology systems, meat processing, or other essential functions related to the beef supply chain. “By adding this scholarship, we’re ensuring that students who choose skilled trades have the support they need to contribute to the future of the Angus business,” said Jaclyn Boester, executive director of the Angus Foundation.

NFU Delegates Finalize Policy Priorities to End National Convention

Earlier this week, the National Farmers Union concluded its 124th Anniversary Convention after the assembled delegates voted to finalize NFU’s 2026 policy priorities. The NFU welcomed over 500 family farmers, ranchers, and supporters to New Orleans, Louisiana, for the three-day event. “The challenges facing family farmers and ranchers continue to grow more complex,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “But through it all, Farmers Union continues to do something Washington too often struggles to achieve, which is bringing people with diverse viewpoints together, working through tough issues, and emerging with solutions they built collectively.” He also said that unity is the greatest strength of the organization. The finalized policy priorities approved by NFU delegates include three special orders of business on timely topics, including Family Farmers, the Farm Crisis, and the Future of Food and Farm Policy. NFU also announced Farmers Union Next Generation, designed to serve young, beginning, and early-career farmers.