Global Food Inflation Expected To Persist Into 2027

Global food inflation could accelerate in the coming months and persist well into 2027, as shipping disruptions, higher production costs, and drought threaten supplies. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization says attacks on Black Sea grain infrastructure have disrupted wheat shipments, while insecurity in the Red Sea has forced ships onto longer, more expensive routes. Meanwhile, conflict involving Iran has driven up fuel prices and disrupted fertilizer exports through the Strait of Hormuz, adding costs for farmers. Dry weather linked to El Niño is also threatening production in India and Southeast Asia. Wheat prices have climbed more than 30 percent in 2026, while rice prices in key Asian exporting countries are up 10 to 13 percent, despite large inventories. The FAO chief economist says the effects could become more pronounced toward the end of this year and continue throughout 2027. The Daily Star said higher food costs are hitting lower-income consumers especially hard.

Export Exchange Draws More Than 500 Attendees From 48 Countries

A major U.S. grain export conference wrapped up Saturday after drawing more than 500 attendees from 48 countries to discuss market opportunities, sustainability, and the value of American corn and other commodities. Export Exchange 2026 brought together buyers and sellers of U.S. corn, sorghum, and distillers’ dried grains with solubles, or DDGS, a co-product of ethanol production. The event was sponsored by the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council, Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association. U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand said the record attendance reflects international interest in U.S. grain and the service behind its supply chain. Presentations covered emerging ethanol co-products and efforts by the USDA to expand agricultural exports. Trade teams also toured farms, ethanol plants, and port facilities to learn more about U.S. production and export operations. Organizers say those visits help international buyers build relationships with American suppliers and better understand the products available to meet global demand.

USDA Announces New Support Measures For Cotton Growers

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced two new measures aimed at strengthening support for American cotton producers under the Great American Cotton Plan. Speaking during a visit to Caldwell, Texas, Rollins said the actions are intended to help growers manage risk and improve export opportunities. Beginning with the 2027 crop year, USDA’s Risk Management Agency will allow producers to purchase multiple endorsements on a crop insurance policy. The agency plans to provide final details to insurance companies and agents by November 30. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is also developing a process to verify purchases of U.S. cotton by Bangladesh, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Malaysia. The program, expected to launch in 2027, would connect those purchases with preferential tariff treatment for apparel produced using U.S. cotton and textile inputs. Rollins says the actions advance the administration’s broader effort to strengthen domestic demand, improve cotton trade, and protect growers against financial risks.

Higher Diesel Costs Can Change The Best Grain Delivery Choice

Higher diesel prices may prompt farmers to rethink where they deliver grain, even when a buyer farther away offers a higher price. The Soy Transportation Coalition offers an online calculator to help producers compare delivery options by weighing grain prices against transportation costs. The tool works for soybeans, corn, wheat, and other commodities. In one example, the group compared two soybean markets: one 10 miles from the farm offering $12 per bushel, and another 50 miles away offering $12.15. With diesel at $3.75 per gallon, the distant location provided $24.60 more profit per load, according to the calculator. But when diesel rose to $6.30 per gallon, the closer location became $9 more profitable per load. The coalition notes that farmers may haul 130 to 200 loads or more during harvest, making small per-load differences add up. Farmers can compare their own options using the calculator at soytransportation.org/calculator.

Agricultural Exports Supported $369 Billion In U.S. Economic Activity

U.S. agricultural exports generated $369.2 billion in total economic activity in 2024, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. The agency reports that agricultural exports, including biodiesel, totaled $177.2 billion. Those sales supported an additional $192 billion in domestic economic activity through transportation, storage, handling, packaging, marketing, and financial services. USDA estimates that every dollar of agricultural exports supported $2.08 in total U.S. economic activity. Bulk commodities, including grain, soybeans, cotton, and raw tobacco, accounted for $56.4 billion in exports and supported another $51.5 billion in domestic activity. Meanwhile, non-bulk products, including soybean meal, ethanol, meat, almonds, fruits, and vegetables, generated $120.8 billion in export value and supported an additional $140.5 billion in economic activity. The figures highlight how agricultural exports contribute to businesses and jobs throughout the supply chain, extending their economic impact well beyond the farm gate.

Dairy Checkoff Launches Initiative To Showcase Modern Farms

A new dairy industry initiative aims to give consumers a closer look at the people and practices behind the milk and dairy foods they buy. Dairy Management Incorporated has launched Portraits of Modern Dairy, a storytelling effort using national media, digital platforms, social media, photography, and video to highlight today’s dairy farms. The initiative debuted October 12 with a Good Morning America segment marking National Farmers Day and the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer. The project features seven women working on six dairy farms, sharing their experiences and perspectives on modern production. Dairy Management Incorporated says most consumers never get the chance to visit a dairy farm, so the initiative brings those stories directly to them. The stories explore technology, innovation, conservation, animal care, business management, and connections with local communities. The dairy checkoff says the photography will also be available for public use, helping share farmers’ stories with broader audiences.

Tuesday Watch List

Markets

Tuesday doesn't feature many scheduled reports, though USDA's Economic Research Service will release a few datasets such as Bioenergy Statistics at 1 p.m. CDT. At 2 p.m., NASS will release the monthly Chicken and Eggs report. Otherwise, markets will likely maintain their focus on the ongoing U.S. fall harvest.

Weather

Although a few spotty showers may be found in the southwestern Plains, Tuesday features widespread warmth and dryness that will favor producers getting out into their fields for harvest and other fieldwork.