China Agrees to $17 Billion in Ag Purchases

China has agreed to purchase at least $17 billion in U.S. agricultural products annually through 2028. That’s according to a White House fact sheet released Sunday following President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing. The agreement came after meetings between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping and represents one of the few concrete outcomes from the summit Trump previously described as a “monumental event.” The White House said the new commitments are in addition to an earlier agreement requiring China to purchase 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually through 2028. That soybean deal was reached during a broader trade truce negotiated at the leaders’ October 2025 summit in South Korea. The administration also announced China renewed expired registrations for more than 400 U.S. beef facilities and added new approved plants, expanding market access for American producers. In addition, China has resumed poultry imports from U.S. states deemed free of avian influenza by the USDA.

Soy Checkoff Launches Farmer Support Hub to Navigate Challenges

The United Soybean Board has launched the Soy Farmer Support Hub, a new online resource designed to help farmers access practical, research-backed tools for day-to-day challenges on the farm. Available through the Soy Checkoff, the hub organizes resources into three categories: For Your Fields, For Your Operation, and For You. The initiative aims to provide timely support for soybean farmers while also helping reduce farm stress during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The “For Your Fields” section includes tools for variety selection, seeding rates, disease management, and biological product decisions. Tom Frisch, a Soy Checkoff farmer-leader from Minnesota, said the site helps farmers navigate the growing number of available resources. The hub also includes a suggestion box, allowing farmers to recommend additional tools and priorities directly to checkoff leaders. Meanwhile, the “For Your Operation” section focuses on profitability opportunities such as specialty soy premiums, sustainability programs, and cost-share funding options for producers.

NCGA Analysis Confirms Benefits of Year-Round E15

The National Corn Growers Association has released a new analysis showing year-round E15 sales would provide a net positive benefit for both corn and soybean farmers as legislation advances in the U.S. Senate. The study, conducted by World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services for NCGA, found a representative farm with equal corn and soybean acres could see an average net benefit of more than $5 per acre over the projected period. According to the analysis, expanded E15 use would boost corn demand, support corn prices, reduce net Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage program outlays, and increase overall net returns across both crops. NCGA said the legislation would create a market-driven opportunity for farmers facing tight profit margins while also benefiting rural economies. “Nationwide E15 stands out as a market-driven solution that strengthens rural economies and delivers savings to taxpayers,” the study noted.

Over Half of U.S. Farmers Mistrust Federal Policies

A new national survey commissioned by Amato Advisors and conducted by Farm Journal shows many U.S. farmers are increasingly concerned about rising costs, trade pressures, and federal policy heading into the 2026 midterm elections. The Farmer & Rancher Policy Sentiment Survey questioned 974 farmers and ranchers across 44 states in April. According to the poll, 78 percent of respondents identified machinery and input costs, including fertilizer, fuel, seed, and chemicals, as one of the top challenges facing their operations. The survey also found 94 percent of farmers said the war with Iran is affecting their operations through higher fertilizer or energy costs. Trade policy and tariffs ranked among the top concerns for 25 percent of respondents. More than half of those surveyed said federal policies negatively impacted their farms during the past year, while 73 percent said elected officials do not understand the realities farmers face. Researchers said the findings indicate growing political frustration among a traditionally Republican-leaning voting bloc.

Dairy Groups Comment on the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act

The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council are applauding House passage of the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act, saying the measure would help address cargo theft and protect agricultural supply chains. NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud said the legislation would help dairy producers ensure products reach customers safely and on time. He thanked the House for advancing the bipartisan bill and said the organization looks forward to working toward Senate approval. USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden said organized retail crime has increasingly affected dairy exporters as criminals break into shipping containers searching for high-value goods. She noted dairy exports have become collateral damage in many of those thefts, disrupting shipments and creating additional costs for exporters. Industry leaders said the legislation would provide dairy shippers and law enforcement with additional tools and resources to combat organized cargo theft and strengthen the reliability of U.S. food and agricultural transportation networks.

Combine Sales Increase in April

According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), U.S. sales of combines increased 3.4 percent in April 2026 compared to the year before. Canadian sales of combines were also up, ending the month 42.7 percent higher than April 2025. "The April sales results of farm tractor and combine sales show the lingering softness in the equipment market,” said Curt Blades, Senior Vice President at AEM. “These reflect the lingering challenges and uncertainty in the Ag economy.” The progress on a US farm bill is encouraging and creates hope for more long-term growth.” He also said both U.S. and Canadian sales of agricultural tractors fell 11.3 percent year over year in April 2026.

Tuesday Watch List

Markets

Tuesday is a quiet schedule for reports, with USDA's monthly Chicken and Eggs release at 2 p.m. CDT. Otherwise, traders will monitor the U.S. weather forecast as planting reaches the homestretch, as well as watch for updates regarding the situation in the Middle East.

Weather

After a couple of days of intense severe weather, a cold front will remain active as it slowly pushes south through the Southern Plains and Midwest on Tuesday. Some severe weather will still be possible, as well as some areas of heavy rain. Cold air continues behind the front, which brought widespread frosts and some freezes to the Canadian Prairies, Northern Plains, and central High Plains Tuesday morning.