Blockade Could Further Hit Fertilizer Prices

President Donald Trump’s plan for a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz (hor-MOOZ) could make an already unprecedented crisis worse in one of the world’s biggest energy-producing regions. Bloomberg said the narrow waterway is seeing transits totaling single digits every day, compared to more than 100 in peacetime. News Nation reported that not only 20 percent of the world’s oil travels through the Strait, but fertilizer, too. The United Nations said about one-third of the world’s fertilizer supply moves through that narrow channel. That includes nitrogen fertilizers, which require liquified natural gas, and phosphate fertilizers, made from urea, ammonia, and sulfur. “Fertilizers are vital for growing wheat, fruit, rice, corn, and more,” News Nation reported. “This blockade could drive up fertilizer prices, which have already risen over 40 percent compared to last year.” When you combine that with rising gas and diesel costs, the price of producing food will skyrocket. 

Texas Ag Commissioner Sounds Screwworm Alarm

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has raised urgent concerns following confirmation of the northernmost detection of the New World Screwworm in Nuevo León (noo-WAY-voh lee-OWN), Mexico, only 90 miles from the U.S. border. He emphasized that the threat is immediate and serious for Texas ranchers, livestock, and the broader food supply. While federal efforts are underway, Miller warned that the spread has not yet been successfully contained, highlighting the need for proactive action at the state level. Miller is urging all Texas producers to remain vigilant by closely monitoring their animals and reporting any unusual signs without delay. Early detection, he stressed, is critical to preventing a widespread outbreak that could devastate herds and livelihoods. Texas is coordinating with federal, state, and local partners, but additional measures may be necessary to stop the spread at its source. 

Beef Groups Disappointed in Poultry Case Ruling

Leaders in Oklahoma’s cattle industry are voicing strong disappointment after a federal court rejected a proposed settlement in the long-running State of Oklahoma v. Tyson Foods, Inc. case involving poultry litter use in the Illinois River Watershed. Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association President Ford Drummond and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Gene Copenhaver warned the decision could have far-reaching consequences beyond poultry producers. Drummond criticized the case as relying on outdated data and failing to account for modern conservation practices, including nutrient management plans and improved efficiencies. Although the organizations are not directly involved in the lawsuit, both leaders stressed that the ruling could harm all sectors of agriculture, particularly livestock operations that depend on manure management. Copenhaver added that the decision increases economic uncertainty for farmers and ranchers while undermining confidence in nutrient management plans as a dependable tool for environmental compliance.

Tractor and Combine Sales Drop in the U.S. and Canada

According to the latest report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, U.S. sales of agricultural tractors and combines declined in March 2026 compared to the previous year, signaling continued challenges in the agricultural economy. Tractor sales fell 9.1 percent, while combine sales dropped 25.3 percent compared to March 2025. The biggest drop in the U.S. came in 100-plus-horsepower tractors, which fell almost 25 percent in March. The trend extended to Canada, where tractor sales decreased 16.3 percent and combine sales declined sharply by 61 percent year over year. “These numbers reflect the overall softness in the ag economy,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president of industry sectors and product leadership at AEM. “Despite these declines in sales in 2026, the commitment to modernizing equipment and adopting innovative technologies remains strong, positioning the industry for long-term growth.”

Workers Ratify Two-Year Agreement with JBS

Workers at JBS in Greeley, Colorado, approved a two-year agreement with the world’s biggest meatpacker. Statements from both the union and the processor say the agreement covers almost 3,800 workers at the plant. The new agreement, which JBS said is the same one made in its previous offer before a month-long strike, increases wages by almost 33 percent for the next two years. It also protects workers from needing to pay for their own personal protective equipment. Reuters said it also helps guard employees against increasing healthcare costs. As a part of the settlement, the union will withdraw seven alleged unfair labor practice charges against JBS. The agreement with workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 and JBS came as the two returned for a round of talks on April 9-10 after months of employee strikes. 

Give FFA Day Raises Over $1.6 Million

The National FFA Organization announced that members, alumni, and supporters raised more than $1.6 million during this year’s Give FFA Day, held February 26. All 52 state associations participated, with thousands of individual donations highlighting the nationwide reach of the FFA community. The total builds on strong momentum from previous years, following more than $1.4 million raised in 2024 and another $1.6 million in 2025. Give FFA Day supports local, state, and national programs serving more than one million members. Notable contributions included a $50,000 matching gift from John Deere, with 52 percent of funds directed to state-level efforts. Donors also supported the donation of 100 blue jackets, while more than 100 national staff members contributed personally. “We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support shown during this year’s Give FFA Day,” said Kimberly Coveney, emphasizing the impact on student opportunities and agricultural leadership development.

Tuesday Watch List

Markets

Conab (Brazil) will release their April crop report at 7 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, updating corn and soybean production outlooks for the 2026 season. There are no USDA reports scheduled for release. Traders will remain tuned in to news regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Weather

Scattered showers and thunderstorms continue across the Midwest with a small low-pressure system moving through with another system in the Central Plains. That will move eastward into the Midwest and produce scattered showers and thunderstorms for the afternoon and evening, some of which may be severe. Though the strongest storms are likely across eastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois, severe storms may stretch across the Midwest, and southwest into central Texas as well. Areas of heavy rain and flooding will continue to be a concern.