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.