USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Case in Arizona Dog

USDA has confirmed Arizona's first case of New World screwworm, raising concerns about the parasite's potential spread into American livestock herds. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced Wednesday that laboratory testing confirmed the parasite in a dog in Cochise County, near the Mexican border. The detection makes Arizona the third state to report an animal infection, following cases in Texas and New Mexico, according to ABC News. Federal and state officials have established a 20-kilometer infested zone around the detection site, implemented animal movement controls and increased surveillance and trapping. Sterile flies are also being released to help control the pest. New World screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, causing serious wounds in livestock, wildlife and pets. USDA is urging producers to inspect animals daily and immediately report suspicious wounds or infestations to veterinarians or animal health authorities.

USDA Announces $472.5 Million in Food Purchases to Support American Farmers

USDA announced Thursday that it intends to purchase up to $472.5 million in American agricultural commodities to support producers and supply food assistance programs. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the purchases will help strengthen agricultural markets while providing nutritious food to families in need. According to USDA, the initiative includes $165.5 million in dairy products, $41 million in pork, $37 million in split peas, $30 million in almonds and $29 million in lentils. Additional purchases will include rice, poultry, citrus, raisins, hazelnuts, chickpeas, catfish and other commodities. The purchases will be conducted through USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service under Section 32 authority, which allows the government to buy domestically produced agricultural products for nutrition assistance programs. USDA said the initiative is intended to support commodity prices, strengthen rural economies and create additional marketing opportunities for American farmers, ranchers and food processors.

Fertilizer Prices Continue Rising as Farmers Prepare for 2027 Growing Season

Fertilizer prices continued climbing in October, adding pressure to American farmers already struggling with tight profit margins and elevated production expenses. According to DTN's latest retail fertilizer survey, seven of eight major fertilizers increased in price compared with the previous month. UAN28 recorded the largest increase, climbing 6% to an average of $447 per ton during the third week of October. UAN32 increased to $486 per ton, while potash rose to $506. Anhydrous ammonia averaged $987 per ton, and Diammonium phosphate reached $939. Urea was the only fertilizer showing a slight monthly decline, falling to $674 per ton. DTN reported that all eight fertilizers remain more expensive than a year earlier. Anhydrous ammonia has increased 17% year over year, while urea is 13% higher. The increases come as producers evaluate fertilizer purchases, crop rotations and operating budgets for the 2027 growing season.

USDA Estimates Diesel Tax Relief Could Save Agriculture $640 Million

USDA says temporary diesel fuel tax relief could save American farmers and transportation operators more than $640 million during the current agricultural harvest season. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Thursday that 31 states have taken or announced measures supporting the federal government's emergency dyed-diesel relief initiative. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Oct. 5 directing federal agencies to temporarily suspend certain penalties and excise tax enforcement related to highway use of dyed diesel fuel. According to USDA, the initiative could generate more than $640 million in combined federal and state savings across approximately 224.6 million harvested acres. The federal diesel excise tax normally totals 24.4 cents per gallon. The Internal Revenue Service issued additional guidance Oct. 14 and Oct. 21 outlining temporary tax enforcement and reporting relief. USDA is encouraging additional states to adopt corresponding measures to reduce transportation and agricultural operating expenses.

Federal Judge Allows FTC Antitrust Case Against Syngenta to Proceed

A federal antitrust lawsuit challenging Syngenta's pesticide marketing practices will proceed after a judge rejected the company's request for summary judgment. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the court issued its ruling Oct. 22 in litigation involving allegations that pesticide manufacturers used loyalty programs to restrict competition from lower-cost generic products. The FTC and participating states contend that the programs discouraged agricultural retailers and distributors from purchasing competing pesticides, potentially increasing costs for American farmers. Syngenta has challenged the allegations. The court's ruling allows the claims to proceed but does not establish that the company violated antitrust laws. The case originally involved Syngenta and Corteva. Corteva reached a settlement in September requiring changes to certain pesticide loyalty programs for 10 years. The FTC says its enforcement efforts are intended to preserve competition in agricultural chemical markets and protect producers from potentially higher input costs.

Bipartisan Bill Would Strengthen Protection Against Swine Diseases

Bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress would establish a permanent federal program designed to protect American pork producers against devastating foreign animal diseases. Representatives Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, Brad Finstad of Minnesota, and Don Davis of North Carolina introduced the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan Act on Wednesday. According to Kaptur's office, the legislation would formally establish a voluntary USDA program to certify participating pork farms and breeding facilities that meet animal health standards. The program would strengthen disease monitoring, prevention and response efforts targeting African swine fever and classical swine fever. A pilot program already operates in 38 states, with support from USDA and state animal health officials. The legislation would authorize federal funding and establish an advisory committee to help guide implementation. Supporters, including the National Pork Producers Council, say stronger disease preparedness could protect domestic pork production, preserve export markets and reduce the economic consequences of future outbreaks.

Friday Watch List

Markets

Friday is the final business day of October as markets will wrap up what has been, for the most part, a dismal month for price action in row crop futures. There are no major reports scheduled for release during Friday's session, but CFTC will be out after the close with their weekly Commitments of Traders report at 2:30 p.m. CDT.

Weather

A plume of tropical moisture is pushing up through the Southern Plains on Friday morning. Some of that moisture is running into a stalled front around Iowa and Illinois, which will continue to see showers throughout the day. Some heavy rain will be found in both areas. Otherwise, the moisture will be thinning out as it spreads north and east into the weekend.