Over 50 state grower groups and eight national ag groups filed a letter with the Department of Commerce on Friday asking it to revoke countervailing duties on imports of phosphate fertilizer as the sunset review begins. The letter was signed by groups like the National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, USA Rice, and several others, and said that if the duties continue, they will further worsen the dire economic conditions faced by American farmers. “Maintaining the phosphate fertilizer duties will allow a small set of powerful corporations to continue to limit supply options for farmers,” the letter said. “This has already prevented farmers from accessing the tools that meet their crop production needs and resulted in lower yields and negative economic impacts.” In 2020, the Commerce Department, acting on a petition filed by The Mosaic Company, imposed duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco and Russia.
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Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Trade Associations Ask for Finalized RFS
The March 2026 Cattle on Feed Report showed February placements of 1.61 million head, which was a four percent increase over 2025, exceeding analyst expectations before the report. The March 1 total on-feed inventory was 11.55 million head, 0.3 percent below last year, while February marketings fell seven percent compared to 2025. Beef Magazine said the report was considered slightly bearish due to the higher-than-expected placements, which were a four percent increase from a light placement year in 2025. Some of the key feeding states saw high placements, including Iowa, up 11 percent, Kansas was also 11 percent higher, and Texas placements rose by eight percent. February fed cattle marketings totaled 1.52 million head, seven percent below 2025. Marketings were the second lowest for February since the series began in 1996. Other disappearances totaled 50,000 head during February, 17 percent below 2025.
Argentina Grain Exports Jump
Argentina is shipping grains to overseas markets at a strong pace this season. Reuters said record sunflower exports and booming corn sales helped to move one of the country’s biggest harvests in years. The Rosario Grains Exchange said the shipping is moving at a good pace, even though the conflict in the Middle East is adding volatility to global prices and raising freight costs. Argentina is benefiting from record corn and wheat production and the best sunflower harvest of the 21st century. Sunflower oil exports posted their strongest start to the marketing year since 2005, and shipments of raw sunflower seeds hit unprecedented levels in the first quarter. Corn is also off to a quick start as the new corn export season is expected to break records and top four million metric tons. Argentina’s edge in the world market could weaken later this year when Brazil’s second-season corn crop begins reaching global buyers.
Applications Open for Sheep Heritage Foundation Scholarship
Applications are open for the American Sheep Industry Association’s annual Sheep Heritage Foundation Scholarship. The deadline to apply is May 31, and the recipient will be announced in July. The $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to one graduate-level Master’s or Doctoral student who is attending school in the United States. The scholarship was developed to drive advancement in the American sheep industry through either wool or lamb research. Applicants must be graduate students involved in sheep and/or wool research in areas like animal science, agricultural economics, or veterinary medicine, with proof of graduate school acceptance. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, present two letters of reference, and complete the application. Again, the deadline to apply is May 31, 2026. For more information or to apply, go to sheepusa.org.
USDA Launches Trade Mission to Vietnam
The USDA launched a Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Productions Mission to Vietnam this week to open new markets, strengthen export opportunities, and secure fair and reciprocal trade for American farmers, ranchers, and producers. “American farmers, ranchers, and producers thrive when they have strong, reliable markets for their high-quality products,” said USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg, who’s leading the mission. “By strengthening our trade relationship with Vietnam, we’re opening doors for U.S. agriculture, ensuring they have a fair chance to compete and succeed.” In 2025 alone, agriculture, fishery, and forest product exports surged by 45 percent to a record $5.6 billion, making Vietnam the eighth-largest market for the U.S. The mission’s goal is to expand on the momentum by expanding market access, connecting suppliers with new buyers, and advancing negotiations for America’s farmers and ranchers. USDA will return to Vietnam later this year for a broader agribusiness trade mission to continue expanding opportunities.
Celebrating Aerial Applicators on National Ag Day
As the nation celebrates National Ag Day on Tuesday, the National Agricultural Aviation Association honors the men and women whose work in aerial application supports global food production and modern agriculture. National Ag Day highlights the vital contributions of farmers, ranchers, aerial applicators, and the broader agricultural community. For more than a century, aerial applicators have helped farmers deliver a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food, fiber, and bioenergy, while also protecting forests and controlling the pests that threaten human and animal health. Each year, American farmers rely on aerial application to treat approximately 127 million acres, or nearly 28 percent of U.S. cropland, applying fertilizers, seeds, and crop protection treatments with precision and efficiency. “Aerial application plays a vital role in modern agriculture by allowing crops to be protected quickly, precisely, and with minimal impact to the soil,” said Andrew Moore, NAAA CEO.
Tuesday Watch List
Markets
There are no major agricultural or macroeconomic reports scheduled for Tuesday. The trade will likely remain sensitive to updates regarding the war in the Middle East after a volatile start to the week on Monday.
Weather
It is fairly calm across most of the U.S. with a couple of systems moving through Canada for Tuesday. Very little precipitation is expected. Instead, temperatures will be rising again east of the Rockies.