Trump Unveils Ag Relief Plan – President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping package of farm-focused policies during a White House agriculture event, aiming to ease rising costs tied to the Iran conflict and boost demand for U.S. crops. Speaking at the “Great American Agriculture Celebration,” Trump highlighted record biofuel mandates and expanded access to E15 fuel. “To help lower gasoline prices for farmers and consumers, this week I issued an emergency order to allow immediate sales of E15, and I’m seeking Congressional action to allow E15 all-year-round,” Trump said. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins called the biofuel policy “truly historic,” estimating it could add billions to farm income. The administration also announced new guidance to roll back emissions-related equipment rules, with Trump saying, “Today we’re announcing new guidelines drastically limiting these ridiculous DEF rules, saving farmers and consumers billions and billions of dollars.” Additional loan guarantees and calls for a new farm bill were also emphasized. The announcements come as farmers face higher diesel and fertilizer costs tied to Middle East tensions.

White House Event Highlights Ag Issues – Farmers attending the White House’s Great American Agriculture Celebration say the event highlighted both opportunity and ongoing challenges for the ag industry. South Dakota Corn Growers President Trent Kubik called the gathering a unique moment for agriculture. “It was a pretty incredible opportunity and pretty incredible thing to witness, to see so many farmers and agriculture kind of in the spotlight right there on the south side of the White House,” Kubik said. “It’s pretty special to be a part of it.” Kubik says while corn production remains strong and efficient in South Dakota, growers are focused on expanding demand and improving profitability. He points to ethanol and new uses for corn as key opportunities moving forward.

White House Launches “OnlyFarms” Site – The Trump administration has launched a new federal website, OnlyFarms.gov, to showcase its agricultural policy record and highlight more than $40 billion in assistance delivered to U.S. farmers and ranchers. The platform, a play on the popular site OnlyFans, is hosted within the White House system and features an interactive map allowing users to view estimated savings by state. The tool highlights benefits tied to tax cuts, regulatory changes, and trade-related policies, including responses to the ongoing Middle East conflict. According to the administration, the site outlines $40 billion in total farm support, including $12 billion through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. It also promotes expanded Small Business Administration loan guarantees of up to 90 percent to improve access to credit for producers. Additional provisions include estate tax relief for more than 2 million family farms and enhanced expensing rules allowing immediate deductions for equipment and land improvements. Officials say the website is designed to increase transparency and reinforce the administration’s focus on supporting agriculture during a period of trade uncertainty and rising geopolitical risks.

Trump Targets Equipment Costs, Announces DEF Changes – The Environmental Protection Agency has removed Diesel Exhaust Fluid sensor requirements for diesel equipment, a move aimed at cutting costs and reducing downtime for farmers and equipment operators.  President Donald Trump said the change will deliver major savings. “Today we’re announcing new guidelines drastically limiting these ridiculous DEF rules, saving farmers and consumers billions and billions of dollars.”  Trump also criticized the complexity of modern machinery, arguing emissions systems have driven up costs and repairs. “When you buy a tractor today, you spend 50 percent of your time fixing the environmental impact statement garbage that’s on the tractor.”  The administration is also urging manufacturers like John Deere, CNH Industrial, and Caterpillar to lower equipment prices.  In addition, new loan guarantees backed by the Small Business Administration will support farmers and ag businesses, improving access to credit during tight margins.  Trump also called on Congress to pass a new farm bill and highlighted $12 billion in tariff-related farmer aid.

E15 Progress Close, Not Done – Farmers are still calling for certainty on key policies following the White House’s Great American Agriculture Celebration. Minnesota Corn Growers Association member Tim Weibel attended the event and says while it was an honor to be there, more long-term solutions are still needed. “We need year-round. We need certainty in the market if we’re going to expand this market. We need certainty with our producers,” Weibel said. “People aren’t going to spend that money unless we know that we can move a product year-round.” On the input side, Weibel says many farmers likely secured fertilizer ahead of recent price spikes tied to global tensions, but fuel costs remain a growing concern heading into planting season.

New RFS Policy Boosts Biofuel Demand Outlook – The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized its Renewable Fuel Standard Set 2 rule for 2026 and 2027, boosting biodiesel targets and reallocating 70 percent of waived blending obligations tied to small refinery exemptions.  The move strengthens demand for biofuels while aiming to keep credit markets stable. Higher biomass-based diesel volumes, combined with the reallocation, could push requirements to roughly 9.07 billion RINs in 2026 and 9.20 billion in 2027.  The agency also delayed a rule cutting Renewable Identification Number values for imported feedstocks until 2028, giving markets more time to adjust. At the same time, renewable electricity was removed from eligibility, narrowing the program’s focus to liquid and gaseous fuels.  EPA officials say the changes reinforce domestic biofuel production while maintaining a “stable and functioning credit market.” Analysts expect the rule to support soybean oil demand and tighten RIN markets, while increasing compliance costs for some refiners.  Overall, the policy signals a more demand-driven approach heading into 2026 and 2027, with stronger support for U.S. biofuel producers and agricultural feedstocks.

Growth Energy Reacts to EPA RFS Rule – The Environmental Protection Agency’s final Renewable Fuel Standard rule is drawing mixed reactions from biofuel groups, as it boosts demand but stops short of full market restoration.  The rule requires 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuels like ethanol in both 2026 and 2027, along with increased advanced biofuel targets. The agency will also reallocate 70 percent of volumes lost to small refinery exemptions, restoring more than 2 billion gallons of demand. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor praised the decision. “We applaud EPA for making the decision to reallocate 70 percent of all gallons lost to 2023-2025 SREs,” Skor said, calling it a win for market certainty.

DNC Criticizes Trump Ag Policies After White House Event – The Democratic National Committee is pushing back on President Donald Trump’s White House agriculture event, arguing farmers are facing worsening economic conditions.  In a statement, the DNC said “farmers are worse off and the agricultural economy is struggling” under Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.  Illinois farmer John Bartman criticized the administration’s policies. “Donald Trump can say all he wants that he ‘loves farmers’ and that he’ll ‘never do anything to hurt our farmers,’ but he has pushed family farms like mine to the brink and the agricultural economy is in shambles.”  Bartman pointed to trade and geopolitical tensions as key concerns. “Trump’s chaotic tariffs locked farmers out of our markets and now his war of choice in Iran has sent costs even higher,” he said.  The DNC also cited federal data forecasting lower farm income and reports showing an increase in farm bankruptcies in 2025, underscoring ongoing financial pressure across agriculture.

Wagner: Farmers Have Strong Voice in Administration – North Dakota Farm Bureau President Val Wagner says the Great American Agriculture Celebration at the White House offered a rare moment of optimism for farmers.  Wagner, who attended the event, called it a unique opportunity to hear directly from President Donald Trump and administration leaders. “To me, it was an amazing celebration of agriculture and just an opportunity to hear some positive news when it seems like the news lately hasn’t been positive at all for agriculture.”  She pointed to biofuels and E15 policy discussions as key highlights. Wagner also emphasized the importance of market conditions over government aid. “We’re not looking for anything in particular. We just want a level playing field.”  Wagner added the event demonstrated stronger engagement between farmers and policymakers. “I definitely think we have the ear of this administration more than we have had in the past,” she said, noting increased willingness from officials to listen to concerns from producers.

White House Event Brings Hope, But Challenges Remain – Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association Treasurer says attending the Great American Agriculture Celebration at the White House was a memorable experience, but serious concerns remain for sugar producers.  Nelson, who attended the event with his son, described the moment as unique. “It was almost a surreal experience to be that close to the President, plus being that close to the White House,” he said, noting the large turnout of farmers on the South Lawn.  He said hearing directly from President Donald Trump provided some reassurance. “It sounds like he has our back and he’s going to try and help out, it definitely gave me some encouragement.”  However, Nelson emphasized major challenges facing the sugar industry, particularly foreign competition. “The foreign sugar coming in right now has dropped the market 42 percent,” he said. “If something doesn’t get done quickly, I think we’re going to lose a lot of sugarbeet growers.”

ND Farmer Sees Trade Focus at Ag Celebration – North Dakota Corn Growers Association member Bryan Dean says attending the Great American Agriculture Celebration at the White House was a rare opportunity to see agriculture take center stage. Dean, a farmer from Velva, called the event “surreal” and said it brought together a wide cross-section of production agriculture. “It was really an amazing event to look around and see so many different groups.” Dean said the biggest takeaway was the administration’s focus on trade and market access. “The encouragement I’d think was that the administration is really on board with the agricultural production side of things, to make sure we get those trade deals.” However, he noted concerns remain, including input costs and equipment regulations. Dean said not all farmers have fertilizer secured heading into planting season. “Everybody’s going to have that pinch in the pocketbook when they have to get that last bit of fertilizer.” Dean added that rising costs could lead to shifts in crop rotations across the region.

Halverson: Farmers Have “Friend in the White House” – Black Gold Farms founder Gregg Halverson says the Great American Agriculture Celebration at the White House was a memorable event that highlighted agriculture’s importance on a national stage. Halverson described the gathering as unique, bringing together farmers from across the country. “It was epic, no question about it, I felt honored to be there,” he said, noting the diverse mix of producers and the opportunity to hear directly from President Donald Trump. He said the president’s message about agriculture’s role in the U.S. economy was encouraging. “He really relishes his farmer friends, and how important the farm industry was to the United States.” Halverson added that long-term success depends on trade relationships rather than government payments. “I would rather produce for a market as opposed to a subsidy, we need a level playing field.”

Iran Conflict Hits Farm Economy – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith says the conflict in the Middle East is intensifying financial pressure on farmers, particularly through rising fuel and fertilizer costs. Smith says higher energy prices are directly impacting production expenses. “If fuel prices go up as they are right now because of Iran, that has a huge impact on producers. Natural gas is a huge part of the feedstock for producing fertilizer, so that is part of what drives up fertilizer cost.” She also pointed to supply chain disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz, which are complicating access to key inputs. “How do you import urea when the Strait of Hormuz is closed?” Smith added that instability in global markets could hurt long-term trade relationships. She warned inconsistent policy signals risk making the U.S. a less reliable partner, which could impact export demand for commodities like soybeans.  Click to listen to Jamie Dickerman’s full interview with Senator Tina Smith.

Cramer Optimistic on Farm Policy – North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer says year-round E-15 and expanded trade opportunities remain top priorities for farmers as they navigate rising costs and market uncertainty. Cramer says a consistent ethanol policy is critical to encourage investment across the fuel supply chain. “It does make sense because it’s so difficult the way it’s done now for the appropriate investment to take place, when you never know the rules of the game. Why not just make a solid policy that’s year-round?” Cramer also expressed cautious optimism about passing a new farm bill, noting bipartisan support remains in place. “Whenever there’s a will across party lines and across the capital to get something done, we can get it done. I’m fairly optimistic we will.” At the same time, Cramer emphasized the importance of expanding export markets. “There’s no substitute for selling the stuff you grow, and it’s even better if you can sell it outside of the United States and get back to a trade surplus on food.”  Click here to listen to Jamie Dickerman’s full interview with Senator Kevin Cramer.

Craig Calls for Action on Farm Economy – House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig says farmers are facing mounting financial stress as Congress works to finalize a new farm bill. Craig says current aid has fallen short of covering widespread losses across agriculture. “The $12 billion that’s been sent in farm aid really doesn’t cover much of the $40 to $45 billion in losses that farmers have faced over the last year,” Craig said, adding she will continue pushing for year-round E-15 and a more bipartisan final bill. Craig also pointed to frustration among producers over rising input costs and comments from Brooke Rollins about fertilizer availability. “I had a group of Texas farmers in the committee office here this week in Washington, and when you’ve got Texas farmers pissed off because the Secretary, Brooke Rollins, seems to be telling folks that everybody’s already got their fertilizer prices locked in, it’s just not true.” Craig says higher fuel and fertilizer costs, along with shifting export markets, are creating serious challenges across farm country and warns more consistent policy and stronger market opportunities are needed.  Click here to listen to Jamie Dickerman’s full interview with Rep. Angie Craig.

Hoeven Pushes For More Farm Aid – North Dakota Senator John Hoeven says progress is being made on key ag priorities, but more work is needed to support farmers through ongoing challenges. Hoeven welcomed the EPA’s move to allow summer E-15 sales but emphasized the need for a permanent solution. “Ultimately, what we want is year-round E-15, to find a vehicle, whether it’s the farm bill or supplemental, to not only give the public another good option year-round but obviously it’s important for our farmers.” Hoeven also pointed to the need for additional support through the Farm Bridge Assistance Program. “That’s been very helpful, but we need more to complete that farm bridge assistance, and we’re working on it now.” Rising input costs remain a major concern, especially fertilizer tied to Middle East tensions. “Phosphates and other inputs have really skyrocketed because of Iran. I think this will be short-lived, but right now it’s a problem.”  Click here to listen to Jamie Dickerman’s full interview with Senator John Hoeven.

Quarles: Farmers Need Lifeline – The U.S. potato industry is pushing for economic relief and expanded market access as growers face rising costs and ongoing uncertainty. National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles said agriculture broadly is under pressure, with conditions some compare to the 1980s farm crisis. “The vast, vast, vast majority of U.S. agriculture is in a very difficult spot,” Quarles said. “I think we can do things here at the federal level that can soften the blows on some of these producers, offer them a kind of lifeline to get to hopefully better economic times. We really want to keep these family farms in business.” Quarles emphasized the need for a meaningful economic relief package that includes specialty crops like potatoes, warning that both sides of agriculture must be supported. He also pointed to trade opportunities, especially Japan, saying opening that market could mean a $150 million boost in U.S. potato exports. At the same time, he highlighted rising input costs tied to global tensions. “I had one producer two days after hostilities broke out say his fertilizer quote just went up 30 percent overnight,” Quarles said. “It is a very difficult time.”

Expanding Markets Critical for Ag – Expanding markets both at home and abroad is key to improving the farm economy, according to CHS President and CEO Jay Debertin.  He says agriculture needs a two-pronged approach, focusing on expanding global trade while also increasing use of crops at home. “One is on the trade front to increase opportunities around the world for exports of agricultural commodities,” Debertin said. “The second route is domestic consumption and trying to build domestic consumption to also utilize more of the crop that’s grown here in the United States.”  He says renewable fuels offer one of the most immediate opportunities, particularly ethanol. “What we think is a necessary step to build domestic consumption is to allow E15 to be a 12-month product throughout the country,” Debertin said. “It doesn’t solve all our issues, but there is no single answer that solves all the issues.”  Debertin also stresses the importance of farmer involvement, urging producers to share their priorities with policymakers, especially on year-round E15.

EPA Issues E-15 Waiver – The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing an emergency fuel waiver allowing E-15 to be sold nationwide during the summer driving season. The move also allows E-10 to exceed standard volatility limits, creating more consistent fuel rules across the country as gasoline prices rise amid Middle East tensions. American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings says the waiver comes at a critical time, noting fuel markets have been disrupted by the conflict involving Iran and instability in the Strait of Hormuz. Jennings says expanded access to E-15 can help lower costs for consumers and reduce exposure to global oil price swings. However, ethanol supporters say the waiver is only a temporary fix. Industry leaders continue to push Congress for a permanent, nationwide solution, arguing that year-round E-15 would provide long-term certainty, reduce fuel prices, and avoid a patchwork of state regulations.

Klobuchar Applauds E-15 Waiver – Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar is welcoming new federal action to expand year-round E-15 sales, calling it a step toward relief for farmers and consumers facing rising costs. The Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency waiver allowing E-15 to be sold year-round, a move Klobuchar had been urging. “I actually sent a very respectful letter to the president this week asking him to immediately authorize year-round E-15, given the cost of the gas at the pump and what our farmers are facing with input costs.” Klobuchar says the policy comes at a critical time, with global tensions adding pressure to fuel and fertilizer prices. “What was already difficult with fertilizer and gas prices has now caused all of this to skyrocket, and we need some immediate action. Our farmers are already facing a five-year high for small farm bankruptcy.” Klobuchar says the waiver will help lower fuel costs, but emphasizes Congress must act to make E-15 permanent through bipartisan legislation.  Click here to listen to Jamie Dickerman’s full interview with Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Refinery Concerns Slow E15 Progress – North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak says momentum is building in Washington to make year-round E15 a permanent policy, but challenges remain as lawmakers work to balance concerns from both agriculture and the energy industry. “We absolutely want to see something permanent, and we’re working toward that goal.” Fedorchak says the main sticking point continues to be refinery concerns, particularly among smaller operators. “Everyone in farm country is in favor of it, but there are groups that are not in favor of it or have had concerns, and those are the refineries and some of the smaller refineries,” she said, noting lawmakers are working to find a balance that protects producers, refiners, and consumers. She adds that the situation in the Middle East is adding urgency, as higher fuel and fertilizer costs impact farmers. “E15 helps to provide another solution to the domestic supply of energy.” Fedorchak also emphasized the need to pass a new farm bill to provide certainty, saying producers are dealing with trade challenges, high interest rates, and lower commodity prices.  Click here to listen to Jamie Dickerman’s interview with Rep. Julie Fedorchak.

USDA Eyes Fertilizer Relief – USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins says the Trump administration is exploring options to ease rising fertilizer costs as global supply disruptions put pressure on farm input prices. Rollins told Bloomberg officials are evaluating trade policy tools, including potentially revisiting duties on phosphate imports from Morocco, to help reduce costs for farmers. The administration is also considering broader emergency actions if needed, while noting most farmers have already secured fertilizer for the spring season. Rollins says the focus is on easing pressure moving forward, as global tensions—especially tied to the Middle East—continue to impact supply chains. Meanwhile, lawmakers are working on potential solutions. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall is leading efforts to combine multiple fertilizer-related bills into a single package, while bipartisan proposals aim to improve price transparency and expand domestic production. Analysts say global supply constraints, including export restrictions from Russia and China, continue to support higher prices.

Finstad Pushes Fertilizer Transparency Bill – Minnesota Congressman Brad Finstad is backing new legislation aimed at giving farmers better insight into fertilizer costs, a growing concern as volatility continues across global markets. Finstad joined South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson in introducing the Fertilizer Transparency Act, which would require USDA to publish weekly fertilizer price data online. Companion legislation has also been introduced in the Senate by John Thune and Amy Klobuchar. Finstad says the bill is about giving producers better tools to manage risk. “It really just highlights the fact that markets can be volatile to us in farm country that are completely out of our control,” he said. “We saw the uptick when Russia invaded Ukraine. Now we’re seeing the uncertainty in the Strait and what that has caused for volatility in the market.” Finstad says the broader issue is affordability, with rising input costs squeezing already tight margins. “At the end of the day, it is really an affordability issue for us because on the input side, we have seen that volatility, we have seen that increase of our inputs while we’ve had a very stale market,” Finstad said. “And so our margins have become thin, if not non existent.” Finstad says improving transparency and strengthening supply chains will be key to helping farmers navigate ongoing uncertainty. Click here to listen to Jamie Dickerman’s full interview with Rep. Brad Finstad.

Farm Rescue Steps Up for Farmers – Farm families facing crisis have a safety net through Farm Rescue, providing critical support during some of the toughest times in agriculture. Executive Director Tim Sullivan says the organization focuses on helping farmers stay in operation during emergencies. “We provide a helping hand up, not a hand out,” Sullivan said. “What we can provide for families that are going through a crisis of injury, illness, or natural disaster, we can have volunteers come in, and we can plant a crop or harvest a crop.” Farm Rescue can also assist with haying, hauling feed to disaster areas, and even replacing lost labor and equipment after storms. Sullivan says support now goes beyond physical challenges. “Mental health plays such a role today,” he said. “If you have a neighbor that you see the crops not being planted in a timely manner or you haven’t talked to that person for a while, it’s important to reach out.” Sullivan says the organization is placing a growing emphasis on stress and suicide prevention in rural communities.

Fed Reports Third Year of Losses – The Federal Reserve reported an operating loss of $18.7 billion last year, marking its third straight year in the red. While the loss is significantly smaller than in 2023 and 2024, it reflects the ongoing impact of higher interest rates used to fight inflation. The Fed is self-funded and does not rely on taxpayer dollars, meaning the losses do not affect its daily operations. The shortfall happens when the central bank pays more interest on bank reserves than it earns from its bond portfolio. Those higher payments have been a direct result of aggressive rate hikes that began in 2022. Officials say profitability is not the Fed’s primary goal, and the central bank expects to return to profits as interest rates ease. Until then, the Fed is tracking losses through a “deferred asset,” which has grown to more than $243 billion and will be paid down before future profits are returned to the Treasury.

Outlook Shows Split Farm Economy – The University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute says farm finances remain mixed heading into 2026. The latest outlook shows continued financial pressure for crop producers, while the livestock sector, especially cattle, is seeing strong profitability. Net returns for most row crops remain weak, even with a modest rebound expected in grain and oilseed prices. Corn is projected to average $4.31 for the 2026 crop, with soybeans at $10.39 per bushel for the 2026-2027 marketing year. Prices for wheat and other crops are also expected to improve slightly, but margins are still tight and remain below the 10-year average. In contrast, the cattle sector continues to benefit from a shrinking beef cow herd, supporting record prices and strong returns for cow-calf producers. However, the report notes that cycle could begin to shift, with cattle prices expected to decline starting in 2027 as production expands.

What’s Hot What’s Not in the Markets – Markets are being driven by energy, biofuels, and acreage expectations, according to Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson. In the latest podcast, Martinson says cotton, soybean oil, and crude oil continue to lead the markets higher, supported by strong demand and ongoing geopolitical tensions tied to the Iran conflict. Corn is also gaining strength, with expectations for lower planted acres ahead of the USDA Prospective Plantings report. On the downside, metals and equities are under pressure, reflecting broader uncertainty around inflation and global instability. Meanwhile, wheat and soybeans remain rangebound, searching for direction as traders weigh acreage shifts and weather patterns. Listen to the full conversation for a complete breakdown of what’s hot and what’s not in today’s markets.

Beet Shares Range from $4,100 to $4,250 – According to Acres & Share broker, Jayson Menke, last week 346 American Crystal Sugar Company beet shares were brokered for an average price of $4,189.16 with a trading range of $4,100 to $4,250 per share.

Corn Acres Expected to Decline – U.S. farmers are expected to plant fewer corn acres this spring, shifting more land to soybeans as rising input costs pressure profitability. Analysts say higher fertilizer and diesel prices, driven in part by global geopolitical tensions, are making corn more expensive to produce. Soybeans, which require less nitrogen, are becoming a more attractive option as farmers look to manage financial risk. The acreage shift comes as farm income is projected to decline for a fourth straight year. Lower commodity prices combined with elevated input costs have tightened margins across much of agriculture. Market watchers say the potential drop in corn acres could impact grain supplies later this year, possibly providing support to corn prices if production falls. However, planting decisions remain flexible. Farmers continue to weigh weather conditions, input availability, and market volatility as the spring planting season approaches.

U.S. Corn Quality Remains Strong – The U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council says the quality of U.S. corn exports remains strong in its latest Corn Export Cargo Quality Report. The analysis shows the average aggregate quality of corn samples met or exceeded U.S. No. 2 grade standards across all measured factors. Council Chair Mark Wilson says the report highlights the industry’s commitment to delivering a reliable product to global buyers. One key metric, broken corn and foreign material, came in at 2.4 percent after export handling, the lowest level recorded in the report’s 15-year history. The report also found protein content at 8.5 percent on a dry basis, similar to last year, while starch levels increased to 72.1 percent compared to the previous marketing year. The findings are based on 430 yellow corn samples collected during export inspections, reinforcing the consistency and quality of U.S. corn in global markets.

SD Corn Comments – In this edition of SD Corn Comments, Jim Woster delivers an Easter message.  Click here to listen to the full report.

Grain Exports Show Mixed Trends – U.S. grain export activity remains steady, with mixed trends across corn, soybeans, and wheat. Corn export inspections for the week ending March 19 totaled 66.9 million bushels, holding near recent levels. Cumulative inspections have reached 1.755 billion bushels, up 38 percent from last year. To meet USDA’s 3.3 billion bushel export target, shipments must average about 59.2 million bushels per week through August. Soybean inspections came in at 40.5 million bushels, supported by strong demand, including a later export program to China. Total inspections are now 1.072 billion bushels, still down 27 percent from last year but improving. Weekly shipments must average 19.6 million bushels to meet USDA projections. Wheat inspections totaled 16.8 million bushels, with cumulative exports at 732 million bushels, up 18 percent from a year ago. With 10 weeks remaining in the marketing year, wheat exports need to average 13.9 million bushels weekly to reach USDA’s 900 million bushel forecast. Overall, corn remains the strongest performer, while soybeans are narrowing their deficit and wheat exports stay on pace.

Corn Matters – MN Corn President Wes Beck discusses legislation aimed at lowering fertilizer costs.  Click to listen to the full report.

Swenson, Tranby Re-Elected to Oilseed Council and Sunflower Association – North Dakota sunflower producers Matt Swenson and Scott Tranby were re-elected to the North Dakota Oilseed Council and the National Sunflower Association. Swenson, who farms at Walcott, is beginning his second three-year term representing Dickey, Lamoure, Ransom, Richland and Sargent counties. Tranby, from Cooperstown, will serve his third term representing Barnes, Cass, Griggs, Steele and Traill counties.

Dry Bean Scene – In this week’s edition of the Dry Bean Scene, NDSU Extension Plant Pathologist Sam Markell offers ideas and tips for your dry beans as we enter the season.  Click here to listen to the full report.

NGFA Elects New Leadership – Brian Schouvieller has been elected chairman of the National Grain and Feed Association board of directors. Schouvieller, senior vice president of ag, trade and risk management at CHS Inc., will serve a one-year term leading the organization. Based in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, CHS is the nation’s largest farmer-owned cooperative, and Schouvieller brings extensive experience in grain merchandising and global markets to the role. The National Grain and Feed Association also elected new officers to its leadership team. Augusto Bassanini, president and chief executive officer of United Grain Corp., will serve as first vice chairman, while Jason Klootwyk, chief executive officer of Agtegra Cooperative, was named second vice chairman. The leadership team will help guide NGFA priorities on trade, risk management, and grain industry policy in the year ahead.

Canola Minute – Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman reviews their recent Annual Meeting.  Click here to listen to the update.

Bayer Expands Crop Protection Team – Kyle Strachilia is stepping into a new leadership role with Bayer. Strachilia has been named U.S. Crop Protection Operations Lead, where he will help oversee operations supporting Bayer’s crop protection business. In this role, he will focus on strengthening product delivery, operational efficiency, and support for farmers across the country.

Farming for the Future – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Red River Farm Network and the Linder Farm Network to provide information on soil health events and topics. This week, Adam Ulbricht, executive director of the Minnesota Bison Association, invites everyone to an upcoming event. Listen to the update. 

New Flexibility with Vyconic – Bayer’s new Vyconic soybean trait is expected to be available commercially in 2027. According to Asgrow Portfolio Lead Ryan Goddard, it will be the first trait offering tolerance to five different herbicides. “We expect it to hit the market for an introduction in ’27, making a bigger splash in ’28,” said Goddard. “It’s everything that an XtendFlex soybean is, plus mesotrione and also 2,4-D, so it’s offering our growers a lot of options in terms of weed control.” In addition to the new flexibility, Goddard says it also has excellent yield potential.

Agricult-HER: Sarah Schmidt – Women have always played a crucial role in agriculture, but their contributions often go unnoticed. Sarah Schmidt shares her experience growing up on a dairy farm in Minnesota, where gender never defined the roles on the farm. She emphasizes that agriculture is about talent and hard work, not gender. This sentiment is echoed in her professional journey, where she has found mentors in both male and female colleagues. Schmidt now serves as the vice president of marketing for Associated Milk Producers, Inc. Her start in agriculture also began in the dairy industry. That included her year as Minnesota’s Princess Kay of the Milky Way. With that experience, Schmidt’s likeness was carved in butter at the Minnesota State Fair. “I’m the oldest of four, one brother and then two sisters. All three of us girls have butterheads. My Mom actually grew up in Chicago. When she moved to Minnesota for school, studying animal science, she thought the Minnesota State Fair was the coolest thing and that the butterhead was amazing. For her to have three girls with butterheads is very, very special. Our three butterheads are still in full form in the freezer on the farm in Hutchinson, Minnesota.” Watch the interview. 

Agricult-HER: Morgan Stutrud – In this Agricult-HER interview, Morgan Stutrud shares her journey from feed science to farm management, highlighting the importance of financial literacy in agriculture, especially for women. She discusses the farm management program, the vital role women play behind the scenes in farming operations and the challenges faced by crop farmers this year. “For the crop guys, it has been kind of hard to work through; we’re working through cash flows for the next year and it’s been even tougher going off of projected input prices and crop prices. It’s been hard.” Congratulations also go out to Stutrud for the new addition to the family. Watch the interview. 

Agricult-HER: Jenny Schlecht – Jenny Schlecht is an ag journalist with AgWeek. Along with her husband, she is raising kids and cattle at Medina, North Dakota. A Montana native, Schlecht came to North Dakota to play softball for the University of Mary and she planned to become a sports writer. An internship with the Associated Press led to a job covering crime and courts at the Bismarck Tribune. She now serves as the director of content and editor for Agweek. In this edition of Agricult-HER, Schlecht shares her story. As a journalist and a farmer, she dealt with the derecho that hit North Dakota last summer. “That was June 20th, we’ll never forget that date, I’m sure. It’s the worst storm I’ve ever been through by far.” Every building on the farm and numerous corrals were affected. That recovery is continuing today.

Agricult-HER: Julie Ellingson – Julie Ellingson serves as the executive director of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. Alongside her husband, Chad, she operates an Angus operation at St. Anthony. She is a former state FFA officer and now spends a lot of her time working on policy issues at the State Capitol. What’s her most important role? Mom and Grandma. “Those five kids and those grandkids, they are my proudest achievement and our greatest blessing.” In this Agricult-HER episode, Ellingson speaks about agriculture’s next generation. “Believe in yourself because it’s going to take all of us to satisfy all that we need here for global food demand and all that agriculture is relied upon.” Watch the interview.

Agricult-HER: Laiken DeMorrett – In this edition of Agricult-HER, Laiken DeMorrett shares her journey from FFA member to executive director of the North Dakota FFA Foundation. “I feel like I finally found a spot where I’m supposed to be and this feels like home for me,” said Demorrett. “We’re highlighting the significance of FFA in fostering leadership, community, and career opportunities in agriculture. It’s truly an honor to support FFA and how it impacts members in this capacity.” Discover insights on the amazing level of participation in North Dakota’s FFA program and her advice for young women entering agriculture. Watch the episode. 

Agricult-HER: Maxi Field – Meet Maxi Field, a trailblazer in the agriculture world, connecting producers with the seasonal help they desperately need through her agency, Field Force. Growing up on a farm, she saw firsthand the challenges farmers face today. With the H2A program, she’s helping bridge the gap and ensure operations run smoothly. Maxi shares her journey from nursing to agriculture, the misconceptions about the H2A program, and how it’s changing lives for farmers. In the Agricult-HER series, Field cites her father as a major role model. “My Dad was a huge influence and has been my whole life, you know, watching him work, the work ethic, the resilience, and he just always told all of us, you’ve got to stay positive, you just keep going.” Watch the interview. 

Agricult-HER: Doris Mold – Doris Mold is an ag consultant, educator and farmer. She is also a past president of the American Agri-Women Association, organizes the Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference and more. “I wear many hats, but I think my biggest role really is an ag advocate and a connector, a catalyst. I get things started and I get things done.” In this Agricult-HER episode, we will highlight key insights from her career, discussing the challenges women face, the progress made in recent decades, and the importance of mental health in agriculture. “I think the important thing is that all of us dedicate ourselves to talking about it, first of all, and not ignoring it, not avoiding the topic, and normalizing that conversation around that, there’s stress involved, there’s no shame in stress.” Watch the interview.

Cattle Country Conversations – In this week’s edition of Cattle Country Conversations, Certified Angus Beef Director of Supply Management and Analysis, Paul Dykstra, offers an update on USDA Prime Beef production.  Click here to listen to the full report.

Bipartisan Bill Seeks Study of Livestock Market Consolidation – Senators Tina Smith and Chuck Grassley have introduced bipartisan legislation to study how livestock industry consolidation affects farmers, ranchers, and consumers, citing limited data and growing market concentration. The bill directs USDA research to inform future policy, as consolidation by a few large companies continues to squeeze producers and raise consumer prices. The bill has been endorsed by the National Farmers Union and Minnesota Farmers Union.

Breeding Herd Slips Slightly – The latest USDA Hogs and Pigs report shows a mixed picture for the U.S. pork sector, with modest changes in inventory and production. Total hog and pig numbers are up slightly from a year ago, but down 1 percent from the previous quarterly report. The breeding herd declined 1 percent year-over-year and slipped slightly from last quarter, signaling some ongoing caution among producers. ,Despite fewer breeding animals, productivity improved. The December through February pig crop increased 1 percent from last year, with a record average of 11.9 pigs saved per litter. Sow farrowings were down 1 percent from a year ago, accounting for 47 percent of the breeding herd. Looking ahead, producers intend to farrow nearly 2.9 million sows from March through May 2026. That’s slightly above last year, but down 2 percent from 2024 levels. Meanwhile, contract production continues to dominate, representing 53 percent of total inventory. Analysts describe the report as neutral for futures markets, balancing smaller breeding numbers with improved productivity.

Zoetis Names Beyer to Key Role – Leah Beyer is returning to the livestock industry in a leadership role with Zoetis. Beyer will lead the company’s U.S. Livestock Marketing Operations and Communications Team. She says she is excited to be back working directly in the livestock sector, focusing on supporting producers and advancing animal health initiatives. Zoetis is a global animal health company serving livestock and companion animal producers.

Poultry Industry Gears Up for PEAK 2026 in Minneapolis – The Midwest Poultry Federation Convention PEAK 2026 is just a couple of weeks away and Federation Board President Lisa Henning says this year’s event is a big one. “We have the largest exhibit hall in the history of the event booked, and we’re really excited to welcome all of our diverse range of companies and exhibitors to the trade show. We have a full schedule and educational program with over 70 speakers.” High Path Avian Influenza will be discussed. “It remains one of the most significant challenges facing the poultry industry. And part of our education is that we prioritize the education and collaboration around disease prevention.” PEAK 2026 runs April 14 – 16 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. More information can be found at midwestpoultry.com“