Agriculture News
Chances for higher than usual temperatures across nearly the entire lower 48
54% Rural Bankers Say Local Economies Are in Recession
Heavy rains came to the area at the start of planting season
As the Iran war drives fertilizer prices up 40%, the Trump administration is warning against price gouging. A new survey shows only 60% of corn farmers have secured their nitrogen needs for 2026.
Accumulated export inspections for corn show final tally could top USDA’s latest estimate, though the pace has slowed in recent months.
President Trump has called for an immediate blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following failed peace talks over the weekend, prolonging delays of fertilizer and fuel trade, though other factors are in play.
A fast-developing El Niño could bring much-needed rain to the Plains, but timing and coverage remain uncertain. Brian Bledsoe explains what a strong event could mean for drought relief.
With wheat barely a foot tall, the flag leaf is already emerging—a sign the crop is rushing to reproduce under stress, leaving too little structure to support a harvest. Less than 10% may be harvested in West Texas.
Milder improvements were also noted in the southern U.S.
Survey of land professionals finds more the 60% expect lower values in 2026.
Partial relief expected for the Plains next week
USDA’s March 2026 Prospective Plantings report produced no major surprises, but the bigger story may be the fact only 37.6% of farmers responded, the lowest participation in history for that survey.
USDA estimates corn acres well above analysts’ average pre-report estimate, while soybean acres were lower. March 1 corn stocks were slightly below expectations, while soybeans were slightly above. Wheat stocks were as expected.
Fertilizer price spikes are clouding spring planting as farmers warn of mounting financial strain, while lawmakers push for greater transparency with recently proposed legislation in both the House and Senate.
While an unexpected March freeze is causing some farmers in Mississippi to replant corn, a mild spring is spurring early planting, with some farmers reporting they’ll finish planting corn by the end of this week.
Unseasonably warm temperatures are expected to continue next week
As the five-year sunset review begins, corn growers are urging regulators to scrap phosphate duties they say have restricted supply and cost U.S. agriculture $1 billion each year.