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Consolidation trends in the U.S. nitrogen fertilizer industry
While geopolitical conflicts often take the balme for volatile nitrogen fertilizer prices, decades of deep industry consolidation- driven by natural gas costs- may be the true underlying factor. Henrique Monaco, a Ph.D. candidate in agricultural economics at the University of Illinois, said the current volatility in nitrogen fertilizer prices can't be blamed entirely on the ongoing geopolitical situation. Monaco said the U.S. is very dependent on potassium imports- mainly from Canada- but it...
Corn and soybean inspections dropped last week
Corn and soybean export inspections declined last week, while wheat inspections improved, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA says 1.54 million metric tons of corn were inspected for export during the week ending July 9, down...
Soybean trends in USDA July balance sheets
The recent USDA WASDE report for July provides the latest update for the world and domestic soybean outlooks. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the balance sheet details gains in U.S. soybean production and that reflects in the world...
High input costs remain a top concern for U.S. producers
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer dropped from May to June. Michael Langemeier, the director of the Center for Commercial Agriculture at Purdue University, discussed the significance of these low numbers. Langemeier expanded on the primary reason...
Two wars add uncertainty to grain markets
Geopolitical tensions continue to influence grain markets as conflicts in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe create uncertainty for global energy and agricultural trade. Ag economist Frayne Olson says the latest developments in the Middle East could have indirect...
July started with heavy rain but has since dried out
This month has already been a crazy one when it comes to the weather. July started off with unrelenting rainfall across much of central Iowa, but since then it has transitioned to a warm and dry pattern. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist with Landus Cooperative,...
Drought coverage shrinking across most of the U.S
Spring and early summer rainfall has helped to shrink the drought coverage area in the United States. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the U.S. Drought Monitor looks vastly different as of July 7th compared to the drought monitor maps of April 2026. The areas of D3...
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USDA implementing scientific research priorities
In 2026, the USDA began implementing its strategy, which builds on what has made American growers the most productive in the world: scientific research. Agriculture Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Scott Hutchins believes that protecting the...
Poll reveals record voter support for E15
A new national survey shows record-high voter support for expanding access to E15, the 15 percent ethanol fuel blend, and making it available year-round. The Renewable Fuels Association says 75 percent of registered voters support wider availability of E15, while more...
Farmers remain cautious about AI technology
Artificial intelligence is becoming a larger part of agriculture, but many farmers remain cautious about adopting the technology, according to the latest Purdue University CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The monthly survey asked producers about artificial intelligence...
Looking for profits amid heightened grain market volatility
The markets are already volatile at this time of year, but when you add a few global news headlines on top of that, you get what we are currently seeing in the ag marketplace: chaos, chaos, and more chaos. Michael Weidner, director of grain origination and producer...
Cattle marketplace continues to grind lower
While the grain side of the ag marketplace has seen some price relief in recent days following the most recent USDA reports, soybean purchases by China, and weather premium being priced into the market due to heat concerns, the cattle side of the ag marketplace is a...
