Ag News Daily

This week’s podcast covers what the two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran could mean for farmers, along with ongoing frustrations in the farm economy. Despite concerns over fertilizer costs, trade uncertainty and other economic pressures, farmer sentiment still rose in March according to a recent survey. Agriculture news this week includes trade concerns related to the Strait of Hormuz and what it could mean for fertilizer supplies and oil tanker shipments. We also cover a recent survey from the National Corn Growers Association highlighting farmer concerns about fertilizer costs and other challenges. Additional stories include the latest Purdue University and CME Ag Economy Barometer showing farmer sentiment increasing in March, soybean farmers investing in export opportunities, state legislation moving forward on pesticides and protein labeling and how farmers are stepping up to help during the Nebraska wildfires. This week’s interview highlights an entrepreneur’s journey into agriculture through the cannabis industry and how that path led now to working with crop growers including corn and soybeans. Fish Head Farms Inc. Chief Development Officer Tommy Fox shares the story behind the company and the development of Fish Sh!t, along with how it is filling a need in today’s growing biological market for farmers. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

The EPA is releasing its long-awaited Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs), and this week we discuss what those standards could mean for agriculture. We also break down what the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict could mean for fertilizer prices and availability for farmers. Other agriculture news this week includes Illinois officially moving to a B20 biodiesel blend requirement to qualify for the tax credit, new findings from Bushel on farmers’ digital tool usage, and the United States Department of Agriculture announcing plans to move the United States Forest Service headquarters from Washington to Utah. We also discuss what officials are saying about reopening the U.S.-Mexico border for cattle trade, along with some Easter-related news involving chocolate and eggs. This week’s interview is with Josh Linville of StoneX, who explains how the conflict involving Iran is impacting fertilizer supply and costs. He notes that roughly one-third of global fertilizer trade, along with significant volumes of oil, natural gas and crop nutrients, move through the Strait of Hormuz. Linville says the conflict could create long-term ripple effects across supply chains, raising energy and fertilizer costs for months and potentially into 2027. While some farmers and agribusinesses may already have portions of their fuel and fertilizer needs locked in, many will still feel the impact of higher prices during an already tight-margin year. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

This week’s podcast covers the latest agriculture policy news, market outlook reports and a conversation with an entrepreneur who never expected to work in agriculture, but now serves farmers every day. Agriculture news this week includes renewed optimism for E15 after the EPA announced emergency waivers allowing summer sales. Additional headlines include a Farm Bill update and lawmakers pushing for more fertilizer cost transparency. The episode also highlights several reports on agriculture’s economic impact, including how much revenue and jobs the industry generates, how much of the food dollar farmers receive and a survey showing how much farmland is rented. In today’s interview, Jeremy Matuszewski shares the story behind starting Thunderstruck Ag and the Ag Warriors Podcast. He discusses recognizing a need for agricultural marketing, his upbringing in Pennsylvania and how a move to Canada for hockey ultimately led him into the agriculture industry. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

Volatility continues across fertilizer and crop markets amid ongoing global tensions. This week’s agriculture headlines include a lawsuit over fertilizer pricing, along with a timely conversation to help farmers prepare for spring planting. Agriculture news this week highlights advocacy efforts amid ongoing challenges in the farm economy. More than 50 agricultural groups and organizations sent a letter to the White House outlining the struggles facing American farmers and ranchers. At the same time, there are signs of optimism, with supportive biofuel policies potentially on the horizon and China signaling openness to purchasing more U.S. agricultural products. In animal agriculture news, a strike is underway at a major Colorado meatpacking facility, while the dairy industry has launched an online grant database to support farmers. And mark your calendars for National Ag Day on Tuesday, March 24 — a day to recognize and celebrate American agriculture. Today’s featured conversation is with Michael Cox, Ph.D., brand manager of corn herbicides at Helena Products Group. He discusses the latest innovations in weed management and the tools available to growers. Cox also explains the process of obtaining EPA registration for Sinister Nexus, a three-way soybean herbicide, and highlights how the company is working to improve existing technologies. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

What the latest tensions between the United States and Iran could mean for agriculture — and why some farm groups say it strengthens the case for year-round E15 sales — are among today’s top agriculture headlines. A new report also highlights the biggest soybean disease losses farmers faced in 2025. Additional agriculture policy news includes an update on legislation that would allow year-round E15 sales, developments in renewable diesel policy and a coalition of agriculture groups coming together to support uniform herbicide labeling. There are also updates on where the Farm Bill stands today. Other headlines include an update on New World screwworm, South Dakota becoming the latest state to enact a five-year ban on cell-cultured protein and decisions made by pork producers at the latest National Pork Industry Forum. In ag manufacturing news, U.S. tractor and combine sales were down in February, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. If you have a bad relationship with weeds, you are not alone. Ron Geiss, market development specialist with Corteva Agriscience, describes weeds as a “thief,” stealing crop yield. As farmers prepare for the growing season, Geiss shares tips on effective weed management in today’s conversation. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

This week in agriculture news, we take a look at what’s happening around the world — including developments in Iran — and what it could mean for agriculture. We also cover the latest movement on the farm bill and share a conversation focused on preparing for the upcoming growing season. Top agriculture headlines from across the country include ag policy updates surrounding the farm bill, a court decision related to a lawsuit over the deletion of climate-related webpages from USDA sites and headlines tied to the Make America Healthy Again initiative. We also discuss the more than 37,000 applications submitted for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, the latest updates on agricultural trade and other industry developments. Additional news includes the newest CME Group/Purdue University Ag Economy Barometer results, offering insight into current farmer sentiment. We also look at a cattle ranch closing tied to the temporary closure of the U.S.–Mexico border due to concerns about New World screwworm, along with other agriculture stories making headlines across the country. Today’s featured conversation is with Ron Geis, market development specialist with Corteva Agriscience. As planting season approaches in the coming weeks and months, Geis shares practical tips to help give crops the best possible start and explains how growers can develop an effective weed control plan for the year ahead. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

This week in agriculture news, we break down what the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down former President Donald Trump’s tariffs means for farmers, along with ag policy updates and conversations from this year’s Commodity Classic. Top agriculture headlines from across the country include clarification on which products are — and are not — impacted by the latest tariff developments, ongoing E15 frustrations and comments from agricultural groups at Commodity Classic as Farm Bill discussions continue in Washington. We also cover a new program supporting young farmers, enrollment in the USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program and insights from the latest Rural Mainstreet Index report. Today’s conversation was filmed at the BASF booth at Commodity Classic with Scott Kay, vice president of U.S. crop protection, and Bryan Perry, U.S. head of seeds & traits. They discuss considerations for growers heading into the season, including new technology, weed control strategies and other factors shaping 2026 crop plans. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

House Ag Committee releases new farm bill text, USDA headlines and a new report projecting more soybean acres in 2026 are some of this week’s top agriculture stories. Today’s show breaks down what the latest “Farm Bill 2.0” proposal could mean for producers and shares reaction from ag groups, including the National Pork Producers Council, which expressed appreciation for language addressing California’s Proposition 12. USDA updates include a new $1 billion one-time assistance program for specialty crop and sugar growers, news that the number of U.S. farms declined by 15,000 in 2025 and expanded disaster payments for producers impacted by catastrophic drought, flooding and wildfires in 2023 and 2024. Additional headlines this week include a report forecasting steady growth in the U.S. agricultural equipment market and a new partnership between NASCAR and POET to promote zero-carbon bioethanol. In market news, a new CoBank report projects soybean acreage will increase nearly six percent to 86 million acres in 2026. In this week’s interview, we discuss how pork producers are working to improve efficiency while maintaining strong animal welfare standards as they evaluate barn updates and expansion plans. Hyatt Frobose, North America commercial director at Jyga Technologies, shares insights on helping producers navigate renovation decisions amid policy pressures such as Proposition 12, while maintaining operational flexibility. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

Agriculture news this week shares ag groups E15 and USMCA priorities for farmers, USDA updates and an interview discussing what growers should consider as they plan for the upcoming season. Top agriculture headlines from across the country include the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council expected to submit proposals by February 15, with lawmakers aiming for an agreement by the end of the month. A new report outlines the agricultural impact of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, while Donald Trump’s tariffs face renewed scrutiny in the U.S. House. Additional agricultural policy news covers updates to farmer payments, increased scrutiny of USDA data and the U.S. expanding beef imports from Argentina following an executive order signed last week. Looking ahead to the start of the growing season, Eric Scherder, Ph.D., U.S. crop protection technical lead at Corteva Agriscience, joins the podcast for this week’s interview discussing how growers can approach weed control and herbicide programs in an economically challenging year. He emphasizes using an integrated strategy that combines herbicides with cultural practices, such as cover crops, to create an effective and flexible plan regardless of crop or geography. The conversation also highlights his background and appreciation for science and agriculture in this first interview of the Why Enlist series, featuring agronomy and crop leaders. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

This week’s agriculture headlines focus on what the U.S. Treasury’s announcement on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit means for farmers, the EPA’s expectation to reapprove dicamba and new guidance surrounding the right to repair, along with a conversation on manufacturing and safety with Bernard Krone of KRONE. On today’s show, news includes the clarity welcomed by farmers and biofuel stakeholders following the U.S. Treasury Department’s proposed rule for the 45Z tax credit, analyzed on today’s show by Continuum Ag CEO and seventh-generation farmer Mitchell Hora. Additional ag policy updates include the EPA expected to reapprove dicamba for over-the-top use on tolerant soybeans and cotton for the 2026 growing season, a Farm Bill 2.0 markup session scheduled for late February and biofuel and farm groups warning Congress in a letter this week that the U.S. farm economy is under serious strain. Policy priorities set at CattleCon, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s annual conference, are also highlighted. This week’s interview features Bernard Krone, owner of KRONE, who speaks with Tanner Winterhof at the U.S. Custom Harvester, Inc. annual convention. The conversation focuses on equipment safety and the latest technology in KRONE manufacturing. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

This week’s agriculture news covers the latest developments around year-round E15 fuel, ag policy updates and new insights into pork consumers. Agriculture headlines include continued frustration from ag groups after a House funding bill excluded language that would have allowed nationwide, year-round access to E15 gasoline, CF Industries Holdings and POET launching a pilot project to build a low-carbon fertilizer supply chain aimed at reducing the carbon intensity of corn and ethanol and the House Natural Resources Committee advanced the Enforcing Safety for Animals Act of 2025 with bipartisan support, raising implications for the Mexican wolf. Meanwhile, the Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above the growth-neutral mark of 50.0 in January, reaching 52.0 — its highest level since July 2023. This week’s interview covers consumer preferences, particularly when it comes to pork and how producers can use this information. Sarah Showalter, National Pork Board director of consumer and business insights, and Morgan Wonderly, NPB board member and animal science lecturer at California Polytechnic State University–San Luis Obispo, join the podcast to discuss how pork preferences differ across generations. They explore the roles of convenience, nutrition, culture, and social media, and how third-party insights can help the pork industry connect with consumers in new and meaningful ways. Learn more at porkcheckoff.org/sizzle. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

This week’s agriculture news highlights growing demand for U.S. grains, including increased soybean exports during the 2024–25 marketing year, along with continued efforts to expand corn demand. We also take a closer look at challenges facing the animal agriculture sector and how industry groups are working to address them. In the agriculture headlines this week: China has purchased about 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans, fulfilling its pledge by the end of February. The U.S. Supreme Court will review Durnell v. Monsanto (Roundup), a case with major impacts for farmers. We also cover new efforts to boost corn demand, congressional funding for some agencies in fiscal year 2026, potential expansion of farmer aid and Canada’s newly announced trade framework with China. This week’s interview focuses on some ways groups are advocating for animal agriculture and the resources available for producers and ag groups, featuring Animal Agriculture Alliance’s Director of Communications and Marketing Emily Ellis. She shares how recent food and nutrition reports are being interpreted and what the nonprofit organization has learned over the past year. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

On today’s show, we cover lawmaker agriculture priorities, global ag news and crop protection considerations as farmers plan for the 2026 growing season following a challenging year of disease pressure. Agriculture news this week covers what federal lawmakers will be prioritizing these upcoming few weeks from a discussion heard at the American Farm Bureau Convention earlier this week, and the group’s top policy priorities for the year ahead. Today’s show also shares the newly signed Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and what it means for schools and dairy farmers, delays to USDA’s ARC and PLC programs until after the 2026 planting season, developments involving Venezuela and the energy industry and a new report showing U.S. agricultural equipment sales declined compared to the previous year. This week’s interview is with Dean Grossnickle, Technical Development Lead at Syngenta, who joins the show to discuss pre and post-emerge crop protection strategies, especially in light of late-season disease pressure seen last year including Southern rust. The conversation highlights why weed control is more critical than ever and the questions Grossnickle is hearing from farmers this winter as they build their weed management plans. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

This week’s agriculture news highlights both the wins and challenges facing ethanol, biodiesel, poultry and beef markets, along with a timely interview focused on keeping farms safe during the winter months and the resources available to help. Top agriculture headlines include what recent surveys reveal about the current state of the farm economy, what the northernmost detection of New World screwworm in Mexico — approximately 200 miles from the U.S. border — could mean for ranchers, an update on China purchasing more soybeans, plus the latest weather and market outlook. Today’s interview focuses on farm safety considerations and the important role local fire departments play on farms. Pittsville Fire Company Chief Jerry Minor shares insights for producers, along with the challenges and rewards of serving as a rural firefighter. He also explains how firefighters can access resources through the National Farm Medicine Center and how those tools support emergency preparedness in rural communities. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!