April 10, 2026: Farmer Sentiment Rises Despite Fertilizer and Economic Challenges

The episode opens with a weather update for the Midwest, noting active fronts bringing showers that improve soil moisture ahead of spring planting. It transitions to news, starting with the first USDA crop progress report showing 2% of the nation's corn planted, in line with the five-year average. The hosts discuss a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which could lower fuel and fertilizer costs, but note that 22 ships carrying nearly a million metric tons of urea are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, with delays expected. A survey from NCGA reveals that U.S. corn growers are concerned about fertilizer affordability for 2027, with tariffs on phosphate imports from Morocco and Russia contributing to high prices. The Purdue University and CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose from 116 in February to 127 in March, with farmers more optimistic due to bridge payments averaging $35 an acre and stronger corn prices. Updates on the Farm Bill highlight the American Farm Bureau Federation urging Congress to advance new legislation. The Soy Transportation Coalition invested $200,000 in the Port of Milwaukee to expand soybean export capacity. State policy news includes Kentucky passing a law limiting liability for pesticide manufacturers and Idaho requiring lab-grown protein products to be clearly labeled. A strike at a JBS USA beef plant in Greeley, Colorado, ends with workers returning without a new contract. Ranchers in South Dakota organize hay convoys to help Nebraska producers after wildfires. Deere & Company settles a right-to-repair lawsuit, agreeing to provide repair tools and information. The USDA launches the National Proving Grounds Network for Agriculture to help farmers adopt new technologies. The interview with Tom Fox of Fish Head Farms details his accidental entry into agriculture, developing a microbial product from fish waste that boosts corn and soybean yields. The episode concludes with a WASDE report summary, noting record wheat ending stocks and neutral updates for corn and soybeans.

As heard by us

A brisk farm-news episode connecting wet soils, soybean math, and an unconventional agriculture career.

Ag News Daily frames spring planting as a farm-business problem, starting with saturated conditions in central Iowa and an active front expected to bring more showers across the Midwest.

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Why you'd press play

You want saturated central Iowa fields, soybean balance-sheet calm, and a medicinal-cannabis-to-Fish-Head-Farms origin story in one brisk briefing.

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