New rule may reduce H-2A farmworker wages across key states, Keith Sonderling has been named acting U.S. Labor Secretary

Retail fertilizer prices continue to climb sharply, with all eight major nutrients higher than a month ago and six posting notable increases of 5% or more, according to the latest DTN data.

Corn planting reached 11% complete nationwide as of April 19, up from 5% the previous week and in line with analyst expectations as fieldwork accelerates across key states.

New signals in the cattle market are raising questions about whether the seasonal spring high has already been reached, as both cash trade and futures show signs of weakening.

USDA is increasing funding for specialty crop programs to $275 million, providing additional support through existing grant programs focused on research, marketing and industry competitiveness.

Momentum is building in Congress to advance a new farm bill, with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman indicating the legislation could move forward in “weeks rather than months."

Replant decisions in 2026 are becoming more complex as higher input costs and tighter margins force farmers to focus on profitability rather than instinct.

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are creating new pressure on global fertilizer markets, with a potential blockade threatening to push prices even higher.

Staffing shortages within the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are leaving some local offices with little to no in-person support, following a wave of employee departures across the agency.

New survey data from the National Corn Growers Association shows rising concern among farmers around fertilizer costs and availability, with risk extending well beyond the 2026 growing season.