American farmers this year planted more corn acres than they have since the 1930s. The September WASDE report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates now show even more of that crop heading to the bins than previously thought.
While soybean production is also expected to increase slightly from previous estimates, it is down 2 percent from last year’s totals. The American Soybean Association (ASA) has been closely monitoring the numbers, particularly since China is no longer at the buying table.
ASA President Caleb Ragland joins us on Friday’s Market Day Report for his reaction to September’s WASDE. In his interview with RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander, Ragland discusses his recent warning that the soybean sector is in a “dire” situation due to trade uncertainty with China, and how this growing crisis might have a ripple effect on the markets. He also discussed the Trump Administration’s recent trade deal with Japan, one of the top 10 international markets for soy, and whether the agreement is enough to offset the loss of China as a buyer.
Ragland also addressed the recent House vote to reauthorize the US Grain Standards Act, its impact on soy, and provided an update on harvest progress in Kentucky, where he lives.
Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Jim Mintert shares a closer look at farmer sentiment and the key issues shaping the agricultural economy in January.
February 04, 2026 10:53 AM
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Stronger U.S.-Guatemala trade rules favor dependable, regionally integrated supply chains — rewarding execution and commitment over cost-only sourcing.
February 04, 2026 09:00 AM
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China-led demand continues to anchor soybean and sorghum exports despite weekly swings.
February 04, 2026 06:00 AM
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Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture
February 03, 2026 01:10 PM
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RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers there are already sounding the alarm about what this could mean for the future of ag research.
February 03, 2026 01:03 PM
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Clearer 45Z rules favor U.S. oilseeds, but final RFS volumes remain critical to locking in demand.
February 03, 2026 12:39 PM
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Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.
February 03, 2026 10:33 AM
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Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
February 02, 2026 12:13 PM
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The biggest development of 2025 in agricultural law and taxation was the signing into law on July 4 of the Trump Administration’s landmark legislation, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA)
February 02, 2026 11:40 AM
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