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New data from the Illinois Farm Bureau show that farm financial conditions are stabilizing, even as debt per acre and borrowing costs continue to climb.
Variety meat demand is helping offset weaker beef exports.
Corn exports remain the clear demand leader.
Superior Livestock Auctions markets more than 1.7 million head of cattle nationwide while also building long-term relationships between both cattle raisers and beef producers.
Lane Howard and Adam Andrews with the National Corn Growers Association joined us in the studio discuss EPA’s approval of summer E15 sales, ongoing fuel market concerns, and the industry’s push for a long-term biofuels solution for farmers.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation discusses how stewardship is driving efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness in the dairy industry.
Spring Fieldwork Expands While Weather Challenges Persist Nationwide
Rising costs and prices are shifting acreage toward soybeans. Most fertilizer prices are up double digits from this time last year, with Urea seeing the largest gains.
Hiring may ease slightly, but labor shortages remain persistent.
Price volatility is driving shifts in demand and supply innovation.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains shifting global trade dynamics and what they could mean for agriculture and energy markets.
Rising diesel and energy costs are squeezing farmers and rural communities, increasing production expenses and raising concerns about consumer demand for beef even as U.S. meat exports regain the Australian market.
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch discusses the USDA’s request for feedback on data and research, how such requests work, and what farmers should know about submitting comments before the Thursday, April 9 deadline.
Overall, the report suggests a shift toward more comfortable supply levels, with demand emerging as a key factor to watch in the months ahead.
Lower shipping costs favor corn, while soybeans face pressure.
ASFMRA’s Howard Halderman gives an update on Corn Belt farmland values, buyer activity, and what to expect for the rest of 2026 as geopolitical tensions and bridge payments move