Business
The Meat Institute says meat sales reached a record $112 billion last year as protein demand remained strong nationwide.
Corn inspections remain strong year-to-date, while China’s soybean and sorghum movement remains important to late-season export demand.
At the center of the announcement is the Blue Point Project in Louisiana, a $3.7 billion ammonia facility, USDA says, that will become the world’s largest ammonia plant once completed.
Southern Plains wheat shippers face higher rail fuel surcharges as hard red winter wheat production falls toward a nearly 70-year low.
Ag Commissioner Sid Miller and Rep. Henry Cuellar say rising costs and generational shifts are making it harder to keep young producers in the industry.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom joins us to discuss China’s renewed access for U.S. beef facilities, the outlook for exports, and key conversations taking place at this week’s Spring Conference.
Passing a farming operation to the next generation causes incredibly complex challenges, so estate planners often use the QTIP Trust, a powerful estate-planning tool, to bridge the gap.
Operating debt remains manageable in many areas, but rising non-accrual loans show why careful cash-flow management matters in 2026.
Strong rail and ocean demand support grain movement, but weak barge traffic and high diesel costs keep freight pressure elevated.
Corn exports remained active the week of May 7, but weak soybean, cotton, and sorghum sales kept attention on China and late-year demand.
Conservation programs may work better when they recognize yield risk and cash-flow pressure during adoption.
Cotton growers can use the survey to compare nutrient, herbicide, and pest-management practices against national production benchmarks.
Drought and Planting Shape Weekly State Agriculture Recap
In agricultural transactions, timing is often far more than a matter of convenience. A delayed closing or missed payment can lead to a major financial problem.
Fred Nichols with Huma joins us to discuss the 4 R’s of nutrient stewardship and how farmers are adapting best practices in today’s evolving ag economy.
Markets
Soybean oil is already feeling the pressure.
ISA says Southeast Asia continues driving demand for soy-based feed products through expanding livestock and seafood industries.
Several counties are reviewing disaster declarations. Crop insurance may help growers cover some costs.
Trade
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says producers should continue to watch tariff negotiations, market access, and the possibility of a more transactional trade relationship with China.
USMCA review nears a critical stage as the U.S. and Mexico advance talks while Canada risks being left behind, raising concerns across North American agriculture trade.
Industry leaders say damage tied to the Strait of Hormuz conflict may continue impacting global fertilizer supplies long after shipping resumes.