NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Energy markets are sending conflicting signals to agriculture, with lower long-term fuel prices but continued short-term volatility in heating and fertilizer inputs.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s February Short-Term Energy Outlook (PDF Version) projects Brent crude oil averaging about $58 per barrel in 2026 and $53 in 2027 as global production continues to outpace demand and inventories build. Despite recent geopolitical disruptions, expanding output worldwide is expected to keep diesel and fuel costs generally softer over time.
Natural gas tells a different story in the near term. The Henry Hub price averaged $7.72 per MMBtu in January after winter weather tightened supplies. Storage levels are now projected to end winter about 8 percent lower than previously expected. Prices should moderate later as drilling increases, with averages near $4.30 this year and $4.40 in 2027.
U.S. natural gas production is forecast to grow 2 percent in 2026, while rising solar generation and modest coal use help meet expanding electricity demand from industry and data centers.
Lower propane prices are also expected as higher gas production boosts supply.
Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.
November 06, 2025 10:53 AM
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U.S. sugar producers and processors should brace for price pressure and challenging export logistics with global sugar supply ramping up — driven by Brazil, India, and Thailand — especially at the raw processing level.
November 05, 2025 01:02 PM
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Wed, 12/10/25 – 7:30 PM ET | 6:30 PM CT | 5:30 PM MT | 4:30 PM PT
November 05, 2025 11:59 AM
The Farm Bureau urges trade enforcement, biofuel growth, fair input pricing, and pro-farmer policy reforms to restore long-term certainty.
November 05, 2025 11:41 AM
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Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
November 04, 2025 01:45 PM
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RaboResearch says China’s pivot from mass production to innovation-driven growth could reshape global pesticide supply chains — and influence prices and product access for U.S. farmers in the coming years.
November 04, 2025 01:20 PM
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Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.
November 04, 2025 12:34 PM
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According to the new report, seven out of ten rural bankers support President Trump’s recent trade steps with China, expressing cautious optimism about future export potential.
November 03, 2025 01:36 PM
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The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
November 03, 2025 09:34 AM
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