NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — American corn growers are paying substantially more for key crop inputs than their Brazilian counterparts, according to a new study from the National Corn Growers Association. The report found U.S. corn seed prices averaged 68% higher than Brazil’s from 2023 to 2025, while some fungicide and herbicide prices were nearly double. Corn insecticides averaged 87% higher.
NCGA leaders say limited competition and restricted access to generic crop protection products are driving costs higher, putting U.S. farmers at a competitive disadvantage. They are urging lawmakers to increase transparency and reform policies that affect input pricing.
USDA economists estimate corn production costs will average $952 per acre next year.
Oil Prices Stay Under Pressure, But Diesel Relief May Be Limited
Oil prices remain under pressure as more crude continues moving through the Strait of Hormuz and OPEC increases production, but lower crude prices aren’t necessarily translating into cheaper fuel for farmers.
GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan says refining capacity—not crude supply—is becoming the biggest concern. While geopolitical tensions have eased somewhat, refinery issues and hurricane season could keep gasoline and diesel prices elevated even if oil prices remain soft.
De Haan says consumers may not see the full benefit of falling oil prices until refining constraints ease.
Drought Continues to Support Record Cattle Prices
Persistent drought is continuing to shape the U.S. cattle market, with analysts at Terrain estimating more than three-quarters of the nation’s beef cow herd remains in some level of drought.
The combination of limited pasture, tight feeder cattle supplies, ongoing New World screwworm concerns keeping the southern border closed to cattle imports, and continued herd liquidation is expected to support historically high cattle prices through next year.
While beef cow slaughter remains below last year’s pace, analysts say any herd expansion in 2027 is expected to be modest, meaning supplies are likely to remain tight for the foreseeable future.
