How should producers navigate today’s volatile markets with all the tariffs back and forth?

Traders are warning that the markets have had a different feel lately. They say it is no surprise, given the action out of our nation’s Capitol recently, but they warn you need to stay vigilant.

“So now that we’ve flipped the calendar into 2025, it started with the January report,” said Brian Splitt. “It really changed the perception of the balance sheet for corn specifically, but also for soybeans. And now we’ve got a new Administration in office. And so with all of the things going on, with tariffs, who are we putting tariffs on? Are the tariffs off? Are they getting delayed? So the frequency of what you would say market-impacting information is really ramping up.”

Splitt says it is important to tackle any issues now. The number one thing you want to avoid is making decisions under duress.

Related Stories
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
Large-scale land purchases signal rising competition for ranchland, reinforcing its value while reshaping long-term access and control in rural agriculture.
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
Moderate oil prices may ease fuel costs, but continued caution in the energy sector could limit rural economic growth.
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.
Pennsylvania Farm Show scholarship recipient Elizabeth Dice discusses her award, her background in farming, and her path forward in the agriculture industry.
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska joined us with the latest on efforts to secure year-round E15 sales.
Nearly everyone in the South Texas ag community appears extremely worried about the potential of a New World screwworm epidemic, according to a local veterinarian. RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports.
Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
AFBF Economist Faith Parum discusses the financial challenges currently facing farmers and the Farm Bureau’s 2026 outlook for the farm economy.