CHESTERFIELD, Mo. (RFD NEWS) — Record-high corn supplies are adding new pressure to farmers as the industry heads into another year of tight margins. With expanding production, lingering input cost concerns, and uncertainty surrounding policy and trade, corn growers are closely watching the forces expected to shape prices and profitability in the months ahead.
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Chief Economist Krista Swanson joined us to break down the economic outlook for corn producers and the key factors influencing the market.
In her interview with RFD NEWS, Swanson highlighted planted acres and a growing supply as primary drivers weighing on corn prices, explaining how acreage decisions and strong production continue to build stocks. She also addressed fertilizer markets, noting how last year’s geopolitical volatility still factors into cost expectations as producers prepare for the 2026 growing season.
Swanson discussed the financial outlook for corn farmers facing the combination of high input costs and lower commodity prices, offering insight into how those pressures are shaping planting decisions and risk management strategies. She also weighed in on interest rates, explaining how potential moves by the Federal Open Market Committee could influence borrowing costs and on-farm investment decisions.
Trade was another major focus of the conversation, with Swanson emphasizing the importance of the upcoming U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review and its potential impact on U.S. corn exports. She also pointed to ethanol as a critical demand driver, outlining how expanded ethanol use could play a significant role in alleviating excess corn supplies in both the short and long term.
Justin Wheeler with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined us with insight into current farmland values and what to watch in the year ahead.
January 28, 2026 02:42 PM
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Tennessee 4-H members Jayden Hesson and Matthew Rochford joined us to discuss how 4-H is helping young leaders plan for the future of agriculture.
January 28, 2026 02:34 PM
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USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
January 28, 2026 01:49 PM
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Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
January 28, 2026 01:36 PM
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Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
January 28, 2026 12:27 PM
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Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
January 28, 2026 11:35 AM
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Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
January 28, 2026 06:00 AM
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Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
January 27, 2026 03:08 PM
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Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
January 27, 2026 02:53 PM
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