New Producer Inflation Data Comes in Hotter than Expected

Producer input costs are rising faster than expected — and this latest PPI report does not reflect the last two weeks of geopolitical tension.

Cristen Clark_FarmHER S1_Ep 11

FarmHER Cristen Clark (Season 1, Episode 11)

FarmHER, Inc.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — We are getting a fresh read on inflation this morning, and it is running hotter than expected. The Producer Price Index shows wholesale inflation rose 0.7 percent last month, more than double expectations.

On the year, PPI is now up 3.4 percent also coming in above forecasts. It is important to note that this report does not reflect the last two weeks of geopolitical tension. We will get a clearer picture of how the conflict with Iran is impacting inflation in next month’s data.

March 2026 CPI data, a similar report tracking consumer inflation, is scheduled to be released on April 10, 2026, at 8:30 AM ET.

Related Stories
Moderate oil prices may ease fuel costs, but continued caution in the energy sector could limit rural economic growth.
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Nebraska’s largest wildfire on-record has burned 650,000 acres, with three other major fires also burning across the state, destroying pastureland and threatening cattle.
A man accused of orchestrating a nationwide cattle investment fraud scheme has been arrested in California after being on the FBI’s wanted list.
National FFA Annual Fund Manager Kimberly Coveney encouraged everyone watching to join the effort today and help celebrate Give FFA Day while investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Tennessee FFA officers join us in the RFD-TV Studios to showcase student leadership and inspire support for agricultural education on Give FFA Day 2026.
National FFA President Trey Myers shares the significance of Give FFA Day, its role in supporting student growth, and how communities can join the celebration to make a difference for future agricultural leaders.
As National FFA Week continues, Ag Teacher Appreciation Day serves as a reminder of the lasting impact ag educators have on students, communities, and the future of American agriculture.