SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Commodity Classic is underway in San Antonio, Texas, drawing ag professionals from across the country to see the latest in equipment, crop protection, and farm technology. From new herbicide solutions to high-horsepower tractors, this year’s show is offering growers a first look at tools designed to help them maximize productivity and navigate evolving challenges in the field.
From herbicides and high-tech tractors to wheat markets, soil health, and crop science innovations, Commodity Classic 2026 brought together over 12,000 growers and industry leaders to prepare for the planting season.
As spring planting approaches, farmers are keeping a close eye on regulations, technology, and crop management strategies that will shape their fields this year. Commodity Classic in San Antonio drew more than 12,000 ag professionals, offering a first look at new products, tools, and innovations designed to boost efficiency, yield, and profitability. Kirbe Schnoor caught up with industry experts across multiple sectors to get their perspective on what growers need to know heading into the 2026 season.
Commodity Classic 2026 set a new attendance record with over 12,000 participants and featured the latest innovations in ag technology, crop protection, soil health, and farm management. The event will head to New Orleans next year, scheduled for March 3–5, giving growers another opportunity to explore solutions for a successful planting season.
Herbicide Solutions for a Challenging Spring
With herbicide regulations continuing to evolve, growers are seeking more flexible options. At Commodity Classic, Kirbe spoke with Dr. Michael Cox, Herbicide Brand Manager for Helena Agri-Enterprises, about new products designed to help farmers navigate dicamba uncertainty and resistance pressures and showcase one new option entering the market.
LEARN MORE: HelenaAgri.com
High-Horsepower Tractors Take Center Stage
Row crop producers are looking for more power and productivity, and John Deere is delivering with six new models in its 8 Series lineup. The tractors feature upgraded performance to help operators handle the most demanding tasks efficiently. Kirbe catches up with Michael Porter, John Deere’s Marketing Manager for Large Tractors, to find out more.
LEARN MORE: Deere.com
Sorghum Leaders Highlight Market Opportunities
From trade and ethanol to food aid, sorghum leaders say policy decisions are directly impacting producers. At Commodity Classic, industry representatives are highlighting new export opportunities and growing domestic demand, providing insight into the market forces shaping the year ahead. Kirbe caught up with National Sorghum Producers board member Amy France in Texas for more.
LEARN MORE: www.sorghumgrowers.com
Iconic Soybeans with Five Herbicide Tolerances
At Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Bayer is rolling out Iconic Soybeans — the first seed with five herbicide tolerances. The new product is designed to give farmers more flexibility in managing weeds while boosting yield potential. Kirbe met with Soybean Business Lead Kacy Perry, on the show floor to learn more about the new seed line.
LEARN MORE: www.bayer.com
Starter Fertilizers Put Early Crop Success In-Focus
As farmers prepare for planting, getting crops off to a strong start is top of mind. Starter fertilizer placement, soil conditions, and product selection all play a role in early emergence and root development. Kirbe caught up with Rob Moore at Wilbur-Ellis on the trade show floor at Commodity Classic to discuss strategies for maximizing early-season performance.
LEARN MORE: www.wilburellis.com
Grain Handling Systems That Helps Producers Plan Ahead
As planting season approaches, many producers are already thinking ahead to harvest — and whether their grain handling systems are ready. At Commodity Classic, Kirbe caught up with SUKUP’s Material Handling Sales Manager Ranky Marcks to discuss evaluating storage, receiving, and delivery options before the crop comes off the field.
LEARN MORE: www.SUKUP.com
Getting the Most from Your Fertilizer Budget
With commodity prices under pressure, many growers are taking a hard look at their fertility budgets. Kirbe caught up with AgroLiquid agronomist Stephanie Zelinko on the trade show floor at Commodity Classic to discuss strategies for maximizing return on investment.
LEARN MORE: www.agroliquid.com
Soil Health Innovations
Soil health remains a critical focus, and Huma shared products designed to improve field performance and sustainability. Fred Nichols, VP of Marketing, highlighted how these solutions are marketed directly to farmers.
LEARN MORE: www.huma.com
Evaluating Equipment for the Season Ahead
Rob Sharkey, host of SharkFarmer TV on RFD Network, discussed how he evaluates machinery, technology, and tools to stay ready for planting and harvest, offering practical insights for growers assessing equipment investments.
Crop Science Solutions for Growers
Tidal Grow highlighted how science-powered crop solutions are helping producers optimize performance and maximize output. Kirbe spoke with Trey Cutts, Tidal Grow AgriScience’s VP of Ag Commerical Science VP of Agriculture Commercial Science, to find out more.
LEARN MORE: www.TidalGrowAg.com
Pre-Emergence Weed Control
Syngenta showcased the new Enlist E3 Expance soybean trait platform to help farmers manage pre-emergence weeds, improving efficiency and protecting yields. RFD learned the crtical details about the new seed line from Jared Benson, Syngenta’s Head of Soybean Portfolio Strategy.
LEARN MORE: www.SyngentaSeeds.com
Wheat Markets and Policy Priorities
Wheat prices are moving in the right direction, but tight margins have growers watching acreage, production, and policy closely. Kirbe spoke with Nathan Keane of the National Association of Wheat Growers about market trends and the Farm Bill priorities for 2026.
LEARN MORE: www.nawg.com
AEM’s Equipment Sales Outlook
After a challenging year for tractor and combine sales, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers shared optimism for the year ahead, highlighting factors that could boost the equipment market in 2026. Kirbe speaks with AEM Senior VP Curt Blades for his latest machinery market outlook.
