SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — 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.
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.
RFD’s own Kirbe Schnoor caught up with industry experts across multiple sectors to get their perspective — from herbicides and high-tech tractors to wheat markets, soil health, crop science innovations, and MORE — here’s what growers need to know heading into the 2026 season:
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
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
Premier 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
2026 Industry Outlook: Soybeans
Kirbe Schnoor caught up with American Soybean Association Vice President Dave Walton, an Iowa farmer, to discuss the organization’s priorities for the year ahead. Walton says ASA’s policy process begins at the grassroots level with farmer members and culminates at the annual delegate session, where priorities for the coming year are set. Among the top focuses for 2026 are trade policy, reducing barriers like tariffs that add costs for farmers, and strengthening domestic demand through biofuels such as biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel.
LEARN MORE: www.soygrowers.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
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
2026 Industry Outlook: Sorghum
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
Grain Handling Systems That Help You 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
2026 Industry Outlook: Wheat
Wheat prices are moving in the right direction, but tight margins have growers watching acreage, production, and policy closely. Kirbe spoke with Nathan Keane with the National Association of Wheat Growers about market trends and the Farm Bill priorities for 2026.
LEARN MORE: www.nawg.com
Soil Health Innovations That Target Farmers’ Needs
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.us
SharkFarmer on Evaluating Equipment Ahead of Planting Season
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.
2026 Industry Outlook: Farm Machinery
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.
LATEST NEWS: Machinery
Crop Science Solutions for Growers
Tidal Grow AgriScience highlighted how science-powered crop solutions are helping producers optimize performance and maximize output. Kirbe spoke with Trey Cutts, Tidal Grow’s VP of Agriculture Commercial Science, to find out more.
LEARN MORE: www.TidalGrowAg.com
Fertility Efficiency When It Matters Most
With margins under pressure in 2026, growers are taking a closer look at every input dollar — especially when it comes to plant fertility. At Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Kirbe Schnoor caught up with Nachur’s Alpine to discuss how farmers can stay efficient without sacrificing yield potential.
Tommy Roach, Vice President of Product Development and Technical Services, says many growers are focusing on improving nutrient efficiency and balancing soil fertility rather than simply applying more fertilizer.
LEARN MORE: www.nachurs.com
2026 Industry Outlook: Agritech
Terry Kippley of the Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology says the Endangered Species Act will continue shaping pesticide labels and on-farm practices. He explains that growers will increasingly need to review labels carefully and understand requirements such as runoff mitigation measures and spray buffer zones designed to protect endangered species.
In this conversation, Austin Anderson, Adjuvant Brand Manager with Helena Agri-Enterprises, says education will be key as the rules are gradually integrated into product labels. Industry groups and companies are working to help farmers understand compliance tools, including drift-reduction technologies and updated application practices.
LEARN MORE: www.cdpa.com
