Senate Judiciary Committee Examines Competition Issues in Seed, Fertilizer

Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is currently hosting a Tuesday hearing to examine input costs as part of a full committee hearing on competition issues in the seed and fertilizer industries.

“Now, nobody here wants to punish innovation,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA). “We want better yields, healthier soils, quality products, and we’ve been vastly improving in that area for the last 40 years. But we also want competition that’s fair, transparent, and local competition that a farmer can actually express when he or she sits down to make a purchase.”

This is a developing story. We will continue to keep you updated on the hearing on the Market Day Report and Rural Evening News.

Related Stories
Through “One Farmer, One File,” USDA’s mission is to create a single, streamlined record that follows the farmer — no matter where they go in the USDA system.
USDA headquarters downsizing reflects cost pressures and may reshape agency operations.
At Commodity Classic in San Antonio, growers explore new herbicide options, John Deere’s latest 8 Series tractors, and cutting-edge ag technology shaping the 2026 planting season. Here are some of RFD NEWS’ highlights from the event so far.
The Ranger Road Fire is fully contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres. Ranchers face significant cattle and fence losses, with recovery efforts underway.
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.
Delays on year-round E15 keep potential corn demand and fuel savings in limbo.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us with important insights on drug safety and rural health during the winter months.
Quinn Rutt of Upstream Ranch previews the Nebraska cattle operation’s 49th Annual Production Sale where buyers can expect standout sire groups and a blend of long-standing ranch practices with modern genetic selection.
Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, provides new updates on winter storm impacts and the outlook for rural power reliability.
Jessi Grote from the AgriSafe Network provides winter safety guidance for rural communities still recovering from the recent winter storm.
CattleCon 2026 officially kicks off Tuesday and continues through Thursday, bringing producers together to shape the future of the U.S. cattle industry.
Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.