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
Strong export demand supports feed grain prices, but drought risk and seasonal patterns favor disciplined early-year marketing.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal insight and context on these issues facing agriculture. Today, he discusses pesticide litigation.
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
Strong crush demand and rising ethanol production are pressuring feedstocks, as traders monitor storage risks and supply chain uncertainty and await the upcoming January WASDE report.
According to multiple reports, Sen. Amy Klobuchar is considering a bid for Minnesota governor. If elected, this would open a key seat on the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Dr. Seth Meyer Concludes Service; Dr. Justin Benavidez Appointed USDA Chief Economist

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Eastern Region VP Joey Nowotny of Delaware joins us on FFA Today to talk about his new leadership role and an exciting year ahead for the National FFA Organization.
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
While this month’s WASDE report will not include updated figures on U.S. crop size, officials say it will offer a clearer picture of crop conditions in the Southern Hemisphere.
USTR Jamieson Greer signals a narrower trade deal with China, adding more market uncertainty. The Farm Bureau also supports reviewing China’s missed trade commitments under the Phase One.
Southern producers head into 2026 with thin margins, tighter credit, and rising agronomic risks despite scattered yield improvements.