From eventful weather trends to looming tariff developments, there are a number of factors weighing on farmers as they hit the fields for Spring Planting.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities spoke with RFD-TV’s Tammi Arender on progress so far, the impact of tariffs, and big takeaways from the Quarterly Grain Stocks Report.
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Prepare for acute UAN risk and a brief urea shock; maintain steady ammonia and phosphate plans, and monitor potash basis on the coasts.
“A government shutdown impacts all Americans and has serious consequences, including for farmers. It just adds additional uncertainty, disrupts critical services.”
Agricultural exports continue to be a key contributor to rural employment. However, rural businesses still struggle to fill numerous job openings.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.
University of Illinois Ag Economist Gary Schnitker says early projections indicate soybeans will be more profitable than corn in 2026.
“In the first six months of 2025, 181 Chapter 12 bankruptcies were filed nationwide.”