Ag Priorities Pile Up in Congress
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 5:02PM CDT
Four lawmakers on the House and Senate Agriculture Committees met with reporters on Tuesday about agricultural challenges. Each pointed to strong bipartisan support for aiding farmers, but the four members also reflected that there is little consensus on how to advance key legislative priorities.
Survey Shows Input Costs Harming Farmers
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 2:09PM CDT
With both fertilizer and diesel fuel prices on the rise due to the military conflict in the Middle East, U.S. farmers are facing even higher input costs with spring fieldwork beginning. A new American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) survey shows producers are being affected by both fertilizer availability issues as well as more expensive nutrient costs.
USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report
Monday, April 13, 2026 3:51PM CDT
Corn was 5% planted as of Sunday, April 12, and winter wheat was rated 34% good to excellent, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.
Vaden Challenges Mosaic Idling Plants
Monday, April 13, 2026 3:21PM CDT
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden spoke Monday to agricultural journalists on fertilizer markets and USDA's reorganization plans. Vaden raised broader concerns about market concentration, noting a small number of companies dominate key fertilizer segments.
