April 15, 2026

Growing Push for a Hormuz Fertilizer Proposal

The United Nations said Monday that a diplomatic push is growing for a U.N.-led proposal to ensure safe passage for fertilizer through the Strait of Hormuz. (hor-MOOZ). A source familiar with the discussions told Reuters that the talks are emphasizing the growing urgency due to worldwide shortages. The six weeks of fighting in Iran have upended global supply chains after a near-total halt to shipping in the Strait. The source also said the urgency is growing as some farmers in Latin America are skipping their typical second-crop corn plantings. Growers in Africa face a critical timing window, as severe yield losses will happen without enough fertilizers. Reuters said a more than 90 percent drop in tanker traffic through the Strait is threatening agricultural production and global food security. Businesses are looking for a mechanism to restore navigational freedom without the need for naval escorts or tolls. 

***********************************************************************************
USDA Wants Farmer Input on Collusion Probe

The U.S. Justice Department is continuing to investigate the high costs for fertilizer, machinery, and other farm inputs. Bloomberg said that while it happens, the administration is looking for input from farmers. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden has open lines of communication with the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission and knows that farmers likely have a lot of information relevant to the investigation. During the North American Agricultural Journalists’ annual conference this week, Vaden said they want farmers to provide help on a confidential basis to aid in the ongoing investigations. “I think we will eventually have a mechanism in order to help encourage the exchange of information,” Vaden said. The fertilizer industry has faced increasing scrutiny as a handful of producers account for most of America’s supplies of crop nutrients, and prices never fully cooled off after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and upset supplies. 

***********************************************************************************
Corn and Wheat Assessments Drop While Soybeans Rise 

U.S. soybean export inspections rose week to week, while corn and wheat assessments declined, according to the USDA. Soybean inspections for the week ending April 9 totaled 814,500 metric tons, up from almost 805,000 the previous week and significantly higher than the 554,900 tons reported during the same period last year. In contrast, corn inspections fell to 1.78 million metric tons from 2.05 million the week prior and were slightly below the 1.83 million tons recorded a year earlier. Wheat inspections also declined, dropping to 320,800 metric tons from 342,900 the previous week and well below the 612,000 tons inspected during the same week in 2025. Since the start of the marketing year, soybean inspections have reached 31.5 million metric tons, down from 42.1 million last year. Corn inspections are up to 50.2 million metric tons, while wheat inspections have climbed to 21 million metric tons.

***********************************************************************************
Farmers Survey Shows Most Can’t Afford Fertilizer 

An overwhelming majority of U.S. farmers say rising fertilizer costs are limiting their ability to operate this season. That’s according to a nationwide survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The survey found that 70 percent of respondents cannot afford to purchase all the fertilizer they need for the year. The results show significant regional differences. Nearly 80 percent of farmers in the South reported being unable to afford sufficient supplies, compared to 69 percent in the Northeast, 66 percent in the West, and 48 percent in the Midwest. Pre-purchasing rates also varied, with just 19 percent of Southern farmers securing fertilizer in advance, versus 67 percent in the Midwest. “The skyrocketing cost of fuel and fertilizer is creating more economic hardships for farmers who have already endured years of losses,” said Zippy Duvall. “Without the necessary fertilizers, we’ll face lower yields and some farmers will reduce acres altogether, which will impact food and feed supplies.”

***********************************************************************************
USDA Announces Investments in Specialty Crop Programs

USDA announced a major increase in funding for specialty crop programs, with more than $275 million in grants available for fiscal year 2026. Ag Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, alongside Michigan Representative Tom Barrett, shared that the funding will be distributed through key USDA programs, including the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, and the Specialty Crop Multi-State Program. The increase is possible because of the Working Families Tax Cuts, which more than doubles annual funding for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative to $175 million, up from $80 million. It also raises combined funding for the block grant and multi-state programs from $85 million to $100 million annually starting in FY2026. “The Working Families Tax Cuts provided the largest investment in American agriculture,” Rollins said, emphasizing the importance of supporting specialty crop producers as demand for nutritious foods continues to grow.

***********************************************************************************
Compeer Awards Over $1.4 Million to Promote Rural Vitality

Compeer Financial has announced a commitment of more than $1.4 million to 14 foundations across Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin through its Rural Collaboration Project, reinforcing its focus on strengthening rural communities. The selected foundations will distribute the funds over the next one to three years to local organizations that align with long-term strategies for community vitality. “As a rural lending cooperative, Compeer Financial understands the importance of empowering rural communities to be active, strong, and economically vibrant,” said Karen Schieler. “These qualities are essential to creating a high quality of life for rural residents, which helps retain and attract more residents.” Now in its third year, the Rural Collaboration Project supports initiatives designed to enhance economic development and community well-being. By partnering with local foundations, Compeer Financial aims to ensure funding is directed where it can make the greatest long-term impact.

***********************************************************************************