June 11, 2026

Urea Prices Back to Pre-Iran War Levels

Fertilizer prices have retreated sharply in recent weeks as concerns over prolonged supply disruptions tied to tensions in the Middle East have eased. That’s offering potential relief for crop producers heading into the next growing season. Bloomberg said that urea prices in New Orleans fell to $453.50 per short ton last week, down 36 percent from mid-April and the lowest level since early February. The decline follows fears that conflict involving Iran could disrupt shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global fertilizer exports. The drop in fertilizer costs has also pressured grain markets, with prices for corn, wheat, and other commodities moving lower as input cost concerns subside. Nearly half of the world’s urea exports originate from countries affected by the conflict, making fertilizer markets highly sensitive to geopolitical developments. Analysts caution that fertilizer markets remain vulnerable to renewed geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in global energy prices.

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Ag Groups Urge USDA to Beef Up Its Staff

Over 120 agricultural and conservation organizations are urging Congress to address staffing shortages at local USDA offices, warning that reduced personnel levels are making it harder for farmers and ranchers to access critical programs and services. In a letter to Senate agriculture appropriations leaders, 123 groups called for adequate fiscal year 2027 funding for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency. Agri-Pulse said the coalition also supports House-passed language that would prevent the permanent relocation of county-based employees if doing so would leave an office with two or fewer staff members. The organizations cited USDA data showing more than 20,000 employees left the department between January and June 2025, including 22 percent of NRCS staff and 24 percent of FSA employees. “For many American agriculture operations, timely access to USDA staff and resources can directly impact whether an operation remains financially viable during periods of economic stress or weather-related losses,” the groups wrote.

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Ethanol and DDGS Exports Stay Strong Despite April Pullback 

U.S. ethanol exports slowed in April after six consecutive months above 200 million gallons, although shipments remain ahead of last year’s pace and continue to support corn demand. According to new trade data, U.S. ethanol exports totaled 171.6 million gallons in April. Canada remained the top destination, importing 64.8 million gallons despite a 14 percent decline from March. Exports to the European Union fell 42 percent to a nine-month low, while shipments to South Korea jumped 57 percent to their highest level in four years. Year-to-date ethanol exports reached 811.3 million gallons through April, up 13 percent from the same period in 2025. Exports of dried distillers grains, a key ethanol coproduct used in livestock feed, also remained strong. April DDGS exports totaled 1.02 million metric tons, led by Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, and Turkey. For the first four months of 2026, DDGS exports reached 3.98 million metric tons, an increase of 12% compared to 2025.

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Groups Tell House Ag Committee that USMCA is Critical for U.S. Farmers

Farm and food industry leaders told members of the House Agriculture Committee that renewing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is critical to the future of American agriculture and rural communities. During a hearing on the future of USMCA, representatives from commodity groups, dairy organizations, and the meat industry highlighted the agreement’s importance for agricultural exports and market stability. The agreement is scheduled for a formal review beginning July 1. “USMCA has been the gold standard for agricultural trade agreements, providing the certainty farmers and ranchers need to plan, invest, and stay competitive,” said Minnesota soybean farmer Jamie Beyer of the American Soybean Association. Industry groups noted that Canada and Mexico remain two of the most important export markets for U.S. agriculture. Dairy Farmers of America said more than 40 percent of U.S. dairy exports were shipped to the two countries last year. A renewal would avoid uncertainty that could impact farm income and long-term investment decisions.

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Funding Available for Programs to Open Global Markets

The USDA is accepting applications for its fiscal year 2027 agricultural trade promotion programs, providing producers and commodity groups with opportunities to expand export markets and boost demand for U.S. products overseas. Applications for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program will be accepted through Aug. 14. The programs operate as public-private partnerships that help agricultural organizations promote U.S. products internationally and address trade barriers in foreign markets. “At USDA, Farmers First means giving our hardworking farmers, ranchers, and producers the tools they need to feed the world,” said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. “USDA is using every tool it has to cut through the heavy red tape in overseas markets.” According to the USDA, the trade promotion programs have generated significant returns for U.S. agriculture. The department estimates that every taxpayer dollar invested in the initiatives has returned $24.50 in export value since 1977.

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Soybean Export Inspections Drop Sharply    

U.S. corn export inspections continued to outpace last year’s strong pace during the latest reporting week, while wheat and soybean inspections declined from the previous week. USDA reported corn inspections totaled 1.9 million metric tons in the week ending June 4, up from 1.75 million the previous week and ahead of the 1.72 million metric tons inspected during the same week last year. Wheat inspections were reported at 319,730 metric tons, down from 402,346 tons the previous week but slightly above year-ago levels. Soybean inspections fell to 398,186 metric tons from 505,109 tons the week before and remained well below last year’s pace. For the marketing year, corn export inspections have reached 63.9 million metric tons, significantly ahead of the 50.4 million metric tons inspected during the same period last year. Soybean inspections since September total 36 million metric tons, trailing last year’s 45.2 million metric tons, while wheat inspections are slightly ahead of year-ago levels.

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