August 13, 2026 

USDA: Farmers Planting Less Corn and More Soybeans in 2026

The USDA released its August Crop Production Report that showed corn production for grain forecast at 16 billion bushels, down six percent from last year. However, if realized, it would still be the second-highest production on record. The average yield is forecast at 180.7 bushels per acre, down almost six bushels from 2025. Soybean production is forecast at 4.52 billion bushels, six percent above last year. Soybean yield is forecast at 52.7 bushels an acre, down slightly from 2025. The all-cotton production forecast is for 13.6 million 480-pound bales, two percent below last year. The average yield forecast is 798 pounds per harvested acre, down 54 pounds from 2025. The all-wheat production forecast for grain is 1.53 billion bushels, down 23 percent from 2025, with the average yield expected to be 47.8 bushels an acre, 5.5 bushels below last year. Winter wheat production is forecast at 990 million bushels, 29 percent less than in 2025. The average yield forecast is 47 bushels per acre, almost eight bushels below last year. 

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USDA Accelerates Screwworm Response Efforts

USDA says a Texas facility designed to produce sterile flies for New World Screwworm control will open in spring 2027, earlier than previously expected. The facility is expected to produce 100 million sterile flies per week by the end of 2027, increasing to as many as 300 million weekly by the end of 2028. Experts estimate roughly 500 million sterile flies are needed to push screwworm populations south toward the Darien Gap, a natural geographic barrier between Central and South America.  The accelerated facility comes after the first U.S. infestation of New World screwworm in three decades was detected in Texas this summer. USDA and the Department of Homeland Security are also strengthening their response through a new biosecurity agreement. The agencies plan to use unmanned aircraft, artificial intelligence, and real-time data sharing to improve screening and response to agricultural threats, including screwworm.

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Fertilizer, Diesel Costs Remain Elevated Heading Into Fall

Fertilizer and diesel prices remain well above recent-year levels, adding pressure to farmers making fall input decisions for the 2027 crop. USDA data analyzed by the University of Illinois shows anhydrous ammonia averaged $915.50 per ton on August 7, up 16 percent from a year ago. DAP averaged $912.22 per ton, seven percent higher than last year. Potash prices have been more stable, averaging about $500 per ton. Diesel has been more volatile. After reaching nearly $5.50 per gallon in May, the Illinois average fell below $4 before climbing back to $4.65 on August 7. That is more than 50 percent higher than the same time in 2024 and 2025. University of Illinois researchers say farmers may want to diversify fertilizer purchases rather than waiting for prices to fall. They also recommend reviewing application rates, using soil tests, and following maximum-return-to-nitrogen recommendations. Higher soybean returns could also encourage more soybean acreage in 2027.

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U.S.-Canada Trade Talks Intensify Ahead Of Tariff Deadline

Canadian trade officials met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer Tuesday as both countries work to avoid new tariffs scheduled to take effect August 19. Canada’s Minister for U.S. Trade Relations Dominic LeBlanc (leh-BLAHNK) said the two sides remain committed to negotiations and defending Canadian interests. President Donald Trump has proposed 50 percent tariffs on nearly $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, including products that previously received exemptions under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Canadian officials have indicated they could offer concessions on some U.S. trade concerns in exchange for dropping the new tariffs. Reuters said for American farmers and ranchers, the negotiations are important because Canada is a major market for U.S. agricultural products. New tariffs could raise costs, disrupt established trade flows, and potentially affect demand for U.S. commodities. The latest meeting was the third between Canadian and U.S. trade officials in three weeks, underscoring the urgency as the August 19 deadline approaches.

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Generational Farmland Transfer Makes Estate Planning Critical

More than 150 million acres of U.S. farmland could change hands over the next 10 to 20 years, creating one of the largest generational transfers of agricultural land in the nation’s history. American Farmland Trust estimates more than 40 percent of U.S. farmland could transition to new owners during that period, largely as aging landowners retire. The average U.S. producer is now more than 58 years old, and many farmland owners are 65 or older. As land passes to heirs, some of whom may not farm, ownership can become divided among multiple family members. Without a plan, farm families can face disputes, forced land sales, or fragmentation of the operation. Estate planning can help families determine who will own and manage the land while protecting its financial value and long-term use. Trusts, LLCs, and buy-sell agreements are among the tools families can consider, but experts say communication among heirs is just as important. For landowners, starting those conversations before a transition occurs can help preserve both family wealth and the farm’s future.

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Young Farmers See Progress, But Want More From Farm Bill

The National Young Farmers Coalition says the Senate Agriculture Committee’s latest Farm Bill markup includes several important wins for small and beginning farmers, but significant concerns remain. The committee approved amendments creating an Office of Small Farms, authorizing peer-to-peer farmer education, and establishing a permanent framework for the Local Food Purchase Assistance program. Coalition Executive Director Michelle Hughes says those provisions would strengthen local food systems and support small producers. However, Young Farmers says the bill still lacks structural investments to improve land access for beginning farmers and does not reverse $187 billion in previously enacted SNAP cuts. The group also criticized expanded Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act provisions, warning that new penalties and liens could create risks for some underserved farmers. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says lawmakers should focus on helping young people enter agriculture rather than policies that allow large operations to expand and drive up farmland prices. Young Farmers says it will continue pushing for changes before the Farm Bill is finalized.

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