September 15, 2026 

Farmers Press USDA On Fertilizer Prices

More than 170 farmers from 13 states gathered Friday in Iowa for a “Fed Up” fertilizer hearing, pressing federal officials over rising fertilizer costs and concerns about market competition. The hearing focused on major fertilizer companies like Mosaic (mo-ZAY-ick), Nutrien (NOO-tree-ehn), CF Industries, and Koch (Coke). Organizers say fertilizer prices have doubled, and at times tripled, since 2020, while fertilizer companies have generated more than $20 billion in profits for shareholders over the past five years. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen (Steven) Vaden told farmers the department is committed to addressing concerns about fertilizer pricing and enforcing antitrust laws. “We are working to bring actions down the pike that will seek to shine a light on what’s been going on in the fertilizer market,” Vaden said. Iowa Corn Growers Association President Steve Kuiper (KY-pehr) says farmers will continue gathering evidence and pushing investigations forward until they have access to a fair and free fertilizer market. 

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More Farmers Turn To AI For Day-To-Day Decisions

Farmers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for help with day-to-day decisions as they manage rising costs, weather uncertainty, and tighter margins. Bloomberg says a new McKinsey Global Farmer Insights report finds 17 percent of farmers worldwide now use generative AI for farm-related tasks. Adoption is even higher in North America, where 23 percent of farmers report using the technology. McKinsey says the trend reflects farmers’ need for faster information and more efficient decision-making after several years of financial pressure. Generative AI can help growers quickly access agronomic advice and evaluate options without making major investments in hardware. But farmers aren’t ready to replace human expertise. Just six percent cite AI tools as a trusted source for farm decisions, compared with 56 percent who rely on technical agronomists. Sales representatives also remain influential, although their share fell from 67 percent in 2024 to 56 percent this year.

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Fuel Costs Add Pressure Through Transportation Surcharges

High fuel prices are creating another financial headache for farmers through transportation surcharges that can ultimately reduce the price producers receive for their crops. Diesel prices above six dollars a gallon are already putting pressure on farm budgets, but higher fuel costs also raise expenses for railroads, ocean vessels, and other transportation providers. Those added costs will make their way back to farmers through a lower price at the point of sale, particularly in the competitive global soybean market. Transportation providers generally have three choices: pass higher costs to customers, absorb them, or pass them back to suppliers through lower prices. For agriculture, the third option is often the most likely. Shippers risk losing international customers if they raise prices too much, as buyers can turn to competing suppliers such as Brazil. That makes fuel surcharges another leak in farmers’ profitability and adds to the urgency producers feel for relief at the pump.

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Four Agricultural Startups Advance In Farm Bureau Challenge

Four agricultural startups have advanced to compete for $100,000 in the 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, says the competition highlights entrepreneurship in rural agriculture. The runner-up will receive $25,000. “The future of agriculture is being shaped by innovators like these four finalists,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “They are transforming bold ideas into practical tools and technologies that will help farmers and ranchers thrive while continuing to provide the food, fuel, and fiber we all rely on.” Now in its 13th year, the challenge was the first national business competition focused on rural entrepreneurs launching agriculture and food-related businesses. Farm Bureau is offering $145,000 in startup funds. The finalists emerged from ten semifinalist teams that participated in a virtual pitch round judged by agricultural supply-chain experts. They will compete January 10 at the AFBF National Convention.

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Farm Credit System Sees Rising Credit Risk Amid Farm Pressures

The Farm Credit System remains financially sound, but rising credit risk is becoming a concern as farmers continue facing higher expenses. The Farm Credit Administration board received an update on agricultural conditions and the System’s performance through June 30. FCA says the agricultural economy remains pressured by higher costs, although weather and geopolitical supply shocks have created marketing opportunities that could help crop producers’ liquidity this fall. Livestock producer profits have been more varied, while farmland values continue to rise despite soft returns in recent years. During the first six months of 2026, the Farm Credit System reported modest loan growth, increased earnings, and sound capital levels. Overall loan portfolio quality remained sound, but nonperforming assets increased to 1.09 percent of loans outstanding and other property owned as of June 30, up from 1.02 percent a year earlier. FCA says the increase shows credit risks continue to trend higher.

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CHS Investment Adds Major New Soybean Demand

A major new soybean processing investment in Wisconsin could create more demand and another important market for soybean farmers. CHS says it will invest about $700 million to build a soybean processing facility near Evansville, Wisconsin. The plant will be capable of processing 80 million bushels of U.S.-grown soybeans annually when it begins operations in 2028. CHS says the facility will expand market access and create new demand for soybeans, while producing about one billion pounds of soybean oil and two million tons of soybean meal each year. Wisconsin Soybean Association President Doug Rebout says the investment delivers something growers have been seeking. “For Wisconsin soybean farmers, this investment represents something we have been working toward for years: stronger demand for the crop we grow right here at home,” Rebout says. He adds the additional processing capacity will give growers another reliable market close to the farm while creating long-term opportunities for soybeans in both meal and oil markets.

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