September 16, 2026
USDA Seeks Farmer Input on Fertilizer Market
The USDA is asking farmers to share their experiences with fertilizer prices and industry consolidation as federal officials investigate whether the market is operating fairly. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden made the request during a meeting with farmers in Iowa Friday. He said individual stories could help the Federal Trade Commission investigate potential unfair pricing or anti-competitive practices in the fertilizer industry. Vaden says a large number of farmer experiences would be difficult to dismiss. “Anybody can explain away one thing, you might be able to explain away two or three things, but if we’ve got 100 such stories from farmers all across this country, it becomes very difficult,” Vaden said. The meeting also highlighted efforts to increase competition in fertilizer. Greenfield Nitrogen co-founder Linda Thrasher says her farmer-formed company has spent 12 years trying to develop a regional ammonia facility but has struggled to secure agreements with retailers and cooperatives that fear retaliation from larger providers.
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Soybean Export Inspections Rise, But Trail Last Year
U.S. soybean export inspections increased last week, but the pace remains below a year ago, according to USDA. The agency says soybean inspections totaled nearly 673,000 metric tons in the seven days ending September 10. That’s up from about 465,000 tons the previous week, but below the 823,000 tons inspected during the same week last year. Corn inspections fell to 1.53 million metric tons, compared with 1.67 million tons a week earlier. Corn inspections since September 1 are nearly even with last year at 2.17 million tons. Wheat inspections increased to nearly 457,000 metric tons from 431,000 tons the previous week, but remained well below the 758,000 tons inspected during the same week last year. Since the start of the new soybean marketing year, USDA has inspected about 915,000 metric tons for export, down from 1.09 million tons a year earlier. Corn and wheat inspections were also lower compared to last year.
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Judge Considers Pause on USDA Relocations
A federal judge is considering a temporary pause on USDA plans to relocate employees across the country, a move that could affect where farmers access agency services. U.S. District Court Judge Vince Chhabria (CHUB-ree-ah) said he may issue an administrative stay to give him more time to review a lawsuit challenging the Agriculture Department’s reorganization. Chhabria said the stay could block USDA from moving forward with relocations until October 2. The court’s next hearing is scheduled for September 29. The case follows a ruling last week allowing USDA to proceed with the relocations while urging plaintiffs to file a new lawsuit if they wanted to continue challenging the plans. Plaintiffs did so this week in Northern California. Chhabria stressed that a stay would not indicate whether the case has merit. He said the issues are complicated and that slowing the schedule would give him more time to review the case properly.
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AM Radio Vehicle Bill Heads Toward House Vote This Week
A bill requiring AM radio in new vehicles is headed for a House vote, potentially giving broadcasters a step toward preserving AM access in vehicles. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (ska-LEES) has scheduled the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act for a standalone vote sometime this week. The National Association of Broadcasters says the bill has 317 House co-sponsors and 61 in the Senate. The legislation would direct the Transportation Department to issue rules requiring AM receivers as standard equipment in vehicles sold in the United States, without an added cost to buyers. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says AM radio is a source of news, information, and emergency communications. “Our listeners have made their voices heard loud and clear,” LeGeyt said, calling AM radio an “indispensable lifeline during emergencies.” A similar bill awaits a final vote in the Senate.
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Sorghum Growers Get Clearer Path to 45Z Credit
Sorghum growers are getting a clearer path to benefit from the federal 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, potentially creating stronger demand for the crop and its coproducts. The National Sorghum Producers says new IRS guidance and updated Energy Department modeling allow qualifying farm practices to be reflected in a fuel’s carbon-intensity score. Practices including nutrient management, no-till, reduced tillage, and cover crops could help lower that score when properly documented and verified. The guidance also provides transition relief for fuel produced in 2025 and 2026. Farmers still need records supporting fertilizer and manure applications and other information used in calculating carbon intensity. The 45Z credit goes to eligible fuel producers, so it does not automatically mean a payment or premium for every farmer. However, NSP says the program could help growers capture value from low-carbon practices as domestic biofuel demand grows. Distillers sorghum oil is also recognized in several clean-fuel pathways.
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U.S. Pork Exports Remain Ahead of Last Year
U.S. pork exports remained ahead of last year’s pace through the first seven months of 2026, despite a slowdown in July. The U.S. Meat Export Federation says exports from January through July reached 1.73 million metric tons, up two percent from a year earlier. Export value increased by one percent to $4.86 billion. Japan was a key driver, with pork exports to that market up 16 percent in volume and 11 percent in value. Central America also reached a new high, moving ahead of Canada as the fifth-largest destination by volume. Colombia remained on a record pace, while demand strengthened in Canada and the Caribbean. The export value averaged $66.06 per head through July, up one percent from a year ago. July shipments were affected in part by restrictions related to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, or PRRS, but those restrictions have now been resolved.
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