October 27, 2026

USDA Announces $1.3 Billion in Fertilizer Manufacturing Projects

The USDA is investing in eight fertilizer manufacturing projects aimed at increasing domestic production and improving competition for farmers. Vice President J.D. Vance and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the selections through USDA’s FIELDS program. The projects represent more than $1.34 billion in proposed investment, including approximately $573 million in proposed USDA funding. USDA says the projects could increase domestic fertilizer supplies and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The department estimates additional production could lower nitrogen fertilizer prices by 4.4 percent and potash prices by 5.3 percent once the projects are operational. The investments are expected to support about 1.08 million tons of annual fertilizer production capacity across nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur products. Vance says the investments will help American farmers access fertilizer made in the United States at lower costs. It’s also intended to expand competition in an industry where a small number of companies control much of North America’s fertilizer production capacity.

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Cattle Placements Hit Record September Low

The number of cattle in U.S. feedlots edged lower from a year ago, while placements fell to a record September low, according to the latest USDA Cattle on Feed Report. Cattle on feed totaled 11.37 million head on October first, down slightly from a year earlier but up from September. The total included 7.07 million steers, up marginally year over year, and 4.3 million heifers and calves, down one percent. September placements plunged 12 percent from last year to 1.78 million head, the lowest September total since USDA began tracking the data in 1996. Marketings also declined, falling seven percent year over year to 1.52 million head. That was the lowest September total in the series. Meanwhile, USDA’s Cold Storage report showed total frozen red meat supplies rose three percent from a year earlier. Beef stocks fell one percent, while pork supplies increased nine percent. Frozen pork belly inventories were up seven percent annually.

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USDA, NASA Partner to Improve Agricultural Data

The USDA and NASA are teaming up to improve agricultural data and help farmers make better-informed decisions. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman signed a memorandum of understanding establishing cooperation on satellite observations, geospatial analysis, and statistical methods. The partnership will support USDA’s efforts to modernize its data systems, including improving estimates of crop acreage and yields. Officials say combining NASA’s Earth observation technology with USDA’s agricultural expertise could also improve understanding of crop conditions and natural hazards. Rollins says American farmers deserve access to the latest technology, adding that the partnership could create new research opportunities and improve profitability across agriculture. Isaacman says NASA’s advanced sensing and analytical capabilities can strengthen information available to farmers and ranchers while advancing American science and competitiveness. The agreement may also cover remote sensing, predictive modeling, machine learning, and other emerging technologies as the agencies identify future priorities.

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Grain Elevators Face Rising Financial and Market Risks

Grain elevators and cooperatives are facing increased financial pressure as strong farmer selling shifts more grain ownership and market risk to commercial handlers, according to CoBank. The bank’s Knowledge Exchange says recent rallies in corn, soybean, and wheat markets have encouraged producers to sell grain, leaving elevators holding larger inventories amid elevated interest rates and transportation costs. In many areas, elevators expect to own nearly half the local corn and soybean crop after harvest, compared with a more typical 35 to 40 percent. CoBank economist Tanner Ehmke says larger inventories require more working capital, while volatile prices create additional financial risks. Elevators often hedge owned grain with short futures positions. But when prices rise, those positions can trigger immediate margin calls, requiring cash payments before the physical grain is sold. Limited futures-market returns for storing grain may also fail to cover financing and storage costs, adding further pressure to grain merchandisers’ margins.

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Corn Growers Criticize USDA Over Reporting Error

The National Agricultural Statistics Service has corrected corn data in its September Crop Production report after discovering a processing error affecting Kansas and Nebraska. NASS says the error affected corn plant populations, ear counts, yields, and production estimates. The correction follows concerns raised about the agency’s October ninth report. National Corn Growers Association President Matt Frostic says the reporting problems have hurt farmers financially, coming as profit margins remain tight and input costs are high. Frostic claims recent reports contributed to billions of dollars in lost corn market value, with prices falling following the releases and continuing to decline. He says NASS needs to review the procedures that led to the mistake and take immediate steps to prevent another occurrence. The association also wants to meet with the agency to discuss planned improvements and how it intends to rebuild farmers’ confidence in USDA crop reports.

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National FFA Elects 2026-27 Officer Team

The National FFA Organization has elected six student leaders to guide the organization over the next year. The officers were selected Saturday during the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. Josie Jennings of Ohio was elected national president, while Cameron Addington of Minnesota will serve as national secretary. The four regional vice presidents are Joshua Nelson of Idaho for the western region, Jazmin Palma of North Carolina for the southern region, Teagan Erbele of North Dakota for the central region, and Aiden Manley of Kentucky for the eastern region. The team was chosen from 41 candidates following an extensive interview process, with delegates voting to select the six national officers. During their year of service, the officers will work with agricultural businesses, educators, government officials, and FFA members nationwide. They’ll also lead leadership development programs and help establish policies guiding the organization’s future.

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