AgDay Podcast

Farm Journal continues its look at Ag Vote 2026 with a preview focusing on the prominent voices for agriculture wrapping up their tenure in Congress. Plus, we take a look at a new USDA initiative that addresses the cash cattle market.

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While on the midterm campaign trail in Kansas, the President said USDA would provide relief to farmers squeezed by soaring diesel prices. USDA will tap into Commodity Credit Corporation funds for the Harvest Fuel Relief Program, and it will be similar to the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program.

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Diesel prices remain persistently high, with the national average on Monday at $6.32, according to AAA, down just over 20 cents from the record high of $6.53 set on Sept. 22. Despite efforts by the Trump administration to lower prices for farmers, they’ve seen little relief.

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We are two weeks away from the mid-term elections and agriculture has plenty at stake. From the cost of fuel and fertilizer to the future of the farm bill, tariffs and trade, the agenda for the next couple of years Is packed with important items. Clinton Griffiths is following who represents your voice in DC as we begin our Ag Vote 2026 coverage.

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The ARC and PLC farm program payment rates for 2025 have finally been released. Farmers have been waiting since Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill for this critical $16 billion lifeline. But while relief is on the way, it may be less than expected for some.

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On Tuesday, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the release of the proposed rule, Reallocation of Additional 2025 Small Refinery Exemptions. As we reported in August, the EPA granted 29 backlogged blending waivers from 2025 but said it would preserve the Renewable Fuel Standard to avoid harming farmers. 

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This week's Crop Progress Report puts the corn harvest at 33%, six percentage points behind the five-year average but a 10-point improvement from last week. Farmers in northwest Iowa saw near-record corn and soybean yields last year, and producer Matt McCarthy says early yields this fall are tracking at similar levels.

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Farmers are questioning how Nebraska's corn yield estimate jumped 11 bushels per acre from September to October, helping push the national average to a record 181.2 bushels per acre and sending corn prices sharply lower

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USDA provided a huge gut punch to the corn market on Friday with its yield forecast in the October crop production and WASDE Report.

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Yield is clearly the focus of Friday's WASDE report, especially given the impact of September's record rainfall in states such as Iowa. Average trade estimates remain somewhat conservative, and if USDA confirms those expectations, the report could disappoint the market, particularly for corn. Another key question is how USDA will account for the additional 173 million bushels of old-crop corn identified in the Quarterly Grain Stocks report.

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September's excessive rainfall has delayed soybean harvest across the western Corn Belt. Iowa is running 33% behind normal, while Nebraska is lagging by 25%. The wet conditions may be trimming yields and contributing to quality issues, creating additional harvest complications and marketing challenges for growers.

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The president’s executive order on emergency tax relief for diesel fuel eases restrictions on the use of red-dyed diesel, which is exempt from the federal excise tax, in on-road vehicles without penalty. The move is expected to lower prices by an average of 24.4 cents per gallon. But how much will it really help farmers?

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There has already been some relief in diesel prices following the release of emergency diesel stocks over the next four months. While prices have at least stopped rising, it remains uncertain how much further they may fall. Additionally, many farmers secured their diesel supplies before harvest and have already paid record-high prices.

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It's not just Iowa, many areas of the western Corn Belt have been hit by record rains the last month as a result of El Nino driven weather patterns. Not only has the excessive rain delayed harvest, but farmers are also seeing standability issues and increased disease pressure which has cut yield, plus quality issues are arising in both corn and soybeans.

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While many important Titles of the farm bill were handled in the One Big Beautiful Bill there are some key titles that expired and need renewal. Chairs of the House and Senate Ag Committees are hoping to get a permanent farm bill across the finish line before year end, with some other important provisions for farmers.

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The Secretary of State stops at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. An Illinois dairy family wins a prestigious award at the Expo — and that award is extra special, as the family rallies to overcome a traumatic health injury.

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The American Soybean Association expressed disappointment that U.S. soybeans did not see the cut in China's 10% reciprocal tariffs like other ag goods. So far China has bought over half of their soybean commitments for this year. But as farmers start harvesting that crop they're counting on China's pledge to buy at least 25 million tons of U.S. soybeans annually through 2028.

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Details on the deal with China released: China did cut the 10% reciprocal tariffs on all ag goods, even soybean products like meal and oil. However, soybeans were notably absent from the detailed plan to cut tariffs as a leverage tool for future talks. Plus, China failed to provide details on the pro-rated $17 billion of additional ag goods which was a letdown for the market.

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Farmers in the Southwestern U.S. devasted by record heat and drought this season are finally seeing a change in the weather pattern. While this year's crop is a disaster, the moisture is coming at the right time for them to plant hard red winter wheat and when combined with strong crop insurance guarantees its providing some optimism.

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President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the U.S. with a lot of fanfare. The real question is what's being decided underneath the pomp and circumstance.

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While harvest pace nationally was ahead of average this week at 13% on corn and 12% on soybeans, it doesn't tell the whole story. Currently farmers in the Southern Midwest are running 15% to 25% ahead of normal due to hot dry conditions, while farmers in the western Midwest are starting to fall behind due to wet conditions.

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The markets are watching the U.S. China Summit, plus President Trump's meetings with Ukraine President Zelensky and Iran officials with hopes of an end to both the Iran and Black Sea conflicts. Just the prospects for peace in Trump's speech at the U.N General Assembly weighed on energy, wheat and corn markets on Tuesday.

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With U.S. average price for diesel a record $6.51 on Monday, Congress and the administration are feverishly looking at ways to provide relief. Lawmakers have floated ideas including a federal gas-tax holiday or a ban on diesel exports. But could Congress get the legislation passed or could it backfire without providing meaningful change in prices?

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All eyes are on the outcome of the U.S.-China Summit this week and an extension of the one-year trade truce. Market sources say this Summit represents one of the tougher negotiations looking at rare earth minerals, chips and agriculture.

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The cattle industry is dealing with an aging ownership base, not enough skilled help and questions about who's next in line to take over the operation. The generational gap is widening and it's a real threat to the cattle industry and herd size long term if not addressed.

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Diesel prices have hit record highs every day for more than a week. The timing couldn't be worse for farmers with harvest ramping up.  

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The loss of 3,000 head of packing capacity at the Joslin, Illinois, plant along with the other plants that have closed this year is taking away producers most important tool in cash cattle market negotiations.

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The latest State of the Beef Industry insights reveal a rare paradox for U.S. beef producers: Historic profitability and strong demand are clashing with persistent drought, labor shortages, rising input costs and political threats.

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USDA did confirm lower corn yields in the September WASDE but there were no big fireworks as it was in line with expectations and largely priced in. Michelle Rook reports.

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Brother and Daughter of Pilot who Died on 9-11 Remember Him in the Place He Loved Best: On the Farm

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President Donald Trump has escalated the trade war against Canada. He is now directing GSA and USTR to take $50 billion worth of Canadian goods off the market. Michelle Rook is finding out how this impacts the American farmer.

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Cattle producers are trying to make sense of two executive orders from the President.

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Drought and relentless late season heat are taking a toll on U.S. crop production, harvest and even new crop planting efforts.

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Diesel prices keep jumping day-by-day, closing in on the last record set in 2022.

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We're hearing from farmers after USDA announced its modernization plan. Michelle Rook spoke to an Iowa farmer-- who got the chance to share his suggestions with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

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Reaction is mixed to the decision to change small refinery exemptions.

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Another plan is unveiled by the federal government aimed at cutting beef prices for Americans.

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Diesel prices continue to surge as harvest approaches, and experts don't expect relief anytime soon.

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Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada are escalating, plus the President doubles down on his 90-day beef import plan by signing a proclamation.

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