Markets
Corn futures snap back as USDA trims 2025 yield estimate by 3.2%
Ethanol demand and a smaller-than-expected harvest realign the basis. Soybeans follow.
USDA
FSA loan program changes for 2026: higher caps, faster underwriting
Beginning-farmer and microloan brackets both expand.
Editor's pick
Land
Iowa farmland values hold at $13,200/acre — for now
Cash rents and operating margins have tightened, but institutional demand is keeping bids firm on quality ground.
Markets
Equipment
Used combines: where the deals are this fall
A regional pricing read across John Deere, Case IH, and AGCO.
Inputs
Anhydrous prices ease 12% YoY; UAN steady
Natural gas costs and increased domestic production capacity have brought anhydrous ammonia down from last winter's highs, but urea and UAN remain near year-ago levels.
Livestock
Cattle inventory tightens further; cow-calf operators see margin gains
The U.S. beef cow herd continues to contract, keeping calf prices historically strong and improving the economics for operators who stayed in the business through the tightest years.
Regulation
Crop insurance
RMA expands prevented-planting coverage for 2026
Several Corn Belt counties gain higher coverage levels and a longer final planting date window under Risk Management Agency changes that take effect for the 2026 crop year.
EPA
Atrazine review timeline pushed to summer 2026
The EPA's registration review of atrazine will not produce a final determination before June 2026, giving row-crop operators another planting season to plan around the herbicide's continued availability.
Financing
Equipment, land, or operating capital before spring?
FSA and partner programs cover beginning-farmer loans, equipment, and operating lines. Compare ag financing options and see what you qualify for.
Featured this week Browse archive
Equipment
Used combines: where the deals are this fall
A regional pricing read across John Deere, Case IH, and AGCO.
Crop insurance
RMA expands prevented-planting coverage for 2026
Several Corn Belt counties gain higher coverage levels and a longer final planting date window under Risk Management Agency changes that take effect for the 2026 crop year.
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