Policy
U.S. farmers and ag economists remain concerned by mounting global competition and the reliability of recent trade agreements. However, some economists say emerging market shifts could create opportunities later this year.
The May Farm Journal Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor reveals growing concern over farm profitability, rising debt costs and long-term financial stress, with economists saying many operations may need significant restructuring to remain viable.
From canola to hemp, recent history shows new crops only stick when margin and infrastructure line up for years—not seasons.
FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson announced a formal investigation Thursday into fertilizer pricing and market concentration, drawing a standing ovation from farmers representing 18 states.
California farmers warn a proposed nitrogen bill could drastically limit fertilizer use, expand reporting requirements and make growing crops like citrus, lettuce and pistachios nearly impossible.
Inspired by her father’s resilience in the 1980s, Angie Traetow shares why farmers must trade distractions for deliberate planning.
USDA and the Trump administration have unveiled a long-term fertilizer strategy focused on boosting U.S. production, fast-tracking projects and lowering costs.
The company commits to a seven-year ban on restrictive provisions to foster competition in the corn and soybean markets. The settlement highlights a deepening partnership between federal antitrust regulators and agricultural authorities.
A new survey of farmers and ranchers highlights growing frustration with Washington and reveals how the widening divide between rural and urban America continues reshaping politics, trust and the ag vote.
Producers report mounting pressure from higher diesel, fertilizer and machinery expenses, alongside trade uncertainty and rural healthcare concerns, as policy impacts and election-year sentiment weigh on the farm economy.
As producers navigate financial strain and D.C. disconnect, realities such as steep input costs, trade frustrations and E15 limbo are becoming decisive factors shaping the rural vote.
Fresh analysis from FAPRI finds passage of year-round E15 would bring limited near-term gains to corn prices, while SRE changes would put pressure on farm income and negatively impact soybeans.
A first-ever focused vote on E15 has eyes on The Hill. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “There’s mounting pressure to get something done and take action.”
Diesel prices are just 20 cents from a record high, with multiple states already setting new records. Experts warn relief is uncertain as prices could remain elevated through 2026.
After being pulled from the farm bill, year-round E15 sales are now heading for a standalone House vote following a key compromise between the ethanol and refining industries.
In a major legislative milestone, the House-passed H.R. 7567 offers a roadmap for the next five years of American agriculture.
Shrinking equity, rising nitrogen costs and continued global upheaval signal a reckoning for corn growers and a shift to soybeans — especially if higher biomass-based blending diesel mandates come through.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says a multi-agency Trump administration effort will target fertilizer costs and boost U.S. production, with a major announcement expected yet this week.
Operating on negative margins and facing a “next-generation crisis,” a group of row-crop growers urges the U.S. Supreme Court to follow science over emotion as it hears oral arguments in the Monsanto v. Durnell case on Monday.
Two Midwest growers say increased competition between corn and soybeans for acres could help rebalance supplies and provide a financial boost.
In a candid conversation with Farm Journal, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden says USDA’s message to fertilizer companies is simple: “Be part of the solution, don’t be part of the problem.”
Two Midwest farmers say they’ve made the cuts they can, leaving fine-tuned field passes, smarter marketing and policy fixes as the next line of defense.
The One Big Beautiful Bill’s new rules will allow for additional farm program payments, according to Richard Fordyce, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation.
Fertilizer price spikes are clouding spring planting as farmers warn of mounting financial strain, while lawmakers push for greater transparency with recently proposed legislation in both the House and Senate.
Abolishing the Jones Act shouldn’t take a war or a disaster. Times are always tough—and the last thing Americans need is another bad law that makes it harder to make ends meet.
EPA waiving fuel from U.S. volatility requirements to allow summer sales of E15 has become standard practice but at least this year it is coming early.
Action expected within weeks as lawmakers push for post-Easter progress on emergency relief and regulatory fixes.