Farmers plan to plant less corn and more soybeans in 2026 than last year, reports Jim Henry, as the Iran war drives up fertilizer and fuel prices in the latest blow to the struggling agricultural sector.

Today’s higher fuel prices will be the norm regardless when, or even if, a U.S.-Iran ceasefire comes together, say market experts.

Planting season is ramping up with progress varying depending on the weather’s cooperation across geographies.

Strength in collaboration is the foundation for the Illinois Innovation Network, linking 15 hubs throughout the state that drive research in agriculture and other areas.

A team of Purdue University students won a $20,000 grand prize at the Student Soybean Innovation Competition for creating a soy-based adhesive tape.

A team of Purdue University students won first place in the food track of the 2026 Student Soybean Innovation Competition.

Bryan Severs was reappointed chair of the U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance at its annual meeting.

An overwhelming majority of America’s farmers who responded to a nationwide survey say they cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year.

There’s heightened concern across the Corn Belt due to the surge in fertilizer and fuel prices, combined with a volatile commodity market.

Land in the Midwest is not just dirt. It’s legacy, livelihood and, increasingly, a line in the sand.

A commodity brokerage firm’s farmer survey indicates a shift toward more soybean acres in 2026.

Wheat, corn and soybean season-average price projects were increased slightly in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s balance sheets.

Despite strong demand pace, an expected increase in corn exports wasn’t reflected in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s supply and demand estimates report.

Cattle, sheep and goat prices are at record or near record levels and fundamentally should remain that way for some time to come.

U.S. producers intend to plant 3% less corn acres and 4% more soybean acres this spring, according to the prospective planting report March 31.

Southern Illinois planters began rolling in the latter half of March after an extended stretch of warm, dry conditions.

A “From Field Tile to Tap” tour demonstrated what farmers can do on their farms to protect drinking water sources downstream.

A bipartisan bill passed in 2022 to promote the use of higher biodiesel blends is making a significant impact once again in 2026.

University of Illinois Extension staff gathered in the State Capitol to showcase how Extension and Illinois 4-H strengthen communities statewide and to call for an increased state investment at its inaugural Extension Day at the Capitol.

Farmland values remain resilient in spite of a cooling agricultural economy, according to the latest installment of the Maximizing Your Farmland Series presented by Halderman.

Thirteen Illinois Farm Bureau members and agricultural professionals graduated from the Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow program, an extensive leadership development program designed to help participants develop leadership and advocacy skills.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the Renewable Fuel Standard “Set 2” ruling that locks in the highest-ever Renewable Volume Obligations.

According to the latest Feeding the Economy report, agriculture and food industries are a huge part of the U.S. economy.

AgriNovus Indiana released a new report and announced that the 2026 Velocity Accelerator program is offering $75,000 in prize money to startups that can tackle three challenges.

Charlie Meier is quick to point out that had it not been for his involvement with FFA and 4-H as a youngster, he would not be a state representative.

Precision Conservation Management has been selected as a recipient of funding through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Conservation Partners Program, part of $8.7 million awarded nationwide to support on-the-ground conservation efforts.

Year-over-year corn, soybean and wheat stocks are higher halfway through the marketing year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s prospective planting survey indicated farmers aren’t making as large of a shift toward more soybeans and less corn acres as expected — but with a caveat.

Beck’s has acquired the exclusive licensing rights of the SOYLEIC patents from the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.

Weed resistance is a problem for many corn and soybean farmers that is likely to continue.

Research and development investment is important at BASF to continue adding products to the company’s innovation pipeline.

During her 30 years as a veterinarian and in academic research, Lisa Freeman learned some lessons that she’s carried throughout her career.

Several years ago the Illinois Soybean Association team started to look for ways to “move the pile” by developing new uses for the crop.

Illinois Soybean Association has selected six agronomic professionals to serve as the 2026 IL Soy Envoy class.

Greg and Janis Thoren are the recipients of the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

Chad Bell is working on a variety of projects during the transition time from winter and getting ready for the spring planting season.

The 2026 Indiana General Assembly wrapped up its work, which included some wins for agriculture, according to leaders at Indiana Farm Bureau.

The Illinois Pork Producers Association honored a family that has contributed to the long-term success of the industry through leadership and pork promotion at the local and state levels.

A fifth-generation hog farmer was seated as Illinois Pork Producers Association president during its annual meeting at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Tennessee farmer Todd Littleton expects to pay $100,000 more for fertilizer this season, a 40% spike from his bill last year thanks to the war in Iran — and he is scrambling to cover that extra cost.

Warm and dry this early is both a bad combination and a bad omen.

Agricultural economic conditions are mostly flat since mid-January across the Corn Belt’s Federal Reserve Districts, according to a survey.

Federal and Illinois guidelines for over-the-top dicamba applications on soybeans have been set for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons.

Farmers, researchers, academia and industry partners recently converged for the Soy Innovation Center’s second annual SpringBoard Challenge.

At a time when margins are already tight and input costs are at a record high, global conflicts that disrupt fertilizer supplies or raise fuel prices could increase production costs for U.S. farmers, reports Jim Henry.

American agriculture depends on a stable and affordable supply of fertilizer to remain productive and competitive.

Changing feeds in dairy cow transition diets can help reduce costs.

We must ensure strong market opportunities here at home to keep family farms in business.

With two potential supply and demand movers slated for the end of the month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s March 10 balance sheets were unchanged as expected.

Other than a nickel increase in the projected average wheat price and tweaks in the global supplies, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s crop balance sheets were mostly unchanged in the March estimates.