Country Morning Presented by CHS Ag Services

This morning edition of the Red River Farm Network, presented by CHS Ag Services, delivers a comprehensive update on agricultural markets, weather conditions, and policy developments affecting farmers across the northern Plains. The episode opens with a winter weather advisory for eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, forecasting significant snowfall and hazardous travel conditions through the weekend. The USDA's prospective plantings report reveals higher-than-expected corn acreage (95.3 million acres) and lower-than-anticipated soybean acreage (84.7 million), with wheat planting at its lowest level since 1919. Market analysts note that while the numbers were in line with expectations, the impact of recent fertilizer cost shifts may temper long-term market reactions. The quarterly grain stocks report shows corn stocks slightly below estimates, soybeans slightly above, and wheat at a five-year high—data that analysts say keeps focus on global fundamentals like crude oil and Middle East tensions. Farm broadcaster Tyler Donaldson reports from an ag day event, emphasizing early soybean planting and the importance of full seed treatments due to variable weather patterns. Additional coverage includes Jivo’s ethanol expansion in North Dakota, growing pressure to remove countervailing duties on imported phosphate fertilizers, and new EPA renewable fuel standards that boost demand for U.S. crops. Global developments—such as China’s new trade probes and President Trump’s comments on a potential end to the Iran conflict—add further uncertainty to markets. The episode closes with a look at the farm calendar and ongoing producer outreach events. Key takeaways include: (1) Farmers should prioritize full seed treatments for early-planted soybeans due to variable soil conditions; (2) Record-high renewable fuel standards are expected to increase demand for corn and soybeans; (3) Fertilizer cost pressures remain a major concern, with calls to eliminate tariffs on phosphate imports; (4) Weather disruptions in Argentina are threatening crop quality and harvest timelines; (5) Market direction is increasingly tied to geopolitical developments, especially around oil and the Middle East. The tone is cautiously optimistic, focusing on resilience and opportunity amid volatility.