Country Morning Presented by CHS Ag Services

This episode of the Red River Farm Network, presented by CHS Ag Services, delivers a comprehensive update on agricultural and economic conditions across the upper Midwest, with a strong focus on the global impact of the ongoing Iran conflict. The episode begins with a weather report highlighting cold temperatures, strong winds, and upcoming snowstorms, setting the stage for challenging growing conditions. The central theme revolves around how geopolitical instability—particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S.-Iran tensions—is disrupting global supply chains, driving up energy prices, and significantly affecting agricultural inputs like fertilizer. Experts including Co-Bank’s Tom Halverson and CHS CEO Jay Deberton emphasize that while short-term price spikes may benefit U.S. farmers, long-term investment should not rely on volatile, non-cyclical events. The episode also covers rising fuel costs, trade tensions with China, Brazil’s growing dominance in global agriculture, and the potential reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border for feeder cattle imports amid ongoing efforts to contain the New World screwworm. Market data shows mixed commodity trends, with soybeans rising and corn and wheat fluctuating. Key takeaways include the urgent need for stable trade policy to maintain U.S. agricultural competitiveness, the structural risks posed by global supply chain vulnerabilities—especially in critical inputs like urea and helium—and the importance of preparing for long-term resilience over short-term gains. The episode underscores that agriculture is no longer isolated from global politics and economics, and farmers must adapt to a new reality where geopolitical events directly influence input costs, market access, and profitability. The tone is cautiously urgent, balancing concern with practical advice for navigating uncertainty.