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 conditions, market dynamics, and global trade tensions affecting U.S. farmers. Hosts Don Wick and Jamie Dickerman open with weather alerts for eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota, including a dense fog advisory and forecasts of a cold front bringing cooler temperatures and potential precipitation. The discussion then shifts to the economic strain on farmers, particularly due to soaring fertilizer costs—70% of wheat and 66% of corn farmers can't afford full fertilizer applications this year. The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports has drastically reduced Iran’s seaborne trade, with analysts projecting urea prices could reach $1,000 per ton by October 2026 if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. This geopolitical shift has elevated the U.S. to a pivotal role in global energy flows, potentially reshaping trade negotiations with China. Meanwhile, research from CAST Science highlights opportunities for farm diversification through crop insurance reforms, conservation incentives, and policy changes that support diversified rotations. On the market front, soybean trade talks with China remain uncertain, with concerns over supply, pricing, and storage capacity. BASF introduces Sertain herbicide as a new tool for weed resistance management, offering flexibility and extended residual control. The episode closes with updates on local farm events, commodity prices, and the transformation of the historic Minneapolis Grain Exchange into residential and commercial space.