The April 9, 2026 closing market report covers agricultural commodity markets, weed control strategies, and Midwestern weather forecasts. Analyst Matt Bennett characterized the day's USDA WASDE report as largely uneventful, noting ample global corn supplies and continuing competitive pressure from South American soybean exports. University of Illinois weed scientist Aaron Hager then detailed the increasing resistance of waterhemp to Group 15 and PPO-inhibiting herbicides across the state, advising producers to consider metribuzin as a viable and cost-effective alternative for residual control. Finally, meteorologist Mike Tannura highlighted severe drought conditions currently impacting over half of the U.S. hard red winter wheat crop. He forecast upcoming rain systems that will primarily benefit eastern, lower-elevation areas of the Plains while leaving western regions dry, alongside additional precipitation expected to move into the Corn Belt during the planting season.

The April 8, 2026, Closing Market Report highlights that corn and soybean prices have decoupled from sharply lower crude oil prices following a temporary ceasefire in the Iran conflict. Analysts advise farmers to lock in current commodity prices, as large carryouts are expected unless a summer drought occurs. Concurrently, economists warn that elevated fuel and fertilizer costs driven by the Middle East conflict will likely persist into the fall, although recent bridge payments and minor commodity rallies have temporarily improved overall farmer sentiment. On the weather front, the Western United States faces long-term water supply concerns due to low snowpack, which could lead to a dry summer in the Plains, while immediate heavy rains in the Midwest threaten to delay spring planting. Internationally, agricultural weather is improving, with Argentina receiving a beneficial dry period and Brazil's safrinha corn utilizing an extended monsoon season.

The April 7, 2026 Closing Market Report highlights significant concerns regarding geopolitical tensions with Iran and their impact on agricultural commodities. Total Farm Marketing's Naomi Blohm notes that traders are squaring positions ahead of an impending deadline with Iran, closely watching crude oil resistance levels. University of Illinois agricultural economist Gerald Mashange elaborates on this "escalation trap" in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that damage to energy and fertilizer infrastructure could cause prolonged supply chain disruptions and price spikes akin to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In agricultural news, John Deere announced software updates complying with new Environmental Protection Agency guidelines to allow farmers temporary overrides on emissions and diesel exhaust fluid equipment during critical operational windows. 

On the weather front, Don Day from DayWeather forecasts much-needed rain for the drought-stricken winter wheat regions in the Southern Plains. This precipitation is expected to move northeast across the Corn Belt, though central and western parts of Nebraska and the Dakotas may remain largely dry.

Trading on April 6, 2026, was quiet, reflecting slight price gains in corn and soybeans alongside a dip in wheat futures. Market analysts expect the upcoming USDA WASDE report to indicate tighter corn stocks driven by strong demand, offset by a potential slight increase in soybean carryout. Geopolitical tensions continue to support commodity prices through war premiums; however, analysts warn of significant downside risks once the crop is successfully planted.

Elevated fertilizer costs, with anhydrous ammonia projected at $860 per ton for the 2027 crop, combined with record board soybean crush margins at $2.43 per bushel, strongly favor a continued shift toward soybean acreage. Despite expanding domestic crushing capacity and bullish price scenarios, weak cash basis levels act as a red flag regarding the longevity of current futures rallies. Agricultural economists advise producers to proactively hedge or secure forward contracts to lock in profitable new-crop prices—such as November soybeans at $11.50 to $11.60 and December corn near $4.80—warning that historical trends frequently show prices deteriorating before harvest.

In the U.S. Corn Belt, widespread weekend rainfall successfully replenished soil moisture, creating favorable conditions and steady soil temperatures for the upcoming planting season. Conversely, prolonged dryness remains a major concern for the Hard Red Winter Wheat regions of the Plains, with upcoming forecasts offering only scattered and localized precipitation. In South America, an active late-season weather pattern is causing minor harvest delays for corn and soybeans across Brazil and Argentina. However, the added moisture is exceptionally beneficial for the critical growth stages of Brazil's safrinha, or second crop, corn.

Ag Markets with Greg Johnson

The recent USDA prospective plantings and grain stocks reports were largely neutral for corn and slightly friendly for soybeans. Currently, the market is being driven by geopolitical headlines, with money flowing out of commodities and into equities due to expectations that Middle East tensions may ease. Significant damage to Middle Eastern infrastructure for crude oil and natural gas, a key fertilizer input, will take years to repair. This damage is expected to keep transportation and input costs elevated, contributing to inflation and likely delaying any interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Because planted acreage is high enough to meet demand under normal yield conditions, future market movement will heavily depend on actual yields and the actions of investment funds, which are currently holding near-record long positions. Farmers are advised to consider pricing new crop soybeans in the mid-$11 range.

How Much Soybean Demand will the RVO Create | farmdoc

The EPA recently announced new Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) that will increase biomass-based diesel mandates by roughly 60% for 2026 and 2027. Meeting these new mandates will require between 50 and 60 billion pounds of feedstock, consuming approximately half of the world's total supply of fats and oils. This massive increase in domestic demand for soybean oil is expected to push US crush capacity to its absolute limit. Consequently, the US soybean market is pivoting away from exports, which are facing stiff competition from cheaper Brazilian supplies, toward domestic consumption. This transition is highly bullish for domestic pricing, supporting the farmdoc team's projection of an $11 season average cash price.

Ag Weather with Drew Lerner

In Brazil, the safrinha, or second crop corn, in the north is well-established but will rely heavily on existing soil moisture as the monsoonal rains wind down. Southern safrinha areas are currently dry but still have opportunities to catch rain from passing frontal systems. Meanwhile, in Argentina, a shift in weather patterns has brought heavy rain to previously dry areas. Parts of the country, particularly central Buenos Aires, are now too wet, stalling the sunseed harvest and creating potential quality issues. In the United States, the lower Midwest and northern Delta are expecting multiple waves of significant rain and cooler temperatures, which will likely delay early spring fieldwork. Conversely, dryland crop areas from Texas to Nebraska will see a break from extreme heat but are forecast to remain critically dry for at least another week to 10 days.

Program Overview

• Program Name: Closing Market Report
• Date of Broadcast: March 31, 2026
• Host: Todd Gleason from the University of Illinois Extension
• Network: Illinois Public Media (available online at willag.org)
• Focus: The show provides comprehensive coverage of agricultural markets, industry news, livestock updates, and weather forecasts tailored for the farming community.

Program Elements

• Ag Markets Analysis: The core of the episode focuses on the release of the USDA's Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks reports. Host Todd Gleason details the survey results, noting a 3% decrease in intended corn acres and a 4% increase in intended soybean acres compared to the previous year. Guest Naomi Blohm from totalfarmmarketing.com provides expert analysis, explaining that the reports fell mostly within expectations and failed to trigger any dramatic market shifts, leaving corn and soybean prices relatively range-bound.
• WILLAg News Update: This segment covers several key agricultural news items:
  • The EPA's release of the final renewable fuel standard volume obligations for 2026 and 2027, which was well-received by major agricultural groups for creating demand for biofuels.
  • The EPA's action to remove problematic sensor requirements for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems, aimed at preventing equipment downtime during spring planting.
  • A report by Mike Davis featuring Blaine Nelson from Farmer Mac, discussing how AI and digital technology are making farm loan underwriting faster, more transparent, and less costly.
• USDA March Hogs and Pigs Report Analysis: The program reviews the latest livestock data, highlighting a slight year-over-year increase in total hog inventory despite a drop in the breeding herd. University of Missouri agricultural economist Jason Franken provides commentary, noting that producers are relying on increased efficiency (record pigs per litter) to manage supply as they financially recover from 2023 losses.
• Honoring WWII Flying ACE "Bud" Anderson: A unique segment featuring audio from General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, honoring Colonel Clarence Emil "Bud" Anderson, a highly decorated World War II fighter pilot who recently passed away at age 102. Gleason uses the moment to encourage listeners to support and thank veterans.
• Ag Weather Forecast: The show concludes with a weather outlook from Don Day of Day Weather. Day forecasts a wet start to April with significant rainfall expected across much of the Corn Belt, heavy spring snows in the northern states, and beneficial moisture for the western U.S., though some areas in the central plains will remain dry.

The March 30, 2026, Closing Market Report details agricultural commodity performance, processing challenges, and global weather conditions.

Market Performance

• Corn and hard red winter wheat futures closed lower, while soybean futures experienced mixed results.
• Live cattle, feeder cattle, and crude oil prices finished higher, contrasting with downward movements in the S&P 500 and NASDAQ indices.

Commodity Outlook

• Market participants are positioning for the March 31 USDA prospective plantings and grain stocks reports, which will establish benchmarks for acreage and demand estimates.
• Ongoing geopolitical conflicts, specifically involving Iran, are anticipated to sustain elevated energy prices and inject broader economic volatility.
• Livestock markets currently remain supported by the approaching summer grilling season.

Beef Processing and Supply Chain

• A worker strike at the JBS processing plant in Greeley, Colorado, is forcing the reallocation of fed cattle to alternative facilities, primarily in Texas and Nebraska.
• The strike is exerting short-term pressure on fed cattle markets, with the potential to negatively impact feeder cattle prices if the disruption is prolonged.
• The broader beef industry continues to contend with packing overcapacity relative to shrinking cattle inventory, alongside long-term drought concerns in the western United States.

Global Agricultural Weather

• U.S. Plains: The hard red winter wheat crop is facing critical stress from extreme soil moisture deficits and record-high temperatures.
• U.S. Midwest: Conditions are highly favorable for summer crop planting, driven by an active weather pattern that is actively replenishing soil moisture without introducing unseasonable cold.
• Black Sea Region: Winter crop development in Eastern Europe and Russia is progressing well with improved topsoil moisture, though subsoil moisture deficits from previous dry spells remain an area to monitor.

farmdoc article | https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2026/02/rewriting-the-rfs-playbook-the-impact-of-no-half-rin-and-higher-rvos-on-projected-biomass-based-diesel-production-and-feedstock-use-for-2026-2027.html

- Naomi Blohm, TotalFarmMarketing.com
- USTR Ag Negotiations and ARS Plant Path
- Don Day, DayWeather.com

- Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net
- Bridge Payment Sign Up Opens
- Chad Hart, Iowa State Extension
- Mark Russo, EverStream.ai

- Curt Kimmel, AgMarket.net
- Ag Forum and @farmdoc Figures
- Mike Tannura, Tstorm.net

- Greg Johnson, TGM TotalGrainMarketing.com
- RP, SCO, ECO Crop Insurance Decisions
- Andrew Pritchard, NutrienAgSolutions.com

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; Research, Outreach, and Working Together. I'm University of Illinois Extension's Todd Gleason.

The future of Illinois agriculture is in the hands of some very capable leaders. At a recent symposium, key figures from the University of Illinois College of ACES and the Illinois Corn Growers Association sat down to discuss the evolving landscape of agricultural research, extension services, and industry collaboration.

From navigating shifts in federal funding priorities to pioneering AI applications in farming, these leaders are bridging the gap between campus innovation and "muddy boots" field application.

Join us as we hear from:  
 - Matthew Van, the new Director of Extension at the University of Illinois   
 - Rodney Weinzierl, long-time leader at the Illinois Corn Growers Association   
 - Rod Johnson, Associate Dean of Research at the College of ACES 

29:50 running time

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; Crop Sciences for the 2026 Growing Season. I'm University of Illinois Extension's Todd Gleason.

Coming up next, we dive into the outlook for the 2026 growing season with a focus on crop sciences. Join Stephanie Porter from the Illinois Soybean Association and University of Illinois entomologist Nick Seiter as they discuss the latest research on pest management, weed resistance, and innovative on-farm trials aimed at helping farmers navigate the challenges of the coming year.

32:43

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; Why You Should Use the N-Rate Calculator. I'm University of Illinois Extension's Todd Gleason.

During the December conference we were joined by a panel of experts: John Jones, a soil fertility specialist from the University of Illinois; Gary Schnitkey, an agricultural economist also from the U of I; and Laura Gentry, of the Illinois Corn Growers Association’s.

In an era of fluctuating input costs, these three believe corn production is about maximizing profits rather than yields. Today you'll listen to them break down how the N-Rate Calculator and the Precision Conservation Management program are helping farmers protect both the local watershed and their bottom line by finding the 'sweet spot' for nitrogen applications. We'll begin with soil scientist John Jones.

54:38 running time

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; Ag Policy Objectives and Prospects. I'm University of Illinois Extension's Todd Gleason.

Up next a critical discussion on the evolving landscape of agricultural policy and markets. This panel features KJ Johnson of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Brad Stotler from the Illinois Corn Growers Association, and Jonathan Coppess of the University of Illinois.

Together, we'll dive into the pressing issues facing farmers today, including:
 - Market Shifts: The transition from ethanol toward new domestic marketplaces for corn.  
 - Political Climate: The impact of record-breaking congressional retirements and shifting partisan dynamics in Washington and Springfield.  
 - Trade and Tariffs: The rising concern over fertilizer and chemical costs driven by international trade tensions.  
 - The Farm Bill: A deep look at the controversial decoupling of food assistance programs from traditional farm subsidies.

30:11 running time 

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; BioManufacturing and the Future of Ag.  During the conference, Vijay Singh and Ismael Nieves discussed the future of precision fermentation in Illinois, focusing on the role of iFAB or the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Tech Hub. Vijay Singh from the University of Illinois started the conversation.

University of Illinois Agricultural Economist Scott Irwin's full presentation made during the December 2025 Farm Assets Conference.

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; Trade, Transportation and Global Markets. 

University of Illinois Agricultural Economist Nick Paulson's full presentation made during the December 2025 Farm Assets Conference.

University of Illinois Agricultural Economist Brittney Goodrich's full presentation made during the December 2025 Farm Assets Conference.

University of Illinois Agricultural Economist Joe Janzen's full presentation made during the December 2025 Farm Assets Conference.

- Greg Johnson, Total Grain Marketing
- Drew Lerner, World Weather, Inc.