We Need a Hero! USDA Dept Ag Secretary BLASTS Fertilizer Companies

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🧪 Fertilizer Market & USDA Action

The USDA is taking a closer look at potential collusion in the fertilizer industry. Last week, Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden accused fertilizer giants Nutrien and Mosaic of working to limit supply and keep prices elevated. The two companies accounted for more than 90% of North American phosphate fertilizer and potash production last year.

A proposed new potash mine in Saskatchewan could weaken their market control and add supply to the U.S. market as early as next year. USDA officials say they are closely monitoring fertilizer markets and could take action to boost competition if needed.

Vaden also took aim at farm equipment manufacturers, backing the administration’s push for right-to-repair protections for farmers.

🌽 Biofuels Policy & 45Z Tax Credit

Clean Fuels Alliance America is urging the Trump administration to release the proposed 45Z tax credit rules. The request comes after the White House completed its review of the rule.

According to the biofuels group, clearer guidance is needed to reduce uncertainty and support biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel production. They warned that continued delays could jeopardize investments, production, and rural jobs, while final rules could boost commodity demand and rural economic activity.

President Trump is scheduled to speak today in Clive, Iowa, where energy and economic issues are expected to be front and center. While there’s some chatter about a possible biofuel announcement, nothing is confirmed.

The proposed 45Z rule was modified during the White House review and could be released as soon as this week, though a potential government shutdown remains a risk. The OMB currently estimates a public comment release later this spring.

🌾 Wheat, Corn & Soybean Markets

Wheat futures moved lower on Monday. The CBOT March contract fell to around $5.23 after earlier touching the highest level since mid-December.

Cold weather in the High Plains raised concerns over crop damage, but snowfall helped insulate much of the wheat belt. Some damage was reported in parts of Nebraska, northeastern Colorado, and northwestern Kansas.

Corn and soybean futures also ended the session lower. See chart below 👇

🚢 Export Inspections

U.S. corn shipments were strong last week. USDA reported 1.5 million metric tons of corn inspected for export, higher than both the previous week and last year.

Soybean inspections totaled 1.3 million metric tons, slightly lower week-to-week but sharply higher year-over-year, with China accounting for the majority of shipments.

Wheat inspections were weaker, trailing both last week and last year.

🇧🇷 Brazil Crop Update

AgRural raised its forecast for Brazil’s soybean crop again, now calling for a record harvest. Corn production estimates were also nudged higher.

Soybean harvest and second-crop corn planting are both running ahead of last year’s pace, while first-crop corn harvest is slightly behind. Rainfall has been mostly average, though southern areas remain somewhat dry.

Based on current estimates, Brazil’s soybean crop would be substantially larger than the U.S. crop. See chart below 👇

🔥 Natural Gas & Winter Storm Impact

Natural gas prices surged to their highest level in years as Winter Storm Fern swept across the U.S., driving up heating demand.

The storm knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of customers and disrupted roughly 10% of U.S. natural gas production. In response, the Department of Energy issued emergency orders aimed at stabilizing power grids and reducing blackout risks in New England and Texas.

See charts below 👇