Corn prices sank as USDA shocked the market with increased harvested acreage and higher yields in the January WASDE report — pushing production up 269 million bushels. Global carryout rose sharply, driven by China's self-reported record stocks. What does this mean heading into 2026?

Are your current decisions building the farm—and the life—you want?
This week’s series delivered four powerful mindset shifts drawn from impactful books, each designed to help you lead with clarity and grow with intention in 2026. From goal-setting to teamwork to succession planning, these lessons aren’t theory—they’re your next step toward strategic, sustainable growth.

Farmers are wired for independence—but doing everything yourself comes at a cost.Who Not How challenges the belief that you must figure everything out alone.By shifting from “How do I do this?” to “Who can help?”, farmers can reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and unlock sustainable growth. This mindset isn’t about losing control—it’s about building capacity where it matters most.

Farming is a long game—full of sacrifice and legacy. But what if, in building the future, you miss the life right in front of you? Die With Zero by Bill Perkins challenges farmers to rethink success—not as dying with the most assets, but as living with the most intention. Time, health, and wealth are tools to build memories, not just equity. Here's how to invest in both the farm and the moments that matter most.

Is farm feedback hard to navigate—especially with family or trusted employees? The One Minute Manager offers a simple, proven framework for leadership that builds trust, sets clear goals, and reinforces good work—all in under 100 pages.

Ever feel like setting goals on the farm is pointless? Measure What Matters by John Doerr says otherwise. In this book, you’ll discover how OKRs—Objectives and Key Results—can bring clarity, alignment, and measurable progress to your operation. Whether you run solo or manage a full team, written goals with clear outcomes can change the way you farm. Let’s dive into how.

Grain marketing is more about mindset than market noise. In this post, we explore how understanding your own psychology — and applying disciplined strategies — can turn emotional decisions into profitable outcomes. From checklists to hedging tools, this guide bridges behavior and strategy for smarter marketing.

The Jan–Feb grain market is being squeezed by freight costs, even as soybean demand from China heats up. Corn basis remains stagnant, and shipping congestion is near harvest-season intensity. Marketers should expect limited basis growth—unless freight loosens. Temporary windows may offer short-term gains. Read on for a freight-focused game plan.

The January USDA report could be a game-changer for soybean markets. With tight carryout projections and key revisions to acres, yield, and crush demand on the table, even minor adjustments could shift the balance. Here's why traders are bracing for impact.

The USDA has launched Stage 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to support farmers impacted by 2023–2024 natural disasters who didn’t receive insurance payouts. This phase includes aid for shallow losses, uninsured acreage, and quality-related crop damage. If disaster hit your farm but insurance didn’t come through, Stage 2 might be the relief you’ve been waiting for.

Grain marketing is more mental than mathematical. Between FOMO, price swings, and global chaos, timing your sale has never felt harder. Anchoring to old highs or reacting to headlines can derail your strategy. Here’s how psychology shapes your marketing — and what to do instead. Don’t let emotion set your price.

The U.S.-China trade truce and China’s soybean buying promise have already shaken up the market. While only 10% of the pledged volume is confirmed, basis levels have surged in export-focused regions. Crush plants are scrambling to compete, and volatility is on the horizon. Here’s what it means for farmers—and where the opportunities lie.

Markets are buzzing ahead of the November WASDE, but don’t expect dramatic moves. History and limited data could lead to a quiet report. Despite a record soybean yield and weak demand, cash prices have surged. Will the USDA surprise—or stay cautious? Either way, narratives can cost you.

FSA offices have started processing 2024 crop year payments under ARC and PLC programs. While PLC won’t pay out for corn, soybeans, or wheat, ARC-CO payments are likely in counties with lower yields. Here’s what producers need to know about MYA prices and payment eligibility.

Between September and October 2025, U.S.–China trade tensions swung from optimism to retaliation. From tariff threats to rare earth controls, both sides made bold moves. Behind the scenes, high-level talks continued, culminating in a draft agreement. With a key summit set for October 30, the world watches for a breakthrough. Here's how the past month unfolded.

Soybean basis is firming fast in North Dakota and other states, with crush facilities raising bids and offering free delayed pricing. Corn basis is holding unusually steady. The real story? Limited storage and modest yields may be driving this market shift. Farmers should act fast as short-term basis premiums create quick opportunities. Here’s the full outlook on harvest basis firming across the U.S.

The WASDE report didn’t drop this month—and it’s disrupted the usual grain market playbook. But the market hasn’t stopped moving. Basis is still talking, spreads are shifting, and exports offer clues. When the data goes quiet, your plan should speak louder. Here’s how to navigate grain markets without USDA’s usual guidance.

Spreads don’t make headlines, but they quietly tell you where the grain market’s headed. When they move, there’s a reason — and if you learn to read them, you’ll spot the story before everyone else does.

The latest USDA stock report sent ripples through the grain markets, surprising traders with unexpected figures in corn and wheat. Corn came in higher than expected, wheat overshot estimates significantly, and soybeans stayed mostly on track. Here's a breakdown of what it means, and what to watch next.

Harvest soybean basis has slipped well below historic norms, while corn holds steady with strong PNW demand. Storage strategies are key as market carry offers profitability for deferred delivery. With damaged bins and soybeans filling farm storage, space is tightening fast. Locking in basis or cash contracts could make the difference this season. Maximize harvest success by capturing carry and managing bin space wisely.