Agri-Pulse DriveTime

Congress returns to Washington next week facing challenging policy issues including E15, new  farm policy and additional economic assistance for farmers. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following attacks by Israel on the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. The U.S. has its nominee to lead the U. N. World Food Program.

Financial and commodity markets were unsettled as the world counted down to President Trump's deadline for Iran to yield control of the Strait of Hormuz. China and Russia blocked a resolution at the United Nations to open the shipping channel. Weeks after Bridge Assistance funds have been sent to row crop producers. Specialty crop farmers are still waiting for their share of financial assistance.

Thousands participated at the White House Egg Roll today. Emily Metz with the American Egg Board reports from the event. The Iran war is providing uncertainty for Fed Policymakers. The USDA's first weekly crop progress report indicates winter wheat condition is running behind a year ago. Brazil's soybean harvest is advancing with some corn acres challenged by dry weather.

Emily Metz of the American Egg Board gives a preview of the White House Egg Roll on Monday and Atmospheric Scientist Eric Snodgrass outlines what could be a powerful weather anomaly

during the U.S. crop growing season.

Dry soil is a growing concern for a number of farmers approaching Spring planting. Two fertilizer producers want to keep countervailing duties on fertilizer imports. Gasoline prices continue to climb and egg prices are down significantly compared to a year ago.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the Commerce Department and members of Congress are looking for a public action plan on how to stabilize fertilizer markets and reduce prices. Brazilian consultancy firm AgRual has cut its forecast for corn production and raised its outlook for soybeans. Crop analysts question if the USDA's planting survey accurately reflects farmer crop intentions resulting from the war with Iran.

The USDA's Prospective Plantings report today showed more corn and fewer soybean acres than traders expected. Dan Basse with AgResource Company says the totals will change and crop prices will face pressure. Legislation has been introduced to provide incentives for plant-based products.

The USDA is set to release a March 1 Grain Stocks report and a Prospective Plantings report for the 2026 crop year. Analysts question whether fertilizer availability and price will influence final acreage. The nation's pork producers hope for the certainty of a new farm bill with a fix for California's Proposition 12 law.

President Trump welcomed hundreds of farmers, ranchers and agriculture leaders to the White House today to offer updates on issues critical to the ag industry. Farmers were pleased to hear calls for more renewables in the fuel supply as well as efforts to expand global trade opportunities.

Farm groups are speculating what information the Trump administration might share at a White House event tomorrow. Farm groups hope renewable energy regulations as well as updates on E15 legislation and USMCA might be included in President Trump's remarks Some analysts speculate corn acreage will fall significantly in next week's USDA acreage report.