Chicago Fed agricultural economist David Oppedahl discusses the state of the Midwest farm economy in 2026 as we look at farmland values, cash rents, lending conditions, and why today's challenges look very different from the 1980s farm crisis.

FBN's Charles Baron discusses how AI is transforming farm decision-making in 2026, from an AI advisor named for Norman Borlaug to price transparency that has saved farmers more than $500 million. Plus: tariffs, input costs, and why some farmers are still leaving serious money on the table.

The Iran conflict's impact on fertilizer markets, the economic maturity of ethanol, and why maritime shipping may be the most overlooked near-term demand opportunity for corn farmers right now. All of this is happening against a backdrop of tightening margins and generational transition on the farm. CoBank economist Jacqui Fatka is our guest this week.

From empty reservoirs to rising wildfire risk, a dry and warm winter is setting the stage for a difficult year ahead. We break down how snowpack loss impacts drinking water, food production, and even air quality far beyond the Rockies.

A century of good farming, clear thinking, and right living. That's the Iowa Master Farmer program, and this week we're at its 100th anniversary celebration with the organization's president, a descendant of founder Henry Wallace, and one of this year's award recipients who showed up for the land, your community, and the next generation.

Small business lender Ben Johnston of Kapitus breaks down who is really paying America's tariffs, how entrepreneurs are surviving the chaos, and what the ghost of Smoot-Hawley means for the future of American manufacturing.

Tufts food economist Dr. Sean Cash explains why the new dietary guidelines raised eyebrows, why a new Farm Bill is unlikely this Congress, and why defining "ultra-processed food" is harder — and more important — than it sounds.

Don Schieber built a seed cleaning business that saved his farm. He has traveled the world selling American wheat, and spent 50 years officiating Friday night football in Oklahoma. Now he's retiring and he's got stories you won't hear anywhere else. This is what a life in agriculture looks like.

Jeff Irwin lost his father Gary to suicide on his 22nd birthday in February 1984. Now, 42 years later, he's telling the story — and writing a book — to help farm families recognize the warning signs and find the resources that didn't exist when his family needed them most.

Spring 2026 has started dry. Eric Hunt of UNL Extension breaks down the Drought Monitor, disappearing snowpack, and why the next two weeks of rain could define the entire growing season.