Farm credit conditions remain weaker than a year ago, but the pace of deterioration slowed during the third quarter as corn and soybean prices improved. Other stories include federal scrutiny of farm equipment competition, Chinese feed demand, lamb imports, global trade and stronger potato processing demand.
Listen to today’s Ag News Update:
Ag News Update – Monday 10/12/2026
Farm loan repayment conditions remained weaker than a year ago during the third quarter, but the Kansas City Federal Reserve says deterioration slowed as corn and soybean prices improved. USDA and the Federal Trade Commission are seeking anonymous farmer input on machinery purchasing, resale limits and dealership repair requirements. In China, poor wheat quality is pushing more grain into livestock feed, increasing competition with corn while wheat imports remain uncertain. A federal investigation into rising lamb imports is examining a market where imported lamb and mutton account for roughly 70% of U.S. consumption. The World Trade Organization raised its 2026 merchandise trade growth forecast to 3.9% as artificial intelligence investment offsets energy and fertilizer disruptions. USDA also reports U.S. potato processing increased 5% in 2025, led by stronger frozen-product and chip demand despite weaker grower prices.
Today’s Ag News Highlights
• Farm credit stress eases as higher crop prices improve third-quarter conditions.
• USDA and the Federal Trade Commission seek farmer reports on equipment competition and repair restrictions.
• Poor-quality Chinese wheat moves into livestock feed, increasing competition with corn.
• U.S. lamb imports face federal scrutiny as imported product dominates consumption.
• Global trade growth strengthens while U.S. potato processing demand rises.