Inflation and labor shortages lead today’s Ag News Update. Other stories include farm tax risk, new soybean crush capacity, biodiesel and diesel supply, Brazil corn weather concerns, and the latest ethanol production numbers.
Listen to today’s Ag News Update:
Ag News Update – Friday 10/16/2026
Inflation and labor shortages remain major problems for small businesses as September consumer and producer prices accelerated. The National Federation of Independent Business says inflation ranked second among owner concerns, while labor quality and availability remained first. Farm Bureau is also warning land buyers about aggressive Section 180 residual fertility tax claims that could create penalties and audit risk. CHS has broken ground on an 80-million-bushel soybean crush plant in Wisconsin that could strengthen local basis and demand. Clean Fuels Alliance America says biodiesel and renewable diesel supply about 10% of U.S. distillate demand as policymakers debate high diesel prices. In Brazil, a strong El Niño could delay soybean planting and push second-season corn outside the lower-risk planting window. U.S. ethanol production rose to a four-week high, but gasoline demand fell sharply and ethanol stocks increased.
Today’s Ag News Highlights
• Inflation and labor remain top concerns for small businesses.
• Farm Bureau warns about aggressive residual fertility tax claims.
• CHS begins work on a major Wisconsin soybean crush plant.
• Strong El Niño could threaten Brazil’s safrinha corn timing.
• Ethanol output rises while gasoline demand falls.