U.S. agricultural exports are projected to increase in 2026, but major export markets continue to shift. Today’s Ag News Update also covers Brazil’s soybean cost advantage, a potential new marine ethanol market, cheese export strength, pressure on hog margins and Xcel Energy’s proposed data center tariff.
Listen to today’s Ag News Update:
Ag News Update – Monday 10/05/2026
U.S. agricultural exports are projected to increase in 2026, but the trade mix keeps shifting. The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City says exports to China rose nearly 50% in the first half, while Mexico continues to provide stronger growth. Brazil still holds a landed-cost advantage over U.S. soybeans into China, keeping pressure on American growers. A new National Laboratory of the Rockies study says existing methanol-capable ships could use about 2 billion gallons of ethanol annually, opening a potential new corn demand market. Cheese exports are helping offset weaker domestic dairy demand, with July shipments up 25% from a year earlier. Hog producers remain profitable, but softer pork demand and rising feed costs are increasing risk heading into 2027. And Xcel Energy is asking Texas regulators to approve a large-load tariff designed to keep data center infrastructure costs from shifting onto existing agricultural and other customers.
Today’s Ag News Highlights
U.S. agricultural exports are projected to rise as Mexico gains importance.
Brazil maintains a landed-cost advantage on soybeans shipped into China.
Marine shipping could create a major new demand market for U.S. ethanol.
Cheese exports are helping absorb weaker domestic dairy demand.
Hog margins face pressure while Xcel proposes protections against data center power costs.