This Week in Agribusiness, January 17, 2026

Mike Pearson hosts This Week in Agribusiness. In this week's episode, he takes a look at farm policy updates, market analysis and a weather outlook that includes a glimpse at what's happening in South America.

Farm Policy Changes Impact Producers

Undersecretary Richard Fordyce of Farm Production and Conservation at USDA discussed significant changes to agricultural programs following the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The legislation raised reference prices for Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) programs while adding 30 million acres of base acres. Fordyce explained that enrollment for these programs will be delayed until early fall as USDA conducts historical data analysis to determine eligible additional base acres for individual farms.

Commodity Markets Face Supply Pressures

Market analyst Craig Turner from Stone X provided insights on recent USDA reports that surprised traders. Corn production increased with yields reaching 186.5 bushels per acre, resulting in a 2.2-billion-bushel carryout - well above the 1.6 billion needed for tight supplies. Turner noted that while demand remains strong through ethanol and livestock feeding, the excess supply creates challenges for price rallies. Winter wheat seedings came in at 33 million acres, slightly higher than expected, with wheat markets finding support around $5 per bushel.

Related: High-impact weather ahead across wide area of U.S.

Soybean Market Dynamics Shift

Turner explained that soybean ending stocks increased to 350 million bushels, with adequate U.S. supplies but ample global stocks from South America limiting upside potential. The increased crush capacity for biodiesel production is creating surplus soybean meal that must find export markets, potentially competing with corn for feed demand. Early South American harvest begins in February, with full production coming online in March and April.

Weather Patterns Affect Growing Regions

Agricultural meteorologist Greg Soulje reported on global weather conditions impacting crop development. In Argentina, recent improvements in moisture and temperature conditions have benefited corn and soybean crops that are 90-92% planted. Brazil has seen widespread rains return to previously dry areas, with 93% of first crop corn and 86% of soybeans now in reproductive stages. Soulje noted that La Nina's influence will be crucial for harvest outcomes in both countries.

Industry Leadership and Trade Focus

The program featured Michigan State FFA Vice President William Rogers, who shared his agricultural background and leadership aspirations including plans for agriculture education, farming, and business ownership. U.S. Soybean Export Council board member Reggie Strickland discussed expanding markets beyond China, noting 40% growth in non-China sales with Vietnam emerging as a significant buyer. The focus remains on building relationships through trade missions while promoting U.S. soy quality and sustainability practices globally.

Related: This time IS different!

Max’s Tractor Shed

In this week’s Max’s Tractor Shed, Max tells a story about a 1938 Farmall F-14 owned by Howard Hemminger, of Geneva, New York. Many old tractors have a story about a mishap somewhere along the way and this one was no different.

One day in the 40’s Howard Hemminger, Sr. didn’t know the tractor was still in gear and went to crank it and it lunged forward going through the wall of the farm shed.

Hemminger is proud to say six generations of the family have been on the seat of the tractor so far.

FFA Chapter Tribute

The FFA tribute this week goes to William Rogers, Michigan FFA State Vice President. He didn’t grow up on a traditional farm but did learn about agriculture as his family was involved in raising cattle and sheep. Then Rogers started his own business growing and selling popcorn and pumpkins in the fall.

Related: Cattle markets plunge on false New World screwworm rumors

He developed a love for leadership through FFA. He likes to inspire others so that other FFA members feel they can accomplish their own goals.

When he graduates school, he wants to be an ag teacher, farm and take over the family ag business.

The weekly FFA Chapter Tribute is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the good work of your local chapter. Tell us about what you're doing, give us some history from your group and tell our viewers of the work you do in the community. FFA chapters across the country deserve recognition for the work they do, make sure we include yours.

To have your chapter considered for this weekly feature, send along information about your group by e-mail to Max Armstrong at . They'll get your group on the list of those that will be covered in the future. It's a chance to share your story beyond the local community.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of about 650,000 student members as part of 7,757 local FFA chapters. The National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online www.ffa.org, on Facebook at facebook.com/nationalffa , on Twitter at twitter.com/nationalffa .

This Week in Agribusiness features market news, ag technology, weather and farms, weekly on RFD-TV, and can be found each week on FarmProgress.com .