_edited.jpg)
👉 News:
The DOJ and USDA are investigating rising input costs across agriculture—including fertilizer, seed, equipment, and fuel—digging into whether market consolidation or foreign control is driving prices up. Source: Farm Policy News
✅ Why It Matters (to You):
If you’re already soil-first, you’ve got a leg up. This probe is a warning light for growers still dependent on volatile, synthetic-heavy systems. The more you build organic matter and nutrient cycling into your soil, the less you’re exposed to global fertilizer markets, price hikes, and regulatory fallout.
Soil health isn’t a feel-good bonus—it’s operational risk management. And with the DOJ/USDA now eyeing global input pricing, the case for sticking with high-performing, domestic inputs like litter is stronger than ever.
🚜 Tactical Moves:
— Keep investing in soil biology and structure—poultry litter helps build fertility that buffers against synthetic price swings.
— Ask your input suppliers about their sourcing—domestic matters.
— Track your input costs (yes, even ours)—because if policy changes, data becomes your best negotiation tool.
— Stay tuned: this DOJ/USDA probe could shift margins and market access. Be ready to adapt.
OTHER STORIES
UMN’s Forever Green Initiative Pushes Perennial & Cover Crops Forward
👉 News: University of Minnesota’s Forever Green program is expanding trials of winter-hardy annuals and perennial crops to improve soil, reduce inputs, and offer economic upside. Univ. of Minnesota
✅ Why It Matters: These species are designed for northern climates—making cover crops and soil health more practical for Upper Midwest operations.
Your Move: Monitor pilot results. Use edge acres to trial crops like winter camelina or Kernza that deliver both soil benefits and emerging markets.
Hog Producer Activity Signals Stability
👉 News: Hog farrowing intentions for Sept–Nov ’25 sit at 2.86 million sows—steady year over year—with Minnesota ranking second in hog inventory nationwide. Barn Media
✅ Why It Matters: A stable hog sector supports demand for feed grains and poultry litter, especially in integrated systems.
Your Move: For livestock-integrated growers, plan ahead for feed and manure logistics. For grain-only ops, watch for local demand trends tied to swine production.
Scrutiny Builds Around What Counts as 'Regenerative'
👉 News: A recent report calls out regenerative ag programs that allow heavy tillage, synthetic fertilizers, and herbicides—warning that these practices may dilute the meaning of “regen” and erode consumer trust. The New Lede
✅ Why It Matters: As “regenerative” becomes a buzzword in supply chains, programs that permit business-as-usual practices risk greenwashing—and may drag down the value of the term for legit growers.
Your Move: Be specific. If you’ve reduced synthetic inputs, added poultry litter, or built living cover—track it. Third-party buyers, certifiers, and even your own community are starting to ask what regen really means.
THE FIELDS REPORT
OCTOBER: Cooler temps and dry skies are tightening the post-harvest prep window.
💧 Soil Moisture Watch: Topsoil is locking up. Uncovered fields are seeing rapid moisture loss and compaction risk. Without residue or cover, winter erosion is a real threat.
CBOT NUMBERS
CORN
DEC ’25: $4.29 | MAR ’26: $4.43 ¼
Summary: Corn futures edged higher, but momentum’s thin as traders await harvest data. Exports hold steady, while South American weather has yet to stir the market.
Outlook: Basis drives the story—lock in margins if bids stay firm. Charts remain neutral, so don’t bank on a post-harvest bump—ok neutral at best.
SOYBEANS
NOV ’25: $10.93 ¼ | JAN ’26: $11.14 ¼
Summary: Soybeans firmed on strong crush demand, higher oil prices, and dry weather in Brazil delaying planting. A tariff truce with China offers mild optimism, but their focus on South American supply limits upside.
Outlook: Market hinges on Brazil’s weather and China’s buying pace. With both uncertain, consider scaling in sales while basis holds firm—volatility’s coming.
WHEAT
DEC ’25: $5.37 | MAR ’26: $5.50¼
Summary: Wheat eked out small gains, but global supply and weak exports keep rallies capped. Traders want a clear spark before pushing higher.
Outlook: If basis is solid, take the win. Flat charts and rising storage costs make this a clean exit before winter pressure builds.
EVENTS
Minnesota Irrigator Program (MIP)
Nov 18–19, 2025 | 📍 Sherburne History Center, Becker, MN
A two-day intensive training focused on irrigation scheduling, variable rate technology, and nutrient + water efficiency—designed for irrigators, crop advisors, and technical staff. Hosted by UMN Extension.
More info.
Minnesota Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Nov 20–22, 2025 | 📍 Bloomington, MN
Policy discussions, networking, and updates on key issues facing Minnesota agriculture heading into 2026.
More info.
Premier Soil Health Event 2025
Dec 2, 2025 | 📍 Minnesota (location TBA)
Hosted by the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, this annual event digs deep into practical strategies for building resilient, productive soil systems.
More info.
Let’s Talk Soil, Live.
Supplies, strategies, references, whatever… We’re here for you.
Fill out the form to the right, and we'll get back to you asap.