Mike Pearson hosts This Week in Agribusiness. This week’s show takes a look at the new farm bill proposal. Plus, a survey of cattle producers and their expansion plans.
This Week in Agribusiness: Commodity Classic Preview and Cattle Market Analysis
Commodity Classic 2026: Mike Pearson talks with Scott Metzger, American Soybean Association president, about next week’s Commodity Classic in San Antonio featuring five agricultural associations.
ASA Priorities Discussion Metzger highlights key discussion topics including farm economy, inputs, biofuels, and farm bill during the association’s annual resolution-setting meeting.
Cattle Market Surge Dave Weaber, Terrain’s senior animal protein analyst, explains Monday’s bullish cattle market opening driven by strong South Texas trading activity.
Border Concerns Continue Weaber reports the Mexican border remains closed due to new world screw worm cases, though new sterile fly distribution facilities offer hope.
Supply Tightening Outlook Weber predicts potential retesting of October highs as Nebraska cattle on feed numbers show 10% decline in expected February-April marketings.
Cattle Market Survey Reveals Cautious Expansion Plans
Market Analysis: Dave Weaber from Terrain reports their survey of 1,050 cow-calf producers across 28 states shows modest breeding expansion plans.
Producer Trends: Fifty percent expanded breeding females in 2025, but only 35% plan growth in 2026, with producers favoring purchasing existing cows over heifer retention.
Weather Outlook: Agriculture meteorologist Greg Soulje forecasts active weather patterns bringing needed moisture to drought-affected regions, particularly benefiting the Pacific Northwest and winter wheat areas.
Industry Demographics: Survey respondents averaged 57.7 years old, closely matching the 2022 agricultural census, indicating age isn’t a primary factor limiting herd expansion decisions.
Nitrogen Stabilization: Key Insights for Spring Farming
Pearson discusses fertilizer challenges facing American farmers, highlighting cost concerns and environmental runoff risks requiring nitrogen stabilization solutions.
Taylor Ferguson, Corteva’s nitrogen stabilization account manager, recommends soil testing 1-2 weeks before planting to determine available nitrogen levels.
Ferguson explains Corteva’s In-Serve and Instinct NXTGEN products extend nitrogen availability 6-8 weeks, delivering 10+ bushel per acre returns.
Ferguson emphasized using stabilizers during side-dress applications, especially during heavy rainfall periods when leaching risks increase significantly. He directs farmers to nitrogenStabilizers.com and encourages connecting with local Corteva territory managers for personalized recommendations and support.
Texas Farmer Wins National Sorghum Contest with Record Yield
Contest Victory: Kenny Rathjen, from Dalhart, Texas achieved 237.15 bushels per acre, winning the National Sorghum Producers yield contest through strategic population adjustments.
Weather Forecast: Agriculture meteorologist Greg Soulje predicts active moisture patterns with snow, rain, and severe weather potential across multiple farming regions this March.
House Ag Committee releases new farm bill proposal
U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) released a proposed “skinny farm bill” text, marking the third attempt since the 2023 expiration.
Joshua Baethge, Farm Progress Policy Editor explains the 800-page bill includes higher guaranteed loan limits and additional specialty crop funding.
The legislation addresses Proposition 12 animal housing requirements, with ranking member Angie Craig calling provisions “poison pills” that make Democratic support unlikely.
Pearson and Baethge agree the slim Congressional margins will make passage difficult without bipartisan support for this agricultural legislation.
Max’s Tractor Shed
Breezy Slonaker and her father found a 1962 John Deere 1010 tractor during harvest season in Plymouth, Indiana.
The discovery sparked afternoon conversations between father and daughter via two-way radios while operating their combine and tractor. The vintage tractor shows mysterious orange and yellow paint traces, suggesting possible previous use as county highway equipment or airport tug.
Despite needing brake repairs, rewiring, and fuel tank cleaning, Breezy plans restoration of the hydraulics-free classic tractor.
Big Iron
Big Iron Report highlights Mark Stock announcing multiple retirement sales from February 23-27, featuring John Deere equipment from various farms.
FFA Chapter Tribute
Kaydance Wooton, Illinois FFA state treasurer, traveled 15 minutes daily to join Blue Ridge’s FFA chapter when her school lacked agricultural programs.
Mike Pearson talks with Wooton about her unconventional path, highlighting how guidance counselor suggestions led to her agricultural passion and leadership role.
Wooton expresses excitement for upcoming banquets and conferences, sharing her love for chapter celebrations and connecting with fellow FFA members statewide.
Future plans include majoring in agricultural education with agricultural communication minor, inspired by media representation like the interviewer’s current role.
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 [email protected]. 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 http://www.ffa.org, on Facebook at facebook.com/nationalffa, on Twitter at twitter.com/nationalffa.
Technology Segment presents Chad Colby’s drone insights from the National Farm Machinery Show, covering scouting tools and sprayer drone applications with Corey Jacobs.
Propane-Powered Soil Steaming: New Agricultural Technology
Pearson introduces soil preparation challenges for 2026 growing season, emphasizing importance for organic farmers seeking clean fields.
Mike Newland from Propane Education Research Council discusses innovative steam technology replacing hazardous methyl bromide for soil treatment.
Doctor Fenimore’s research project uses propane-powered machines injecting steam into soil, sterilizing weeds, nematodes, and controlling fusarium diseases effectively.
The self-propelled, remote-controlled units achieve 90% weed sterilization effectiveness across multiple crops including lettuce, carrots, onions, and flowers.
Visit propane.com for demonstration videos and additional information about this environmentally friendly agricultural soil steaming technology.
