Mike Pearson and Max Armstrong host This Week in Agribusiness from Commodity Classic 2026. They provide insight on the latest technology and announcements made.
Commodity Classic 2026: Industry Leaders Discuss Market Outlook and Innovation
San Antonio Hosts 30th Anniversary Celebration
Mike Pearson and Max Armstrong broadcast from Commodity Classic’s milestone 30th anniversary in San Antonio, Texas, celebrating three decades of bringing together corn, soybean, wheat, and sorghum producers.
Sorghum Checkoff Invests in Human Health Research
Kim Baldwin, National Sorghum Checkoff chairwoman, announced exciting four-year human clinical trials examining sorghum’s health benefits, expanding beyond traditional livestock feed applications into pet food and aquaculture markets.
Market Analysis Reveals China Trade Complexities
Arlen Suderman, chief commodities economist of StoneX analyzed Chinese soybean purchases, noting they’ve reached 12 million metric tons but remain economically unfavorable, with U.S. beans costing $1.30-$1.40 more than Brazilian alternatives at Chinese ports.
Big Policy Wins for Biofuels: What Farmers Need to Know
45Z Tax Credit Gets Clarity
Kurt Kovarik, Vice President, Federal Affairs with Clean Fuels Alliance America, announced that Treasury finally released comprehensive guidance for the 45Z clean fuel production credit on February 4th, addressing key concerns about the tax incentive framework for low-carbon renewable fuels.
Renewable Fuel Standard Update
EPA proposed robust volumes for 2026-2027, with biomass-based diesel jumping to 5.6 billion gallons from 3.35 billion — the first time EPA recognized the industry’s true capacity, sending soybean prices upward.
Weather Outlook
Agriculture meteorologist Greg Soulje forecasts warm conditions across Texas and the southern states, with mixed precipitation moving through the Plains and Corn Belt regions throughout the week.
Loveland Products Focuses on Nitrogen Efficiency and Biologicals for 2026
At Commodity Classic, Ron Calhoun from Loveland Products discussed how farmers are prioritizing input efficiency for the 2026 season. Calhoun emphasized that growers want to stretch every dollar, particularly with major inputs like nitrogen. He highlighted Infinity, Loveland’s nitrogen management product featuring three modes of action: fix, recruit, and liberate. The product works alongside traditional nitrogen programs by utilizing live bacteria and biochemistry to maximize availability. Calhoun noted that biologicals and biostimulants are becoming essential tools in modern agriculture. Loveland Products plans to release 26 new products in 2026 across adjuvants, seed treatments, crop protection, and plant nutrition categories.
Peterson Brothers Achieve Record-Breaking Yields with Pioneer Seeds
Nebraska’s Peterson and Sons farming operation made headlines at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, showcasing exceptional 2025 harvest results. Dalton, Creighton, and Ashton Peterson achieved an impressive 131 bushels per acre in soybeans using Pioneer P20Z14 Enlist beans, topping the Nebraska yield contest for Pioneer soybean growers.
The brothers also excelled in corn production, with a 313-bushel-per-acre yield using only 180 pounds of nitrogen, placing second nationally in the new JC class competition. Their success stems from careful hybrid selection and strong relationships with Pioneer representatives.
The multi-generational operation credits their father and grandfathers for instilling the work ethic needed to produce exceptional crops, while celebrating Pioneer’s 100-year legacy in agriculture.
Farm Progress Spotlight
Staff writer Ava Splear joined Prairie Farmer magazine a year ago, bringing her passion for agriculture from her family’s northern Illinois corn and soybean farm. Her recent February cover story explored cover crops in front of corn, featuring insights from University of Illinois extension specialist Tara Heath about corn’s sensitivity to nitrogen and early-season conditions.
Splear is currently working on Master Farmer coverage, with the 2026 honorees set to be announced in March’s issue. The prestigious program recognizes Illinois farmers for outstanding production agriculture and service contributions.
Max’s Tractor Shed
Giving Credit Where It’s Due
Greg Grube from Baltimore, Ohio has built an impressive reputation for restoring classic Case tractors, particularly known for their stunning flambeau red finish. His latest restoration, a 1952 Case DC, showcases exceptional craftsmanship throughout.
A Family Affair
What makes this restoration special is Grube’s acknowledgment of his wife Dawn’s contribution. She meticulously handled the intricate black striping and “Case” lettering on the tractor’s grill, demonstrating that great restorations often involve teamwork.
Big Iron Auctions Preview
Mark Stock highlighted upcoming March auctions, including the Sullivan Collector Car sale featuring a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 and multiple retirement sales with premium farm equipment.
FFA Chapter Tribute: Gretchen Anthony
Gretchen Anthony, a senior at Johnson Brock FFA in Nebraska, returned to Commodity Classic after first attending two years ago in Houston. Since then, Anthony has competed in food science, biotechnology, and farm business management at state and national levels. Now serving as chapter vice president, she helps lead approximately 80 members through activities including National FFA Week celebrations and Career Development Events. Growing up on her family’s corn and soybean farm, where her brother raises hogs, Anthony developed a passion for agriculture. She plans to major in agribusiness at Northwest Missouri State University, keeping her career options open within the agricultural industry.
Grain Storage Innovation
Chad Colby brings us the tech segment this week. Brad Wade from central Illinois explained how grain bagging technology helped maximize profits from his non-GMO corn specialty crops without expensive bin construction.
Case IH Showcases Precision Technology
Automation Takes Center Stage
Case IH highlighted its latest precision agriculture solutions at Commodity Classic 2026, with Kendal Quandahl, CASE IH Precision Segment Lead, demonstrating how technology and equipment work together to solve real farming challenges.
Farmer-Driven Innovation
Quandahl, emphasized that Case IH develops solutions directly with farmer input, ensuring technology addresses actual operational needs. The company’s cart automation system helps grain cart operators work more safely alongside combines during harvest, reducing spillage and operator stress.
Integrated Field Operations
The Field Ops platform centralizes farm data — from equipment fuel levels to seed placement — accessible via mobile devices or office computers, streamlining spring operations management.
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.
