USDA Keeps Freeze on REAP Grants
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 3:05PM CDT
The Trump administration has frozen grant applications under the Renewable Energy for America Program because the Trump administration is pressing to curb subsidies for projects using solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. REAP is a popular program that largely funds only small-scale projects such as rooftop solar on barns or more energy-efficient irrigation systems.
USDA Reports Review
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 8:57AM CDT
USDA's March 31 reports showed lower corn and wheat planting intentions, higher soybean acres, and mixed grain stocks, but tariff uncertainty, fertilizer costs, and ample supplies leave the 2026 crop outlook murky.
DTN Retail Fertilizer Trends
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 5:54AM CDT
All eight major fertilizers were higher than a month ago for the fourth week of March 2026. Five fertilizers were significantly more expensive, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. Four of the five fertilizers saw double-digit price increases compared to last month.
Breaking Down SBA and USDA Loans
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 3:54PM CDT
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will open a new guaranteed loan for up to $5 million through SBA's International Trade Loan (ITL) program on May 1. The loans will cover a range of agricultural businesses, including nearly every form of crop and livestock production.