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Closing Market Report

Today's wrap-up on the agricultural markets: news, analysis, and weather

CMR FAC | Crop Sciences for the 2026 Growing Season

- Nick Seiter, Extension Field Crops Entomologist - University of Illinois  
- Stephanie Porter, Outreach Agronomist - Illinois Soybean Association

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; Crop Sciences for the 2026 Growing Season. I'm University of Illinois Extension's Todd Gleason.

Coming up next, we dive into the outlook for the 2026 growing season with a focus on crop sciences. Join Stephanie Porter from the Illinois Soybean Association and University of Illinois entomologist Nick Seiter as they discuss the latest research on pest management, weed resistance, and innovative on-farm trials aimed at helping farmers navigate the challenges of the coming year.

32:43

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CMR FAC | Why You Should Use the N-Rate Calculator

- John Jones, Soil Scientist - University of Illinois  
- Gary Schnitkey, Agricultural Economist - University of Illinois  
- Laura Gentry, Water Quality Specialist - Illinois Corn Growers Association

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; Why You Should Use the N-Rate Calculator. I'm University of Illinois Extension's Todd Gleason.

During the December conference we were joined by a panel of experts: John Jones, a soil fertility specialist from the University of Illinois; Gary Schnitkey, an agricultural economist also from the U of I; and Laura Gentry, of the Illinois Corn Growers Association’s.

In an era of fluctuating input costs, these three believe corn production is about maximizing profits rather than yields. Today you'll listen to them break down how the N-Rate Calculator and the Precision Conservation Management program are helping farmers protect both the local watershed and their bottom line by finding the 'sweet spot' for nitrogen applications. We'll begin with soil scientist John Jones.

54:38 running time

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CMR FAC | Ag Policy Objectives and Prospects

- Jonathan Coppess, University of Illinois  
- Brad Stotler, Illinois Corn Growers Association  
- KJ Johnson, IL Fertilizer and Chemical Association  

From the Land Grant University in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois this is a special edition of the Closing Market Report. Presentations from the 2025 Farm Assets Conference; Ag Policy Objectives and Prospects. I'm University of Illinois Extension's Todd Gleason.

Up next a critical discussion on the evolving landscape of agricultural policy and markets. This panel features KJ Johnson of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Brad Stotler from the Illinois Corn Growers Association, and Jonathan Coppess of the University of Illinois.

Together, we'll dive into the pressing issues facing farmers today, including:
 - Market Shifts: The transition from ethanol toward new domestic marketplaces for corn.  
 - Political Climate: The impact of record-breaking congressional retirements and shifting partisan dynamics in Washington and Springfield.  
 - Trade and Tariffs: The rising concern over fertilizer and chemical costs driven by international trade tensions.  
 - The Farm Bill: A deep look at the controversial decoupling of food assistance programs from traditional farm subsidies.

30:11 running time 

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