Some Midwestern Farmers Say Pre-Harvest Rally in Commodity Markets Was Needed Morale Boost

Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 -- 8:00 AM

(Jared White, Brownfield Ag News) A pair of Midwestern farmers say the pre-harvest rally in the commodity markets was a needed morale boost.

According to Jared White with Brownfield Ag News, however, central Illinois farmer David Brown, who grows corn and soybeans in Macon County, says the gains aren’t likely to offset the increased cost of inputs.

“Just got done spending over $1,000 filling up the combine.”  He says, “To offset it, somewhat, but with decent yields here might get us up to break even, maybe a little profit this year.”

Western Wisconsin farmer Shane Goplin, who grows corn and soybeans in Trempealeau County, agrees and tells Brownfield, “Not only diesel fuel markets, but the fertilizer markets.”  He says, “They’re very volatile right now, so we’re having to look at securing our nutrient needs for next year, which is no doubt earlier than normal for us.”

Brown says it’s a situation that will likely lead many farmers to trim input budgets or find other cost saving measures. “I think with the cost to deep rip and chisel, certainly some of these farmers are probably thinking, do I really need to do that this year?” he says.

Despite the challenges, both producers say they’re optimistic that strong biofuels and export demand can provide long-term stability for commodity prices entering 2027.

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