April 17, 2026: Planting or Waiting? Factors Driving Decisions and Tools This Season

As planting season gets underway, this episode looks at considerations for timing and early growing conditions, along with insight into where one seed company sees opportunity in conventional seeds. Agriculture news this week includes soybean disease management guidance, USDA investments in specialty crop programs, and a new cattle dashboard, alongside scrutiny over potential USDA cuts. Additional headlines in today’s episode include a confirmed case of New World screwworm near the U.S.-Mexico border, a trade court hearing on President Trump’s global tariffs and the latest report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers on tractor and combine sales. This week’s interview is with Millers Hybrids president and owner Bob Miller. He discusses what farmers should consider heading into the growing season, where he sees opportunity in conventional seeds and how recent weather is impacting decisions. While there may be a premium for early planting this fall, a potential frost this...