> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://news.cibocom.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Fuel and fertiliser costs outpace higher grain prices - CoBank
- URL: https://news.cibocom.com/fuel-and-fertiliser-costs-outpace-higher-grain-prices-cobank/
- Published: 2026-10-09T03:59:28.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-10T14:22:57.000Z
- Author: Cibocom
- Tags: fertilizer, Cobank Acb

Concerns over a shrinking US harvest sent corn prices 20% higher last quarter, [according to CoBank](https://www.cobank.com/knowledge-exchange/the-quarterly-energy-demand-and-borrowing-costs-test-rural-resilience?ref=news.cibocom.com). Tighter US supplies, a steep reduction in the European crop and fewer shipments out of Ukraine increase the likelihood of continued corn price volatility.

US soybean crush continues to climb to record highs, strengthening soybean basis throughout the country. China has returned as a steady buyer of US soybeans, and total export commitments to all countries are more than double last year’s pace. US wheat prices are among the highest in the world as the market rations scarce supplies. Declining wheat shipments out of Ukraine and Russia have led buyers to shift purchases elsewhere and lifted global prices.

However, higher commodity prices for corn and soybeans have not been enough to offset the run-up in fertiliser and fuel prices. Diesel prices are nearly 80% higher than last year, and the additional expense will become more pronounced during harvest. At the farm level, fertiliser expenses for 2026 are projected at a record $40 billion, up 15% from last year. Elevated agronomy and fertiliser prices are anticipated for this autumn, but availability of crop inputs is not a concern. Ag retailers and farm supply cooperatives have been conservative in building inventory but are expected to have ample supplies.

Market incentives are driving additional demand for biofuels. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) increase in the renewable volume obligation (RVO) for biomass-based diesel is fuelling demand for domestic soybean oil. Despite 17 straight months of record domestic crush, imports are still needed to meet the higher RVO. Concerns over the handling of 2025 small refinery exemptions eased after the EPA announced plans to exempt 1.76 billion renewable identification numbers across 29 small refineries.

The US ethanol industry has seen margins swing higher with 45Z tax credit values. As production climbs to capture the tax credits, exports will be needed to absorb the additional ethanol supplies.

[PIC](https://www.pic.com/?ref=news.cibocom.com) [dsm-firmenich](http://bit.ly/46sU7Ed?ref=news.cibocom.com) [Lanxess](https://lanxess.com/en/Products-and-Brands/Industries/Biosecurity-Solutions?ref=news.cibocom.com) [Hamlet Protein](https://www.hamletprotein.com/swine/?ref=news.cibocom.com)