This is a segment of Commodity Close-Up on the Kansas Farm and Ranch Radio Network. Each week, we spotlight one agriculture commodity, bringing you the latest market outlook, production trends, and the factors influencing prices.

In this first segment of Commodity Close-Up, Jared Law an area manager for The Anderson's spoke about the corn markets, including what they closed like yesterday, and some things farmers should keep in mind.

In the 1980s, the first cotton gin was built in Kansas. Since then, the cotton industry has continued to grow throughout the southern part of the state. Addison Stoddard of Kansas Farm and Ranch Radio spoke with Rex Friesen, Consulting and Public Relations Representative of Southern Kansas Cotton Growers about what makes Kansas an optimal location to grow cotton.

We harvest in the high plains region came with many unknowns, including how it would affect seed for this fall. Mark Lovers with West Bread talked about how the rain alone can make seed availability difficult for next year.

As National Sorghum Month highlights the importance of one of Kansas' signature crops, ethanol production continues to provide valuable market opportunities for sorghum growers across the state.

Temperatures and weather conditions in May increase the chance of certain diseases and other things that a farmer may see out in their field. I spoke with Katie Strathman, Kansas Technical Service Representative for BASF about some things she's seen out in the field over the last couple of weeks.

Kids are out of school for the summer and while this might mean they take on more responsibilities around the farm, it's also a great time for parents to remind them of farm safety.I spoke with Pawnee Larson, program manager for the Kansas Agricultural Health and Safety program about why youth need these reminders. Youth on the farm are not just many adults.

The difference in wheat crops from last year to this year could not only affect the yield numbers, but also the number of weeds farmers will see in the field. I spoke with Mark Lubbers of West Bread about the potential weed pressure for this year.

As demand for artificial intelligence and digital technologies continues to grow, data centers are becoming an increasingly important part of the nation's infrastructure. But along with the economic opportunities they bring come questions about water use, energy demand, taxes and local impacts.

Farmers, ranchers, and producers face difficulties from every direction. Whether it's drought, trade, natural disasters, or policy changes, all these struggles can lead to one thing. Stress. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. In rural America, there can be a stigma about what mental health is and getting help if you're struggling. I spoke with Beth Christian's High Plains Mental Health, a senior clinical outpatient supervisor and therapist about what this stigma l

As planting season moves forward across farm country, growers are already thinking ahead to the diseases that can threaten yield potential later in the summer. One of the biggest concerns for soybean and dry bean producers is white mold — a disease that can cause significant yield losses if conditions are favorable and fields are left untreated.

Year-round E-15 was removed from the Farm Bill and will now go up in the house for a separate vote. U.S. Senator Roger Marshall speaking to a group of media made it clear that his goal is getting year-round E-15 across the finish line.

It's a common experience to hear the word NASA and think of astronauts, planets, and outer space. While those things are all part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA also contributes to agriculture information and data.

"You may have heard the quote from President Eisenhower. "Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you're a thousand miles from the cornfield." While this remains true today, companies like CropLife America are making sure that farmers' voices are heard. I spoke with Alexandra Dunn, President and CEO of CropLife America, about how their initiative, Farmer Voices Matter, works,"

Milk Madness wrapped up at the end of March with a winning finish for Cheylin 5th grade, capping off a month of hands-on learning, friendly competition, and real-world dairy education in classrooms across northwest Kansas.

The U.S. borders to Mexico have been closed nearly a year due to new world screw warm. Sigrid Johannes, executive director of government affairs for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, spoke about the misleading information that had people believing there were plans for the borders to reopen.

Soybeans can easily be thought of as only a livestock food. However, the United Soybean Board is advancing the soybeans reputation and expanding the use of soy oil and protein for human consumption. I spoke with Mary Stewart, United Soybean Board Director, about expanding the use of soybeans.

The world dairy expo is preparing for its 59th annual show and seeking college students passionate about the dairy industry to be part of its 2026 media team. Four students will be hired to experience the event as media interns. Lisa Behnke, the communications manager for the expo, said this is a great opportunity for students to learn real world skills.

The final week of April brought major developments for agricultural policy in Washington, D.C., as lawmakers pushed forward on one of the most significant pieces of legislation for farmers and ranchers—the Farm Bill.

In agriculture, resilience is often worn like a badge of honor. But even the toughest farm families face moments when help is needed—and that’s where organizations like Farm Rescue step in.