By DTN Staff

OMAHA (DTN) -- Here are the Top 5 things the DTN Newsroom is tracking for the week of April 26. Watch for coverage of these and other topics throughout the week on our subscription platforms as well as on www.dtnpf.com.

Note that all report release times are Central Daylight Saving Time unless otherwise noted.

1. Fertilizer and Fuel: We're continuing to monitor the effects of rising fertilizer and fuel prices due to the situation in the Gulf of Hormuz, or what Missouri farmer and economic analyst Brian Willott virally called it last week on social media: "The Strait of Schrodinger -- It's both open and closed at the same time."

2. Cooler Weather Ahead: Cooler air moving in from the western U.S. will bring more widespread precipitation, especially early in the week. Even colder air pushes through late week, which may cause some areas of frosts and freezes into early May. Precipitation should be widespread across the north, delivering needed rainfall to Nebraska. Another system is forecast to bring rain to southern areas mid- to late-week. For the latest commentary, see our Ag Weather Forum blog here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

3. April Fed Meeting: In what could be Jerome Powell's last Federal Reserve Board of Governors meeting as chair, the Fed meets Tuesday and Wednesday to once again take stock of the economy and move the levers that ultimately influence interest rates. High oil prices and increasing prices for other goods, including farm inputs, nudge against high-tech company profits and slightly improving job numbers. It's expected the Fed will stand pat at current funds rates, much to the displeasure of President Donald Trump. Powell officially retires May 15; the next Fed meeting is in June.

4. Background Shaping the News: Several high-interest subjects, from planting intentions and global crop conditions to assessments of the resiliency of rural America, are explored in deep dives via our Field Posts podcast. Join host Sarah Mock and a variety of DTN and other experts for a weekly update on the issues shaping the ag world. You can find those episodes here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

5. Reports Due This Week: Monday at 10 a.m., Grain Inspections. At 3 p.m., Crop Progress. Tuesday at 8 a.m., S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index (Feb); at 9 a.m., Consumer Confidence. Wednesday at 7:30 a.m., Durable-Goods orders, Housing Starts and Building Permits (February, delayed and March). Also at 7:30 a.m., Advanced U.S. Trade Balance, Retail Sales and Wholesale Inventories (March). At 9:30 a.m., EIA weekly petroleum status, including ethanol production and stocks. At 1 p.m., FOMC Interest Rate Decision; then, at 1:30 p.m., Fed Chair Powell's press conference. At 2 p.m., Broiler Hatchery. Thursday at 7:30 a.m., Grain Export Sales, Q1 GDP, Personal Income and Spending data, PCE Index and Core PCE Index. At 8:45 a.m., the Chicago Business Barometer, followed at 9 a.m. by the release of U.S. Leading Economic Indicators. At 10:30 a.m., Weekly Economic Index. At 2 p.m., Agricultural Prices, Milk Production, Poultry Production, and Slaughter Weekly. Friday at 2 p.m., Fats and Oils, Flour Milling, and Grain Crushings. At 2:30 p.m., the CFTC Commitment of Traders report.

Watch for the latest news at www.dtnpf.com, and follow and like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dtnprogressivefarmer. You can find our news on Instagram, as well. Give us a follow @dtn.agnews

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