As we head into the Easter weekend, we wanted to share a quick update on our holiday schedule. Control Chief will be closed on Friday, April 3 (Good Friday) to allow our team time to observe the holiday and spend time with family. We will reopen on Monday, April 6 at 8:00 AM and resume […]
Grain markets may be on the edge of something bigger. Between rising fertilizer costs, global energy disruptions, and shifting market structures, analysts are starting to talk about a potential agricultural bull cycle—one that could reshape pricing, planting decisions, and grain movement over the next year. This also builds on the same broader pressure we covered […]
The grain markets are watching the Middle East for a reason. In several recent market updates, Standard Grain has been pointing to the same underlying issue: when war disrupts energy and fertilizer flows, the effects do not stay overseas for long. They start showing up in fuel, fertilizer, acreage decisions, grain pricing, and eventually in […]
Every year, the short line and regional railroad industry converges in one place to learn, connect, and shape the future of regional railroading. That place is the ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition, hosted by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. If you’re attending in 2026 — whether as a railroader, supplier, exhibitor, or […]
Grain markets pushed higher this week as energy prices surged, export demand strengthened, and weather concerns continued to develop across key agricultural regions. Corn, soybeans, and wheat all posted gains as rising crude oil prices helped lift agricultural commodities. Analysts say the energy market has become a major driver behind the latest rally, especially as […]
As planting decisions take shape across the Corn Belt, the USDA 2026 corn and soybean acreage outlook is becoming one of the most closely watched drivers of grain market direction. With soybean futures rallying, corn trading in a narrow range, and biofuel mandates under review, producers are weighing profitability, insurance protection, and input costs heading […]
After nearly two decades of steady expansion, U.S. grain storage capacity has largely stopped growing — even as crop production continues to trend higher. That tightening gap between production and available storage is raising important questions for grain merchandisers, elevators, processors, and exporters. With export demand showing renewed strength and global trade flows shifting, infrastructure […]
At Control Chief, we value the opportunity to spend time with the people who serve on the front lines of emergency response. In 2026, we’re looking forward to connecting with fire and rescue professionals at two important industry events where we’ll be demonstrating the Access 1000™ wireless remote control and its role in supporting everyday […]
President Trump’s recent visit to Iowa reignited a long-running debate in agriculture and energy policy: year-round sales of E15 ethanol blends. While the headlines sound bullish for corn and biofuels, the real impact is more nuanced — and that distinction matters for producers, merchandisers, and operators across the grain industry. In a recent episode of […]
Moving grain from inland storage to ocean-going vessels is a vital link in the global agricultural supply chain. Whether it’s wheat, corn, soybeans, or barley, grain export terminals must transfer massive volumes of bulk grain from silos into bulk carriers quickly, efficiently, and safely. At the core of this process are grain shiploaders — heavy […]