U.S. soybean farmers are facing a challenging season as high input costs, trade uncertainty, and absent Chinese purchases strain the industry. ASA leaders have highlighted the economic pressure on farmers and the urgent need for trade resolution across multiple major news outlets this week.
- New York Times: ASA Chairman Josh Gackle (ND) and ASA Director Justin Sherlock (ND) highlighted North Dakota farmers facing an unprecedented zero purchases from China. Gackle said, “Input costs for fertilizer, chemicals, land, and equipment are rising, while commodity prices are falling.” Sherlock added, “If we don’t get a deal in the next few weeks, this could turn a one-year problem into a multiyear crisis.” Farmers are scrambling for storage and bracing for financial losses.
- BBC News: ASA President Caleb Ragland (KY) warned in a letter to the White House that soybean farmers are at a “trade and financial precipice,” with Chinese orders far below expectations. Analysts note that tariffs and rising input costs are squeezing farmers’ profitability.
- USA Today/Des Moines Register: Coverage highlighted ASA’s warning to President Trump that U.S. soybean farmers are under “extreme financial stress” and “cannot survive a prolonged trade dispute” with China. Both articles noted China has yet to book 2025 purchases, making U.S. soybeans about 20% more expensive than South American supplies, while farmers face rising costs and falling prices.
- Tennessee Lookout/Yahoo News: ASA Director Alan Meadows (TN) and Tennessee Soy Executive Director Stefan Maupin described Tennessee farmers’ “desperate situation” amid weather extremes, inflation, and tariffs. Maupin noted projected losses for Tennessee soybeans could reach $110 million this year.
- NewsNation: Ragland spoke live, warning, “It’s a five-alarm fire for our industry that 25% of our total sales is missing. We are not price competitive with Brazil due to the retaliatory tariffs in place.”
- RFD-TV: Last week, Ragland discussed the September USDA WASDE report, noting record corn acreage and slightly higher soybean production down 2% from last year. He described the situation in the soybean sector as “dire” due to trade uncertainty with China.
Global Times: The editorial board quoted ASA’s letter to President Trump, noting Ragland’s call to President Trump to resolve the trade impasse with China, emphasizing the urgent financial strain on U.S. soybean farmers. The editorial noted that unsold soybeans and falling prices reflect U.S. trade policy consequences, calling for swift action to protect farmers and stabilize supply chains.
