Arkansas Lieutenant Governor and Soy Farmer Leslie Rutledge Backs Trump’s Tough Stance on China Trade

Soybean farmer and Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge highlights why the U.S. trade standoff with China is especially critical for Arkansas producers.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (RFD-TV) — As tensions continue to rise between the United States and China, the agriculture sector is closely watching the impact on soybean markets and related trade. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump said he is considering halting imports of Chinese cooking oil and other trade items in response to China’s ongoing refusal to purchase U.S. soybeans.

Soybean farmer and Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the issue and highlight why this trade standoff is especially critical for Arkansas producers.

Lt. Gov. Rutledge also provided an update on this year’s soybean harvest in Arkansas — and explained that, with “beans in the teens and single-digit harvests,” the situation in the ground for farmers is dire.

Lt. Gov. Rutledge has been a vocal supporter of the president’s hardline stance on China, calling the country’s trade behavior “economically hostile.” She explained that Arkansas farmers, like many across the Midwest and South, have felt the sting of reduced demand and lower commodity prices as a result of strained trade relations.

In her interview with RFD-TV News, she also highlighted China’s influence in the used cooking oil market — an issue with wide-reaching effects. Rutledge explained that cooking oil imports from China don’t just impact soybean growers, but also the U.S. biodiesel industry and America’s broader push for energy independence.

While some critics warn that tougher trade policies could lead to economic retaliation or higher prices, Rutledge said standing firm against unfair trade practices is necessary to protect American farmers and level the playing field long-term.

She says Arkansas will continue seeking out ways to support producers through these challenges — from expanding domestic biofuel production to strengthening local supply chains.

Related Stories
The Ranger Road Fire spreads from the Oklahoma Panhandle into Kansas as high winds and red flag conditions persist
Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs joined us with an update on how the SBA is working to support rural communities and small businesses across the country.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week to accelerate domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, signaling that farm input availability is now treated as a national security risk.
The global rice surplus outweighs tighter U.S. supplies, pressuring prices.
A weaker dollar supports export demand and may strengthen crop prices.
Smaller supplies could support cotton prices despite weak demand.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Mason McGuire with the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association recaps this year’s event and looks ahead to the premium sale in April.
FBN co-founder Charles Baron previews the upcoming Farmer2Farmer event and how technology and AI are shaping the industry, offering growers practical insights and farmer-led strategies for modern agriculture.
The USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum highlights modest price support from tighter supplies across cotton, grains, dairy, livestock, and sugar into 2026.
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses the latest Farm Bill proposal and the path ahead for Congress and U.S. agriculture.
Fred Nichols, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Huma, joined us with a sneak peek at Commodity Classic next week in San Antonio, Texas.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the ongoing measles outbreak in the United States and the importance of vaccination awareness on this week’s Rural Health Matters.