ASA President Reacts to September’s WASDE Report and ‘Dire’ Trade Deficit on Soy

American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland joins us to share his reaction to September’s WASDE and discuss the trade uncertainty between China and his industry.

American farmers this year planted more corn acres than they have since the 1930s. The September WASDE report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates now show even more of that crop heading to the bins than previously thought.

While soybean production is also expected to increase slightly from previous estimates, it is down 2 percent from last year’s totals. The American Soybean Association (ASA) has been closely monitoring the numbers, particularly since China is no longer at the buying table.

ASA President Caleb Ragland joins us on Friday’s Market Day Report for his reaction to September’s WASDE. In his interview with RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander, Ragland discusses his recent warning that the soybean sector is in a “dire” situation due to trade uncertainty with China, and how this growing crisis might have a ripple effect on the markets. He also discussed the Trump Administration’s recent trade deal with Japan, one of the top 10 international markets for soy, and whether the agreement is enough to offset the loss of China as a buyer.

Ragland also addressed the recent House vote to reauthorize the US Grain Standards Act, its impact on soy, and provided an update on harvest progress in Kentucky, where he lives.

Related Stories
Weak soybean sales and soft wheat demand contrast with solid corn export strength.
AFBF Economist Dr. Faith Parum break down new survey findings on fertilizer affordability and producer sentiment heading into the 2026 growing season.
Rising corn and soybean prices may lower expected payments for producers
Trade disputes can quickly reduce demand for key crops.
Seafood producers gain expanded access to USDA support programs.
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens explains how rising input costs and economic uncertainty are impacting the farmland market and what landowners should watch moving forward.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jarrod Hardke with the University of Arkansas break down extreme drought conditions, shifting planting decisions, and the impact of rising input costs on Arkansas agriculture this season.
Oklahoma livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel helps us break down the April Cattle-on-Feed report and what it signals for herd rebuilding, supplies and prices moving forward.
Tariff refunds are underway, potentially returning billions to importers, as agriculture groups push for a larger role in trade policy and investigations.
Patrick De Haan with GasBuddy joined us to discuss diesel price volatility and what farmers can expect as geopolitical tensions continue to impact energy markets.
Farm programs remain small but politically easier to expand.
Transporting pollinator colonies—primarily honey bee hives—is a major logistical operation in U.S. agriculture. Costs can vary widely depending on distance, fuel prices, labor, and timing.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.