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
Tariff relief and new trade agreements may temper food costs by reducing import costs.
Grain farms still have strong balance sheets, but another stretch of low profits will force hard cost cuts, especially on high-rent, highly leveraged operations.
Mold damage is tightening China’s corn supplies, supporting higher prices and creating potential demand for alternative feed grains in early 2026.
The new rule removes prevented-plant buy-up coverage, prompting strong objections from farm groups concerned about added risk exposure.
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas discusses expected changes to the 45Z tax credit and what they could mean for agriculture and rural America.
Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Jim Mintert shares a closer look at farmer sentiment and the key issues shaping the agricultural economy in January.
Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers there are already sounding the alarm about what this could mean for the future of ag research.
Global pork production is expected to rise in the first half of 2026, despite trade volatility stemming from shifting import policies and swine disease pressures.
Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.
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.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.