President Trump has pushed the rollout of his tariff plan back to March 4th, but they are still full speed ahead. While ag lawmakers are largely supportive, some warn farmers and ranchers could become targets.
“I do have a cautionary note always with tariffs because, historically, if we impose tariffs on another country, a lot of times we will see a retaliatory effort on their part. And nine times out of ten, the target for those retaliations is right at America’s breadbasket, our agricultural economy,” said Representative Dan Newhouse.
The Farm Bureau is also worried about retaliation. They have been watching the situation closely and say unless something changes, everything takes effect next Tuesday.
“If we do that, Canada’s retaliatory tariffs would also enter into force next Tuesday. Canada has also stated previously that if the tariffs were to remain in effect, they’ll impose further tariffs on an additional 125 billion dollars of U.S. products, which could expand to all U.S. agricultural products exported to Canada,” said AFBF Economist Betty Resnick.
Prior to last month’s pause, Canada listed a number of goods that would face retaliatory tariffs including proteins, row crops, and processed foods like chocolate, pasta, and soup.
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
January 21, 2026 10:36 AM
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Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
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From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
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The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
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Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
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While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
January 18, 2026 12:00 PM
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