Economists on Trade Deal with China: “If exports decline, our farmers decline”

Farm groups are eager for details of the Chinese trade deal.

One organization has been talking to farmers coast to coast and tells us exports are their top concern.

“20 percent of US farm revenue comes from exports, so if our exports decline, our farmers decline, and that’s really scary. Farmers are also price takers when it comes to input. So if we’re driving up the cost of fertilizer or steel or farm chemicals, farmers get squeezed, and that’s the big concern. We don’t want to see farmers go out of business. Farmers play an important role in terms of food security, in terms of keeping our rural communities afloat,” said Brian Kuehl.

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins appeared before the House Ag Committee this week, talking about some of those concerns. During her four-plus-hour testimony, she doubled down on her commitment to remove obstacles for small farmers.

Related Stories
Smaller supplies could support cotton prices despite weak demand.
Strong corn exports support prices while soybeans lag yearly pace. However, large carryover stocks limit upside despite solid yields.
Weskan Grain CEO Will Bramblett discusses the antitrust lawsuit filed by grain farmers and agribusinesses, and its potential implications on rail competition and market access.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight into Canada’s trade push in Mexico and what it could signal for agriculture and the USMCA moving forward.
Lawmakers request information from CEO Scott Stump over sponsorship concerns and potential implications for the organization’s nonprofit status.
Lawmakers from Texas and Tennessee outline priorities for USMCA renegotiations, focusing on tariffs, China trade concerns, beef prices, and stability for U.S. agriculture.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty explains how the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and ongoing ‘America First’ trade policy raise new questions about U.S. farmland values and agricultural market stability.
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo concluded last night, marking the end of another successful year showcasing youth exhibitors, livestock producers, and the spirit of agriculture.
Kurt Kovarik of Clean Fuels Alliance America joined us to break down the latest developments in the Renewable Fuel Standard rulemaking process and what it could mean for agriculture, energy markets, and rural economies.
Jennifer Tirey of the Illinois Pork Producers Association joined us to discuss efforts to bring pork back into Chicago Public Schools, the nutritional benefits for students, and what the decision could mean for pork producers across the state.
Farmer and retired colonial Joe Ricker joined us to highlight Ag Safety Awareness Program Week, share his work supporting veterans and farmers, and offer guidance on making safety a year-round priority on the farm.
High fertilizer costs and global risks threaten spring margins for growers.