WILLIAMSPORT, OHIO (RFD-TV) — Pressure is mounting on U.S. soybean farmers as harvest gets underway. With Brazil — and now Argentina — stepping in to capture more of the Chinese market, concerns are growing in what has already been a frustrating season.
American Soybean Association (ASA) Vice President Scott Metzger joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report from his very own combine to share the soy sector’s sentiment and market outlook as harvesting continues.
Metzger discussed the decline in soybean prices and the impact of Argentina’s recent decision to reduce its soybean export taxes, which allowed the country to sell 20 shiploads to China.
“If we can be competitive with beans, we can get’em moved — like they did with Argentina,” Metzger said. “Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It goes to show that if that opportunity is there, China would be willing to buy.”
He also discussed the ASA’s call for the Trump administration to secure a trade deal with China, the risks associated with not reaching an agreement soon, and what that would mean for U.S. farmers.
Farming in Ohio himself, Metzger provided an update on harvest progress in his region, shared his outlook for the crop moving forward, and addressed concerns about storage capacity if China stays off the buying table when it comes to U.S. commodities.
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
·
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
·
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
·
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
·
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
·
U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
January 19, 2026 11:40 AM
·
In a landmark ruling delivered in late 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court significantly narrowed the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act.
January 19, 2026 11:25 AM
·
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
January 18, 2026 07:00 AM
·
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey speaks with Texas’s Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez about USMCA renegotiation and its impact on U.S.–Mexico agriculture trade.
January 17, 2026 05:00 PM
·
