Harvest ’25: Soy Sentiment Sours as Market Pressure, Storage Concerns Grow

“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.”

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.

Related Stories
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew discusses the urgent need for aid as farm families face mounting input costs and long-term market uncertainty.
The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.
President Donald Trump says a deal is nearly done on lowering beef prices, but he has not released details.
Large carryover stocks continue to put pressure on commodity prices, creating uncertainty for growers looking to market their grain.
Record crops are increasing grain storage needs, prompting safety experts to remind producers of the risk of grain bin entrapment during harvest.
The impacts of the government shutdown have reached commodity growers with crops to move, ag economists monitoring the harvest without key data reporting, and meat producers in need of new export markets.
In a statement provided to RFD-TV News, a USDA spokesperson reiterated President Trump and the USDA’s commitment to farmers in difficult economic times.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, notes that many heart-related conditions can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
Industry leaders say $11 billion in new investments could turn the tide as dairy producers face shrinking margins and growing uncertainty.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

While this month’s WASDE report will not include updated figures on U.S. crop size, officials say it will offer a clearer picture of crop conditions in the Southern Hemisphere.
USTR Jamieson Greer signals a narrower trade deal with China, adding more market uncertainty. The Farm Bureau also supports reviewing China’s missed trade commitments under the Phase One.
Southern producers head into 2026 with thin margins, tighter credit, and rising agronomic risks despite scattered yield improvements.
Record yields and exceptionally low BCFM strengthen U.S. corn’s competitive position in global markets.
Raulston Acres Christmas Tree Farm in Rock Springs, Ga., has been in the same family for three generations.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
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.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.