How should producers navigate today’s volatile markets with all the tariffs back and forth?

Traders are warning that the markets have had a different feel lately. They say it is no surprise, given the action out of our nation’s Capitol recently, but they warn you need to stay vigilant.

“So now that we’ve flipped the calendar into 2025, it started with the January report,” said Brian Splitt. “It really changed the perception of the balance sheet for corn specifically, but also for soybeans. And now we’ve got a new Administration in office. And so with all of the things going on, with tariffs, who are we putting tariffs on? Are the tariffs off? Are they getting delayed? So the frequency of what you would say market-impacting information is really ramping up.”

Splitt says it is important to tackle any issues now. The number one thing you want to avoid is making decisions under duress.

Related Stories
David Klein with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) shares an end-of-harvest update and a peek at the farmland market in Central Illinois.
Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.
Expect modest relief on several produce lines, mixed protein trends into holiday buying, and softer veg-oil costs — a good week to sharpen forward buys selectively.
The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
China’s grain expansion model may be hitting its limit. Lower prices, high rents, and policy fatigue threaten future output — with ripple effects across global feed and oilseed markets.