DES MOINES, IOWA (RFD-TV) — Brazilian farmers are ramping up soybean production, seizing a new opportunity from the U.S.-China trade war. Farmers in São Paulo are planting more crops, as China looks to Brazilian beans for the first half of 2026. Brazil’s government expects the next harvest to rise by nearly four percent. Analysts say the shift is short-term, but for now, Brazil is cashing in on global trade tensions.
Of course, this all hinges on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s announcement over the weekend that China will buy more soybeans from the U.S. The hope that an agreement is headed our way has sent soybeans higher this week. President Trump and China’s president meet on Thursday in South Korea.
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
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Expect a steady corn grind and selective basis strength where exports and local blending stay active.
ock NH3 early, track China’s Oct. 15 call and any U.S. Russia-UAN action, stay nimble on urea, and budget cautiously for high-priced phosphate.
Expect business-as-usual for most container exports.
October 29 – November 1, 2025
CoBank Lead Grains Economist Tanner Ehmke joins us to share insight and concerns over current grain storage capacity as export demand lags.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer shares his perspective on the uncertain outlook of federal farm relief and the Farm Bill, which may not materialize until the government shutdown ends.