The U.S. Trade Representative is considering extra fees on Chinese-built ships. Soy groups are concerned, saying it will take a lot of money out of the hands of their farmers.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition says “Made in America” runs in a farmer’s blood, but warns these ship fees could make it or break it for most.
“Things like barges and tow boats, dredges, those all have to be built in the United States. There’s a law that that stipulates that, it’s called the Jones Act, and we were so we’ve been long supportive of that. So we have this track record of supporting the domestic ship building industry. We think that certainly has room to improve over time, and we applaud the administration for pursuing that. Again, it’s all about the time horizon for execution and doing it in a way that doesn’t harm other made-in-America industries.”
Steenhoek says if these fees go through, ships going from the Pacific Northwest to China could see costs increase up to nearly $12.30 a bushel, which would ultimately get passed on to the farmer. He says if farmers then passed those costs to consumers, buyers would find sellers in places like Brazil or Argentina.
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
March 18, 2026 02:08 PM
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This year at CattleCon 2026, RFD Network’s Kirbe Schnoor caught up with Donna Emick from Pneu-Dart to get her perspective on why education, safety, and accountability matter in the field.
March 18, 2026 01:22 PM
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Nebraska’s largest wildfire on-record has burned 650,000 acres, with three other major fires also burning across the state, destroying pastureland and threatening cattle.
March 18, 2026 12:53 PM
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NCBA President Colin Woodall states that misinformation like this is damaging to cattle producers, the beef supply chain, and consumer confidence
March 18, 2026 12:09 PM
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President Trump issues a 60-day Jones Act waiver to ease fuel shipments amid Middle East tensions disrupting energy markets, while biofuel policy gains focus.
March 18, 2026 11:38 AM
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Farm Legal expert Roger McEowen discusses new dicamba regulations, compliance requirements for growers, and the evolving outlook for herbicide use.
March 17, 2026 01:52 PM
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