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.
Prompt removal of Christmas trees and careful handling of decorations reduce winter fire risk during an already high-demand season for emergency services.
January 09, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
January 09, 2026 06:00 AM
·
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
January 08, 2026 02:45 PM
·
In a post to social media, Trump said Venezuela will buy American agriculture products and will use the money from oil sales to make it happen.
January 08, 2026 11:51 AM
·
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
January 08, 2026 11:42 AM
·
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share insights on building healthy habits and improving rural health in the year ahead.
January 07, 2026 02:16 PM
·
