Potatoes are another heart-healthy food grown across rural America. Industry leaders are preparing for another good year.
“2025 looks good. We have a lot of great programs that we have in the market and will continue to have in-market to reach these audiences. The food service has lagged since the COVID period or since the pandemic period, but we’ve some indications that it’s coming back. Consumers are eating out more,” said Kim Brashears.
Exports are another big part of their outlook. Values reached a record $2.3 billion last year, with Mexico as a large buyer.
Related Stories
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.
If confirmed, early Chinese buys tighten nearby Gulf/PNW capacity and could bump basis in export-oriented regions.
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.
Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.
Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.
