Rep. Dusty Johnson Weighs in on U.S.-China Trade Deal, Ongoing Ag Challenges

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) shares his outlook on the developing U.S.-China Trade agreement, and the ongoing impact of the federal government shutdown—now stretching past four weeks—on rural communities and producers.

MITCHELL, S.D. (RFD-TV) — The ag sector is remaining cautiously optimistic following this week’s trade talks between the U.S. and China. While the one-year deal raises hopes for stronger exports and eased trade barriers, full details have yet to be released.

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share his outlook on the developing agreement.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Rep. Johnson discussed what the deal could mean for U.S. farmers, including China’s pledge to buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans this season, and weighed in on whether the progress marks a lasting breakthrough or a short-term truce in trade relations.

The conversation turned to other ag topics, including concerns over potential U.S. beef imports from Argentina, the USDA’s new plan to strengthen the beef industry, and the ongoing impact of the federal government shutdown—now stretching past four weeks—on rural communities and producers.

Related Stories
As the government shutdown pushes the farm economy closer to the brink, Sens. Grassley and Ernst of Iowa are raising their voices for agriculture.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share why Ames is uniquely positioned to support expanded USDA operations.
Iowa land values dropped 3% year-over-year. Sen. Chuck Grassley said this discomforting pattern is a harbinger of crisis for farmers, as seen in the 1980s.
Jed Bower, the incoming president of the National Corn Growers Association, joined us for his sector’s perspective on the ongoing government shutdown.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dave Kestel, a farmer from Will County and member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, joins us to share a boots-on-the-ground update on the 2025 corn harvest.
Wed, 10/15/25 – 7:30 PM ET | 6:30 PM CT | 5:30 PM MT | 4:30 PM PT
American Coalition for Ethanol’s Ron Lamberty shares the significance of California’s approval, opening up the country’s largest gasoline market to a cleaner-burning, often lower-cost fuel option.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.
University of Illinois Ag Economist Gary Schnitker says early projections indicate soybeans will be more profitable than corn in 2026.
Evan Keppy, a member of Iowa’s North Scott FFA Chapter, shares how the National FFA Organization helped shape his leadership skills.