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
Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.
Rising import pressure and tougher export competition are likely to persist into 2026, supporting domestic supplies while capping export growth.
Without additional support, many soybean operations will continue to face financial stress as they prepare for the 2026 crop.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council published a joint press release regarding the advancement of legislation to delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the recent Fifth Circuit Court decision overturning a prior Tax Court decision on self-employment tax for limited partners, the ruling’s impact on farmers, and potential next steps in Congress.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Matt Brockman, communications director for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, joined us to share a preview of the upcoming event.
RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports from Texas on the ongoing water dispute and its implications for U.S. farmers.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses the latest developments in the Supreme Court, trade tariffs, and the future of the USMCA under President Donald Trump.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
Alex Templeton works alongside her dad, sharing her life through social media and her blog Ag Talk with Alex.
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.