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
Justin Wheeler with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined us with insight into current farmland values and what to watch in the year ahead.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to step in, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region.
Reviewing risk management now can help dairy and livestock producers enter 2026 with clearer margins and fewer surprises.
Canada’s new voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will take effect on Jan. 1, a goodwill effort to promote fairness and transparency between retailers and support farms that sell directly to stores.
With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
Pork producers warn that proposed definitions of “ultra-processed” food in guidelines from the “Make America Healthy Again” plan could negatively impact industry-standard bacon, sausage, and feed practices.