Soybean Growers Push for Full USMCA Renewal

Farm groups urged lawmakers to maintain free and fair trade across North America.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — President Donald Trump said he is not sure whether he will renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), telling White House reporters that “we don’t need anything Canada has.”

His remarks come ahead of the USMCA review and follow a hearing before the House Agriculture Committee, where farm groups stressed the importance of the trade pact to U.S. agriculture.

Jamie Beyer with the American Soybean Association said the agreement remains critical for soybean farmers.

“ASA strongly supports a full 16-year renewal of USMCA without delay, as soybean farmers continue to face a challenging economic landscape,” Beyer said. “Failure to renew USMCA would be catastrophic. Maintaining free, open, rules-based, and fair trade with North America is critical for the continued success of U.S. agriculture.”

Beyer also described USMCA as the “gold standard” trade agreement.

Trump said he remains in talks with Canada and Mexico and that the agreement’s future is still to be seen.

Related Stories
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney joins us to discuss Canadian farmer sentiment, saying many are also struggling with profitability and long-term outlook in agriculture.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom joins us to discuss China’s renewed access for U.S. beef facilities, the outlook for exports, and key conversations taking place at this week’s Spring Conference.
Strong rail and ocean demand support grain movement, but weak barge traffic and high diesel costs keep freight pressure elevated.
Corn exports remained active the week of May 7, but weak soybean, cotton, and sorghum sales kept attention on China and late-year demand.
USDA officials are increasing surveillance and sterile fly dispersal efforts as New World screwworm cases continue growing in Mexico near the Texas border.
Dave Walton with the American Soybean Association joins us to discuss China’s new ag purchase commitments, E15 policy concerns, and spring planting conditions.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

ASFMRA’s Howard Halderman says several economic and policy issues are continuing to influence the farmland market.
USMCA review nears a critical stage as the U.S. and Mexico advance talks while Canada risks being left behind, raising concerns across North American agriculture trade.
Industry leaders say damage tied to the Strait of Hormuz conflict may continue impacting global fertilizer supplies long after shipping resumes.
Washington growers say this year’s cherry crop may be smaller than last season but still strong enough to support promotions.
Texas officials say sterile fly releases and expanded surveillance efforts are helping slow the spread of the flesh-eating pest.
Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance says recent futures market moves are leaving cattle producers unsure about price trends.