As we look toward the upcoming growing season, soybean trade and pricing are key topics of discussion among ag economists.
With global markets in flux and trade uncertain, especially with China, there is much focus on how U.S. producers will navigate these challenges.
Ag economist Joe Janzen from the University of Illinois provided insight into the soybean market, particularly exports and pricing.
“USDA has a pretty level-headed view of global ag commodity trade. And they’re not sort of, I think not overreacting to sort of the worst-case scenario of, you know, a hundred percent-plus tariffs, which would essentially, you know, shut down trade between the United States and China for many products.”
Janzen also notes a slight rise in the forecast for average farm prices, reflecting tighter supply conditions due to lower planted acreage. He says that while prices are expected to rise, there is still significant uncertainty because of global production factors, including crops from South America.
The impacts of the government shutdown have reached commodity growers with crops to move, ag economists monitoring the harvest without key data reporting, and meat producers in need of new export markets.
October 16, 2025 01:03 PM
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In a statement provided to RFD-TV News, a USDA spokesperson reiterated President Trump and the USDA’s commitment to farmers in difficult economic times.
October 16, 2025 11:57 AM
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Expect choppier basis and wider bids — hedge earlier, keep logistics flexible, and watch Argentina and India headlines for near-term opportunities.
October 14, 2025 12:37 PM
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President Trump is expected to press Argentina to take a tougher stance on China in exchange for political and economic support.
October 14, 2025 11:12 AM
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Treat storage as risk management and logistics, and budget to break even since export growth is unlikely to absorb bigger U.S. corn and soybean crops.
October 13, 2025 04:34 PM
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Escalating U.S.–China tensions threaten soybean demand as farm finances are stretched further.
October 13, 2025 10:40 AM
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