Soybean pricing and trade are key topics among economists’ discussions

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.

Related Stories
USDA says planting progress remains strong nationwide, though some soybean fields are still slow to emerge.
Luke McCrea says his experiences in FFA and 4-H helped shape both his leadership skills and future career goals.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Trump/Xi summit, what the negotiations could mean for U.S. agriculture, and
trade enforcement concerns.
Aimee Bissell discusses Iowa planting progress, weather conditions, fertilizer costs, and concerns over early crop development.
Global soybean competition is moving deeper into crush capacity, logistics, and value-added product control.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Large-scale land purchases signal rising competition for ranchland, reinforcing its value while reshaping long-term access and control in rural agriculture.
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
AFBF Economist Faith Parum discusses the financial challenges currently facing farmers and the Farm Bureau’s 2026 outlook for the farm economy.
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
Ethanol and corn groups are not hiding their disappointment over new reports that the bill to allow year-round E15 sales failed as Congress forges ahead on government funding, with another shutdown looming.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.