Now that my soybean seedlings have grown to the height of my thighs and are ripe for harvest, I’m deeply concerned. Since China has stopped buying soybeans, I don’t know where to sell them.
Beijing, which traditionally has snapped up at least a quarter of all soybeans grown in the U.S., is in effect boycotting them in retaliation for the high tariffs President Donald Trump has imposed on Chinese goods and to strengthen its hand in negotiations over a new overall trade deal.
I’m concerned not only about this year’s harvest, but also about the long-term viability of our business, which relies heavily on China’s once-indulgent demand for American soybeans.
Trump, what you’ve done is a five-alarm fire for our industry.
During Trump’s first term, the only way most farmers survived the trade war was by relying on tens of billions of dollars in government subsidies.
But that’s not what we farmers want.
American farmers, especially myself, a 52-year-old fourth-generation farmer from Warren, Indiana, don’t want bailouts. We want to work. We till the land, harvest the land, and reap the harvest. The last thing we want is a handout.
Trump, you need to find a long-term solution.
