North Dakota Farmers Remain Wary Amid Signs of Improvement in Ag Trade

US trade representative Julie Callahan visited North Dakota to discuss ag exports and reassure farmers that they are 'on the right track.' However, farm group representatives remain wary of the uncertainty in US ag trade policy. Matt Perdue, president of the North Dakota Farmers Union, emphasized the importance of stable trade relationships.

Perdue pointed out that Trump's trade policies have affected farmers beyond ag markets, making it difficult for them to get steel grain bins and parts from Canada. Callahan and Rep. Julie Fedorchak cited 10 trade agreements reached under the Trump administration as evidence of progress in regaining market access lost in trade wars with China and other countries.

Brent Kohls of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association expressed cautious optimism, noting that while the soybean market has improved recently, uncertainty remains about costs for farm needs such as fertilizer and fuel. Beef producer Lacey Grann Wirth criticized the administration's decision not to impose tariffs on beef imports from Brazil, arguing it would reduce the value of domestic products.