WAVERLY, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota farmer Dan Glessing isn’t ready to get too upset over President Donald Trump’s trade wars.
Farm country voted heavily for Trump last November. Now Glessing and many other farmers are taking a wait-and-see attitude toward the Republican president's disputes with China and other international markets.
China normally would buy about one row out of every four Of the Minnesota soybean harvest, they collected approximately $13 billion worth of soybeans from across the United States last year. Over half of the U.S. soybean production is shipped abroad, with about half of these exports destined for China. it's a critical market .
Trump last month raised U.S. tariffs On products from China increased to 145%, and China responded with tariffs of 125%. However, on Monday's declaration of a 90-day ceasefire Between the two nations supported the hesitation of numerous farmers to rush into alarm.
Further positive developments arrived as well. updated forecast From the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday came projections indicating increased corn exports along with marginally reduced corn prices. Additionally, the report forecasted moderately decreased soybean exports yet heightened internal use, leading to an increase in prices. This news caused soybean futures to rise sharply.
Once he completed planting his soybeans on Monday, Glessing expressed excitement about the news and looks forward to further developments. However, he mentioned that he wasn’t particularly shocked by it.
Duties, climate conditions, and various uncertainties
Last week, during a clear and sunny morning when he started planting soybeans, Glessing mentioned that tariffs were just one concern among many troubling him — they weren’t even his top worry. After all, farming relies heavily on unstable ground conditions, unpredictable climate shifts, and various other elements beyond human control.
Are tariffs causing me concern? Absolutely. There's definitely an element of unpredictability involved,” explained Glessing. “But do I think they're the primary reason for the low commodity prices over the past two years? Not really.
As he guided his 25-year-old Case IH tractor across a softly undulating field close to the town of Waverly, he pulled a planter that planted seeds through the residue of last season’s corn stalks. While sowing the lengthy furrows, he drove past a pond where wild swans were swimming leisurely.
Seated upfront was Georgie the Corgi, switching between exploring the cabin and dozing off near his paws.
Matt Griggs, one of numerous soybean farmers in Tennessee closely monitoring the trade war, appears even more doubtful than Glessing. He stated on Monday that the impacts on farmers could yet be forthcoming.
We're only taking a 90-day break," Griggs stated. "Who can say what will happen afterward?
Joe Janzen, an agricultural economist from the University of Illinois, mentioned that the commodity markets have mostly recovered from the initial impact of the trade war, even after Trump’s announcement on April 2nd. “Liberation Day,” When he declared strict global tariffs.
Our markets have mostly recovered and are now at levels similar to those seen around April second," Janzen stated. "The tariffs haven't significantly affected prices so far.
Even positive developments, such as favorable growing conditions throughout much of the Midwest, come with drawbacks. As Glessing pointed out, the possibility of larger harvests led to lower prices. Moreover, high interest rates along with expensive seeds and fertilizers present further obstacles.
"There are numerous additional elements beyond just tariffs and my market price," Glessing stated.
Seeking indications of advancement
However, Glessing mentioned that he felt encouraged by the day's morning headlines. a trade agreement with the United Kingdom He expressed his hope that the present uncertainties in negotiations with China and other nations will eventually result in improved trade agreements moving ahead.
Glessing completed planting his corn the previous day on the remaining portion of a field leased from his father's cousin, which spans across 45 acres dedicated to corn and another 45 acres set aside for soybeans. This land was once home to his grandfather, and it forms part of roughly 700 acres he typically cultivates. Many months prior, he secured these farming choices when arranging contracts for seeds, fertilizers, and additional resources needed.
Returning to his "family farm" near Waverly — where his late grandfather’s brick house, constructed from locally sourced materials, remains standing and the morning air resonates with the chirping of house sparrows — Glessing felt content as he noticed the initial sprouts of corn he had sown approximately ten days prior emerging from beneath the earth.
Waverly is about an hour west of Minneapolis. Its most famous resident was Democratic former Vice President Hubert Humphrey. It’s in the congressional district represented by Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer .
Glessing’s tenure as president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau places him in close proximity to various key political figures. Alongside his role, he and his spouse, Seena, maintained their connections. Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s visitors at the Capitol for Trump’s inauguration In January, Glessing refused to disclose his voting choice.
The Glessing family has four children, milks around 75 dairy cattle, and cultivates corn, soybeans, and alfalfa across various plots they either own or lease. They use most of the alfalfa and corn for feeding their livestock. Soybeans harvested from these fields are sold to a processor in Mankato; part of this yield ends up as soybean meal which supplements their cow fodder. Additionally, the milk produced by their herd is sent to a cooperative cheese facility in Litchfield, which distributes products globally.
Since Glessing has local purchasers committed and does not ship his produce internationally, he is somewhat protected from global market fluctuations. However, he swiftly adds that all aspects of the farming industry are closely linked.
Insights gained from Trump's initial tariff battle
Near Humboldt, Tennessee, about halfway between Memphis and Nashville, Griggs endured the trade war of 2018 during President Trump’s initial term. He mentioned feeling better equipped for potential future situations.
“In 2018, the prices were quite similar to current levels, and because of the trade conflict with China, they fell approximately 15%,” he explained. “The decline was substantial and rapid, resulting in significant loss of demand from China as well.”
Griggs mentioned that exports to China have not completely recovered. However, he believes that the effects of the present disagreement won’t be anywhere near as severe.
Grigg, who cultivates around 1,600 acres of cotton, corn, soybeans, and wheat, mentioned that tariffs were only one factor among many when deciding which crops to plant this season. Diversifying his crop selection allows him to reduce risks associated with unpredictable weather conditions, fluctuating market prices, and the looming threat of a trade conflict.
Griggs mentioned he plans to keep an eye out for chances to sell when market turbulence leads to increases in pricing.
“The main thing I learned in 2018 was that if you do have a price period where prices have risen some, go ahead and take advantage of it instead of waiting for it to go higher,” said Griggs. “Because when it comes to the tariffs and everything, the markets can be very unpredictable. So my lesson learned was, ‘Don’t hold out for a home run, be satisfied with a double.’”
He said a temporary subsidy called the Market Facilitation Program helped soybean farmers withstand some of the losses last time could help if something similar is revived this year. But he said no farmer wants to make a living off government subsidies.
“We just want fair access to markets,” Griggs said. “And a fair price for the products we produce.”
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The tale initially appeared on May 13, 2025. A corrected version was released on May 15, 2025, clarifying that the Glessing family has four children rather than three.
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Kristin M. Hall, an AP videographer based in Humboldt, Tennessee, provided coverage of the event. Additionally, AP videographer Mark Vancleave contributed his reporting from Waverly.
Steve Karnowski and Kristin M. Hall from The Associated Press
