Trump created a crisis for North Dakota soybean farmers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 15, 2025

FARGO, ESMOND – North Dakota farmers have been sounding the alarm all summer, and the crisis they face is making national headlines too.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “Our farmers are suffering as the Trump tariff taxes destroy our soybean markets. Trump promised a trade deal, and he has failed to deliver on that promise. North Dakota farmers have been ringing the alarm bells all summer. First, Trump destroyed USAID, which shipped $50 million of North Dakota agricultural goods to some of the hungriest people on the planet. Then his tariffs destroyed our soybean trade with China. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Fedorchak has the audacity to say that our farmers are willing to put up with tough times because Trump will get these deals done—well, when is that going to happen? Our soybean farmers are heading into harvest with virtually no market for their crop. Our Republican federal delegation and state legislators were elected to help North Dakotans, not Donald Trump. The Democratic-NPL opposes the Trump tariff taxes and is committed to rebuilding markets for North Dakota farmers here and abroad.”

Democratic-NPL Chair of District 14 Christie Jaeger said, “The loss of the China market for our soybean crop has reduced our prices so low (largest basis in perhaps the county because of our location, that means $1.75 per bushel below the futures price resulting in a local price per bushel of $8.68) that even though some local elevators have found a few alternative markets and will take some soybeans at harvest, it is very difficult to sell them at that price when you have on farm storage because the huge loss in income. In 2023 and 2024, soybean prices were around $12-$13 per bushel. You can do the math on that for an average soybean yield of 45 bushels per acre to see the difference in a farmer’s income. On top of that, we’ve had record expenses for fertilizer, chemical, and seed. The uncertainty is difficult as we soon have to make crop plans for next year. If bail-out checks come, that’s a band-aid, not a long-term solution, and then there is the added factor of explaining why as a farmer, I need money from the government simply to survive the year, pay some bills, and hope that the next generation can stay on the farm and in our rural community.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com