Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Thoughts on ag in Trump’s presidency

New president mentioned withdrawing from the TPP

Schae Greenzweig
PigCHAMP

Last week, Donald Trump was elected the 45th President of the United States, receiving strong support from the majority of rural counties throughout the country. Those same voters who helped place him in office are anxious for more details on the proposed agriculture policies of the President-elect, since both Mr. Trump and Sen. Clinton were rather quiet about this topic on the campaign trail.

It’s difficult to tell at this time where the future president’s priorities lie within agriculture. We do know he’s made some bold statements related to immigration and trade, both of which are directly related to agriculture. Trump has made it clear since the beginning of his campaign that he intends to crack down on illegal immigration. He also plans to negotiate or fully abandon trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

At an event in Des Moines, Iowa this past August, Trump spoke on more specific issues related to the Midwest farmer. “We are going to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard, corn-based ethanol, eliminate job-killing regulations like the Waters of the United States rule, which is a disaster, and provide desperately needed tax relief,” Trump said, according to Politico.

The Trump Administration released a list of agricultural advisors made up of nearly 70 people, including Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. Trump will also be working with a Republican House and Senate when his term begins on Jan. 20.


Trending Video

90-Day Pause & Lower U.S. Tariffs with China has avoided the “Black Hole.”

Video: 90-Day Pause & Lower U.S. Tariffs with China has avoided the “Black Hole.”


A 90-day tariff pause with China, cutting rates from 145% to 30%, has renewed investor confidence in Trump’s trade agenda. U.S. deals in the Middle East, including NVDA and AMD chip sales, added to the optimism. Soy oil futures rose on biofuel hopes but turned volatile amid rumors of lower RVO targets, dragging down soybean and canola markets. A potential U.S.-Iran deal weighed on crude, while improved weather in the Western Corn Belt is easing drought fears. The U.S. also halted Mexican cattle imports again due to screwworm concerns. Funds are now short corn and adding to long soybean positions after a bullish USDA report.