The ag industry continues to advocate for additional market access for its products.
Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Brian Kuehl says it’s critical that U.S. producers have opportunities in other countries. “Ninety-five percent of the world’s consumers live outside of the United States. Twenty-five percent of American farm revenue comes from exports. If we’re not exporting our products, farm country is dying.”
The advocacy group recently kicked off a two-month, 14 state “Motorcade for Free Trade” initiative in southeast Nebraska. Kuehl says its goal is to help create awareness for the role trade plays in agriculture.
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue says he’s encouraged by the trade agreement frameworks that have been announced this summer. “But, they’re really not doing us any good until we actually get some sales and we need that desperately.”
The incoming president of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association also says growing demand for corn remains a top priority for farmers heading into 2026.
Eric Tipton says renewable fuels can benefit the domestic market. “Whether that’s E-15 or sustainable aviation fuel, it could be such a gamechanger for the income of the American farmer. Recently announced trade agreements could also help boost exports,” he says.
“We often get kind of doom and gloom when we start talking prices and how much carryover that we have,” he says. “There are opportunities at hand with countries like Japan or Vietnam. We really haven’t had access to those markets.” Tipton says efforts to ensure farmers have access to new markets will be key to sustaining long-term demand.
Congressman Adrian Smith, a Republican from Nebraska who’s the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, says the review process for USMCA will begin next month, and it should ensure market access for genetically engineered corn. “It will bring about conversations about how NAFTA didn’t cover biotech.”
In 2024, a USMCA panel ruled against Mexico for its planned ban on GE corn used for some food items and animal feed, and Smith says that’s something that can’t be overlooked.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Often, we mention the importance of exports and developing new trading partners. We also discuss the necessity of continuing R&D efforts to develop new products and new uses for various commodities. With the ever evolving trading patterns today, these efforts are more important than ever. The continuing push by farmers/ranchers with their checkoff programs, land grant universities, state and federal agencies and legislators are crucial to bringing new markets to fruition.
Farmers and ranchers are a powerful voice, not only in agriculture, but in the policy decisions affecting our nation. Make no mistake, they may be a small percentage of our population, but they are a very strong voice in political circles and have a major impact on our economy and national security. Your role as a CAD member is to not only sell them trucks, but also to show your support whenever possible. Make sure you connect with them in a very personal manner. Build their trust and it will pay big dividends.
