Minnesota Farmers Face Tough Times During Soybean Week

By Scout Nelson

Governor Tim Walz has declared September 29 – October 5, 2025, as Soybean Week in Minnesota, recognizing the essential role soybean farmers play in the state’s economy while highlighting the growing challenges caused by federal trade policy.

“Soybeans are Minnesota’s largest agricultural export and the heart of our agricultural economy – but our soybean farmers are confronting a crisis they haven’t seen since the 1980s,” said Governor Walz.

“They’ve produced a bumper crop this year, just to find out they have nowhere to sell their harvest thanks to Trump’s trade policies. Minnesota’s got the best beans in the world – I encourage Minnesotans to stand with our farmers and continue to advocate for federal trade reform.”

Soybeans are Minnesota’s top agricultural export, but current trade tariffs have limited overseas buyers and created major economic losses. Many farmers have faced declining prices and an increase in bankruptcies as international markets shift away from U.S. soybeans.

China, once the largest purchaser of U.S. soybeans at $13 billion annually, has turned to South America for its supply. This has left Minnesota producers struggling to find consistent export options.

With limited markets, many farmers are forced to store crops for longer periods, sell at distressed prices, or absorb additional costs, creating financial strain on rural communities.

The economic fallout from tariffs has also reduced sales opportunities, leading to billions in lost revenue for farmers. For many, this echoes challenges not seen since the 1980s farm crisis, when prices, debt, and trade barriers combined to place extreme pressure on family farms.

Governor Walz encouraged Minnesotans to use Soybean Week as a time to recognize the hard work of farmers and to support policies that expand market access. He emphasized that protecting agriculture requires not only celebrating farmers but also addressing long-term challenges through fair trade and federal reform.

The declaration of Soybean Week serves as both recognition and a call to action to ensure Minnesota’s soybean farmers remain competitive in global markets.

Photo Credit:istock-urpspoteko