This week’s Farm News & Views covers trade aid for U.S. farmers, rising global competition in ag markets, and renewed wolf concerns in western Colorado.

Observers say the trade truce between the U.S. and China could hold for now, easing tensions for global markets and U.S. soybean farmers — but challenges remain. While China’s purchases have pushed soybeans to a 16-month high, Brazil still has a cost advantage, and U.S. farmers continue to face high input prices and labor shortages tied to immigration policies. Meanwhile, new innovations like virtual fencing are helping ranchers adapt to tough conditions on public lands.

In this week’s Farm News & Views Report, Bob Bragg discusses backlash from U.S. beef producers after former President Donald Trump announced plans to loan Argentina $40 billion in exchange for Argentine beef imports aimed at lowering U.S. beef prices. Ranchers and industry experts warn the proposal could harm domestic producers, poses potential animal health risks, and is unlikely to provide meaningful relief to consumers.

Farm organizations are warning that America’s agricultural economy is sliding toward crisis levels reminiscent of the 1980s, as low crop prices, high input costs, and ongoing trade disputes squeeze producers. The American Farm Bureau Federation has urged federal leaders to authorize bridge payments and enact long-term solutions to stabilize farm incomes, while analysts note that diversified farms and livestock producers are faring better thanks to strong markets.

U.S. farmers are feeling the pinch as corn and soybean markets continue to fall — with China halting soybean purchases and redirecting its beef imports to Brazil and Australia. Meanwhile, new U.S. port fees targeting Chinese-owned and Chinese-built vessels threaten to raise export costs and further reduce global competitiveness for American grain. Cuts to the USDA and Forest Service budgets are adding to concerns for rural communities already under financial strain.

Farm economists say the U.S. ag economy is in recession, as trade wars, high costs, and lost exports to China deepen uncertainty for farmers.

Livestock producers, especially beef operations, see record profits in 2025, while crop farmers struggle with low returns, trade disputes, and echoes of the 1980s farm debt crisis. Economists warn of long-term risks as tariffs and high input costs squeeze margins.

The USDA projects a $47B agricultural trade deficit for 2025, sparking concerns about long-term trends and data transparency. Meanwhile, the Great Western Ranch sold in New Mexico, highlighting surging land values, and Congress remains stalled on passing a new Farm Bill.

The 2018 Farm Bill remains stalled as extensions drag on, leaving U.S. farmers facing uncertainty. Tariffs, volatile corn and soybean prices, and rising input costs threaten profitability into 2026, while global trade shifts cut U.S. access to key markets.

NPR's Scott Simon talks to Bob Bragg, host of "Farm News and Views", about how cuts to public broadcasting are affecting rural radio stations.