What do farmers do in a trade war?

This episode explores the impact of the US-China trade war on American soybean farmers. Against the backdrop of President Trump's executive order threatening NPR funding, the podcast features interviews with two soybean farmers, Anthony Bland and Brad Smith, who detail the economic hardships they face due to increased tariffs imposed by China. More significantly, the discussion highlights the significant drop in soybean exports to China, resulting in oversupply and decreased prices, creating financial strain for farmers who rely heavily on this market. For instance, Brad Smith describes the initial optimism followed by the gut punch of plummeting prices, while Anthony Bland emphasizes the long-term implications of losing such a crucial market. The farmers express concerns about the sustainability of their businesses, questioning whether the short-term pain is worth the long-term gain promised by the administration. Furthermore, the conversation touches upon the government bailouts offered in the past and the limitations of such measures. Ultimately, the episode underscores the uncertainty and financial challenges faced by American soybean farmers amidst the ongoing trade war, highlighting the complex interplay between global trade policies and the livelihoods of agricultural producers.