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Iowa farmer has mixed views on trade approach

A north Iowa farmer has mixed views on the current administration’s approach to trade.

April Hemmes of Hampton says farmers are used to uncertainty.

“We’re always in the crosshairs when it comes to trade and negotiations because the world wants what we grow. So I’m always hopeful, but I hate it when they hold our crops hostage. Can I put it that way without getting too political? But it happens to us quite a bit.”

She tells Brownfield the world still needs U.S. soybeans as global stocks remain tight.

“We raise a great crop and the world wants it, it’s just that the rest of the United States, especially small businesses now, know what we have to go through with all the other tariffs put into place.”

Hemmes says she’s holding out hope the U.S. gets trade deals done sooner than later.