Iowa farmers who rode out soybean losses in China's market are now bracing for impact on cattle sales, as the latest trade move by US President Donald Trump threatens to disrupt their fragile gains. Burleen and Pete Wobeter, owners of a farm in Iowa that cultivates corn, soybeans, and cattle, had been cautiously optimistic about 2025 being their year of recovery from financial struggles that were exacerbated by China's economic embargo.
However, with the announcement last week that beef imports from Argentina will be increased, the Wobeters are now worried that they might lose ground on sales to American consumers. The Iowa farm owners had seen a surge in cattle sales as other farmers who lost soybean revenue due to the trade war between China and the US struggled to adapt.
Now, with new competition emerging from Argentina, Burleen and Pete Wobeter fear their business may face another hit. The recent trade move highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Iowa's agricultural sector, which has already been tested by years of retaliatory tariffs imposed by China on soybeans and other US products.
However, with the announcement last week that beef imports from Argentina will be increased, the Wobeters are now worried that they might lose ground on sales to American consumers. The Iowa farm owners had seen a surge in cattle sales as other farmers who lost soybean revenue due to the trade war between China and the US struggled to adapt.
Now, with new competition emerging from Argentina, Burleen and Pete Wobeter fear their business may face another hit. The recent trade move highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Iowa's agricultural sector, which has already been tested by years of retaliatory tariffs imposed by China on soybeans and other US products.