Soybean farmers highlight need for additional support

The American Soybean Association highlighted Jan. 21 the continued need for additional farm support.

While ASA appreciates the Trump administration partially addressing high production costs through the USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance, it only offered a fraction of relief for the impact of market losses on harvested acres of U.S. soybeans in 2025.

“Soybean farmers are facing dire economic conditions as we enter the 2026 planting season, and we urge Congress to address economic losses not covered by FBA while we wait for key biofuel policy action by the administration,” said ASA President Scott Metzger.

“We are grateful for the support of Congress and the administration in providing economic assistance this past year, but export-market losses continue to push soybean farmers to the brink,” he added.

“Strong renewable volume obligations (RVOs) and final biofuel tax guidance will support future domestic market demand for soy-based biodiesel and renewable diesel, but in the interim, additional farm support will help bridge the gap for our significant uncovered losses from the 2025 crop,” Metzger said.

According to recent ASA calculations, U.S. soybean farmers are still facing 64 percent in uncovered losses for the 2025 crop, as the FBA program did not address market losses.

As ASA waits for final tax guidance on the section 45Z clean fuel production credit, robust 2026-’27 RVOs, and finalization of a rule from the administration to support domestic feedstocks for biofuels to support market demand, soy growers are pressing for an additional support package to stave off a significant economic crisis.

ASA looks forward to working with Congress and the administration to ensure soybean farmers remain solvent as they enter the 2026 growing season.