Trade thaw offers farmers relief, income loss projection looms large as 2026 approaches
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
For North Dakota’s agricultural producers, the month of November has proven pivotal, bringing both much-needed relief in key commodity markets and a critical window for financial planning as the year-end approaches. For ranchers and growers in McKenzie County, new market agreements may only prove a temporary relief as income projections roll in for 2026.
The most significant development for North Dakota’s crop sector in late October was the announced trade commitment with China. Following a recent summit, the White House confirmed that China has pledged to purchase at least 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans by the end of 2025, with an additional commitment for 25 million metric tons annually for the next three years.
This news provided an immediate and material boost to prices, lifting soybean futures above the $10 per bushel mark in the wake of the announcement. This price appreciation will no doubt be significant for North Dakota farmers, after months of widened basis levels and storage pressure due to the trade freeze. The North Dakota Soybean Council estimates the 2025 yield will range from 34.7-36 bushels per acre.
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