In soybean country, Trump's trade war with China tests patience and nerves

[DonViejo]

By DON LEE AUG 16, 2018 | 4:00 AM| TRUMBULL, NEB.

Doug Saathoff, whose great-grandfather began farming around Trumbull, Neb., in the late 1800s, planted his first soybean in 1996 and hasn’t lost money since. Even droughts haven’t hurt because there’s plenty of underground water.

But that streak is in jeopardy, thanks to President Trump’s trade war with China, which has pummeled soybean exports and prices. Increasingly anxious about his family’s livelihood, the 44-year-old has taken small steps to save money, such as canceling satellite television and buying a used combine harvester rather than a new one.

One thing hasn’t changed: his support for Trump, whom Saathoff credits for taking China to task for its unfair trading behavior. He and some of his fellow farmers are willing to give the president more time to win concessions, betting that Trump won’t let things get really bad for American soybean farmers, who export about one-fourth of their crops to the Chinese market. But he also warned that their patience won’t last forever.

“He’s probably the only president who knew soybean farmers exist,” said the soft-spoken Saathoff. “I don’t know if we’re ready to rebel or not. But let’s just get the trade policy done.”

Saathoff can wait it out for at least a few more months partly because he was able to sell some of his fall harvest in advance, before soybean prices dropped. The question is: Will he and other farmers stick with Trump when they really start to feel the pain?

The economics and attitudes in this corner of the Nebraska plains provide some clues. As in other parts of the nation’s farm belt, most of these farmers have voted Republican for generations. They’re highly unlikely to abandon the party in droves.

more
https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-soybean-farmers-tariffs-20180816-story.html#

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. At least Doug won't starve.

Think of all the wonderful ways to prepare soybeans.

Other than that, I have '0' sympathy for him.

[world wide wally]

2. After all, it's ust a small sacrifice to King Donald

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

3. #MAGA, farmers. Just wear your red hats and sit on the front porch, watching your soybeans die off.

The sad thing is, Trump could shoot them in the face and they still would vote for him. WTF?

[mitch96]

4. Our problem is corporate socialism and

individual capitalism... You and I can stick our neck out and either make money of fail...
Corporations are "too big to fail" and need some socialist help........ FROM US!!!
m

[theaocp]

5. Apparently, he's AOK with everything else done by 45, so

FUCK HIM.