Trump policies push US farmers to plant more maize
Farmers in the US plan to plant more maize and fewer soybeans this spring than they did last year, hoping to eke out a profit and shield themselves from US President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs, growers and analysts said.
“When you look at relative profitability, maize is winning the acreage battle,” said Frayne Olson, an agricultural economist with North Dakota State University.
Some farmers may be able to earn “a nickel or two” on every bushel of maize, Iowa State University economist Chad Hart said. But for soybeans and other crops, prices have fallen below the cost of production. “Right now, given what cost structures look like,” Hart said, “maize has the best pathway to make a little profit in 2025.”
Planting decisions that are usually finalised in winter help determine the production of maize and soybeans, the top two US cash crops. The grains are primarily used for animal feed, cooking oils and renewable fuels. The US is the world’s largest maize exporter and the No. 2 soybean supplier after Brazil.
Global maize stockpiles are projected to hit a decade low this year, so a big US crop would help replenish inventories, making more grain available to world buyers. Still, more US maize stays in the country than soybeans, making maize a better hedge against tariffs.
Ag lender CoBank projected last week that US farmers would plant 94.55 million acres of maize in 2025, up about 4% from 2024, while soybean plantings would fall to 84.0 million acres, down 3.6% from a year ago.
Growers face a third straight year of dwindling crop revenues, making decisions about what and how much to plant much tougher. Farmers are expected to turn a slight profit in 2025, largely because of government disaster relief, even as income from crops is expected to fall for a third straight year, the USDA forecast this month.
Prices for maize and soybeans, as well as other major crops such as wheat and cotton, are low enough that American farmers will struggle to turn much of a profit with any of them, economists said.
“This year, it’s all about what crop is going to lose the least amount of money,” said Eric Kroupa, a farmer in central South Dakota who raises maize, soybeans, wheat and cattle.
TRADE TENSIONS
Trump’s tariffs against major buyers of US grain may add to maize’s advantage while discouraging soybean plantings. The US exports about 40% of its soybean crop each year but only about 15% of its maize harvest, leaving soybean prices more sensitive to trade disruptions.
China is by far the world’s top soy buyer, booking more than half of US soybean exports annually, while the customer base for US maize is more varied.
Trade tensions with China flared this month after the Trump administration slapped 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports, and Beijing responded by imposing limited tariffs on a smaller set of US goods, excluding agriculture products. Duties against Mexico, another major buyer of US grains, and Canada, a buyer of US grains, meats and food products, are set to take effect on March 4.
The skirmishes echoed a trade war with China in 2018, during Trump’s first term in office, after which China shifted more of its purchases of soybeans and maize to Brazil. For the current marketing year, the USDA estimates that Brazil will supply 58% of world soybean exports, compared to just 27% for the United States.
Farmers often book seed and fertilizer purchases over the winter, well ahead of planting season in April and May. But this year, low prices and uncertainty surrounding trade have prompted at least some growers to delay planting decisions until spring.
“A lot of people won’t make final decisions right now,” said Nancy Johnson, executive director of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association. “The tweaking you do on those last acres will be at the last possible moment, based on what’s happening at that moment.”
MAIZE PRICE RALLY
Maize futures have rallied in recent weeks, signaling profitability for growers. Benchmark Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) corn (maize) futures Cv1 fell to a four-year low below $4 a bushel in August but climbed back above $5 this month, rising about 9% since January 1.
Soybeans Sv1, which produce smaller yields, hit a four-year low below $10 a bushel in December, followed by a more modest rebound.
David Justison, who grows maize, soybeans and wheat on 9,000 acres in south-central Illinois, scaled back his winter wheat acreage last autumn, freeing up about 300 acres where he will probably plant maize rather than soybeans. “It just looks like it might be a little bit better economics,” Justison said.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
Noma
NOMA is a gripping family drama that delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and the struggle for identity within a powerful business family In the heart of Nairobi, the Mwamba family stands as a beacon of success, with a thriving business empire built by the patriarch, MZEE AMAON MWAMBA. However, beneath the surface, the family is fractured by jealousy, unspoken desires, and the weight of expectations.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.