Hurt but still loyal to Trump: Iowan farmers willing to be patient despite trade war hitting profits

Soya bean farmers in the battleground state of Iowa, America's biggest soya bean-producing state, have become collateral damage in the US-China trade war. But even as some blame President Donald Trump, most lean towards voting for him again in 2020. US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh reports.

The US-China trade war has dramatically reduced the profitability of soybeans for farmers in Iowa, but many are willing to give President Donald Trump more time for a deal with China.
A farmer preparing cattle feed at his farm in Winthrop, Iowa. It is from states like Iowa that it becomes easier to understand how the Midwest views the country's capital and other liberal coastal cities. Above: Iowan farmer Dave Walton, who grows so
A farmer preparing cattle feed at his farm in Winthrop, Iowa. It is from states like Iowa that it becomes easier to understand how the Midwest views the country's capital and other liberal coastal cities. PHOTO: REUTERS
A farmer preparing cattle feed at his farm in Winthrop, Iowa. It is from states like Iowa that it becomes easier to understand how the Midwest views the country's capital and other liberal coastal cities. Above: Iowan farmer Dave Walton, who grows so
Above: Iowan farmer Dave Walton, who grows soya bean and corn, inspecting his crops which were delayed by late rains. ST PHOTO: NIRMAL GHOSH
A farmer preparing cattle feed at his farm in Winthrop, Iowa. It is from states like Iowa that it becomes easier to understand how the Midwest views the country's capital and other liberal coastal cities. Above: Iowan farmer Dave Walton, who grows so
Above: Fellow farmer Robb Ewoldt, who voted for Mr Donald Trump in 2016, says the US President has not done a bad job in office despite a trade war with China dramatically reducing the profitability of soya beans. ST PHOTO: NIRMAL GHOSH
Nirmal Ghosh US Bureau Chief In Davenport (Iowa)
Updated
Jul 23, 2019, 10:39 AM
Published
Jul 23, 2019, 05:00 AM
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Many farmers in Iowa - a state that in 2016 helped pave the way to the White House for Mr Donald Trump - are willing to give the President more time for a deal with China despite the trade war dramatically reducing the profitability of their vast soya bean crops.

Mr Dave Walton, whose ancestors have farmed in various parts of this state - divided by the broad Mississippi River - since the 1600s, has a 404ha farm with 283ha under corn and soya beans.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

ST One Digital

 $9.90/month

No contract

ST app access on 1 mobile device

Subscribe now

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 23, 2019, with the headline Iowan farmers willing to be patient despite trade war hitting profits. Subscribe

Available for
iPhones and iPads
Available in
Google Play

MCI (P) 066/10/2023. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2024 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.

Back to the top