Midwest area farmers are having to look into their crystal balls as the trade talks with China continue, but one ag-professional sees a positive end in sight.

Iowa Soybean Association President-Elect and Rippey farmer Tim Bardole says he’s been hearing quite a few positive strides have been made in steps to reach a new trade agreement with China. He points out that the tariffs on soybeans were mixed up in the trade talks because China bought so many of the crop from America, but he feels that when the two countries successfully negotiate to put an end to China’s stealing of America’s intellectual property, that’s when real headway will begin. However, for soybean farmers, Bardole says they are still hurting because this is the wrong time to sell their crop to make ends meet.

“There was quite a bit sold early about this time through even mid-May of last year and you still had some opportunity to sell at break-even levels or higher. But since that time, there’s been no time you could market soybeans at a break-even level. We’re currently not at a break-even level. So I think everybody’s nervous.”

Bardole is planning on going to China in March to re-establish talks with some of their soybean buyers. He has had Chinese media interview him at his farm recently and they say Chinese businesses still want to buy US soybeans, but they can’t until they get authorization from the Chinese government.

Bardole is hopeful that a new trade agreement will be reached within the next two months.