While it was announced last week that the threat of tariffs on Mexician goods from President Donald Trump were held off, pending an agreement from Mexico on immigration issues, there’s still the matter of other trade issues.

Iowa Soybean Association Chief Operating Officer Karey Claghorn says the trade talks with China and how that is affecting farmers in Iowa is just the tip of the spear in all of this. However, she notes that they are in contact with the U.S. legislators while trade negotiations continue.

“We continue to talk to our congressmen, and senators, and the president, anyone in the administration about the fact that these farmers are suffering. While this needs to be resolved we need to make sure that there is support for these farmers while this is happening.”

One of those ways is another round of bailout money from the federal government for farmers to apply for. Claghorn says it may help cover lost income for farmers, but they would rather have trade in the markets. She describes what she’s been hearing from farmers.

“You know it’s tough. Farmers are resilient, however, and they’re creative. They’re willing to take risks to expand and diversify. You see some farmers that are taking a really close look at what they’re doing and trying to find efficiencies where they can. I have no doubt that during these periods of time, we’re going to lose that will stop farming.”

Claghorn adds that the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is close to being ratified, which she believes would be a major mark on the trade checklist for farmers to get in place.