Illinois soybean farmers struggle with trade war, rising costs

Gov. JB Pritzker, center, walks with Linda and Ben Curtin, left, through their property during a visit to the Curtin family farm on Oct. 29, 2025, in Taylorville. Following a conversation with the Curtins, Pritzker signed an executive order declaring an agricultural crisis in Illinois as a result of Trump administration policies that are adversely affecting farmers. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

By Jerry Wu | For the Chicago Tribune

PUBLISHED: November 28, 2025 at 5:00 AM CST | UPDATED: November 28, 2025 at 1:16 PM CST

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Farmers say they face added pressure from South American countries, which have become increasingly competitive as China turns to these markets.

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Illinois soybean farmers struggle with unpredictable trade war and rising costs

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