The Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) is applauding members of the Wisconsin Legislature for their bipartisan letter to President Donald Trump urging a resolution to ongoing trade challenges that continue to impact soybean growers across the state.

The letter, signed by dozens of state senators and representatives, highlights the financial strain placed on Wisconsin’s more than 16,000 soybean producers amid continued trade tensions with China. Lawmakers called for renewed efforts to restore market access and stabilize farm income by prioritizing soybeans in federal trade negotiations.

WSA President Doug Rebout, a soybean farmer from Janesville, said the association is encouraged to see lawmakers standing up for Wisconsin agriculture.

“We greatly appreciate this show of support from our state legislators,” Rebout said. “Trade is essential to the livelihood of Wisconsin soybean farmers, and reopening access to key markets like China will help strengthen our rural economy and provide much-needed certainty for farm families.”

WSA Executive Director Adam Kask said the organization will continue working with both state and federal partners to advance long-term trade solutions.

“This letter sends a strong message that Wisconsin farmers cannot be left behind,” Kask said. “We remain committed to doing everything we can to rebuild soybean trade relationships and ensure our growers have fair and reliable access to the global marketplace — especially in China, which remains a critical partner for our industry.”

China has historically been the world’s largest buyer of U.S. soybeans, purchasing more than half of global supplies in recent years. With Wisconsin producers exporting nearly two-thirds of their soybeans annually, market disruptions have ripple effects that reach far beyond the farm gate.

WSA commends Wisconsin legislators for their advocacy and will continue working with national partners, including the American Soybean Association, to promote trade policies that benefit American farmers and strengthen rural communities.