Illinois Soybean Farmer Faces Pain From China Boycott
During the October harvest in southern Illinois, soybean farmer Scott Gaffner told CBS News he and fellow growers face mounting financial pressure after China curtailed purchases of U.S. soybeans. The on‑camera report details immediate concerns at harvest time—lower demand, tighter cash flow—and situates the farmer’s experience within a broader U.S. agricultural export shock tied to strained China trade.
Economy
Agriculture
📌 Key Facts
- Interview subject: Scott Gaffner, soybean farmer in southern Illinois
- Timing: story filmed and aired during the current soybean harvest season (October 2025)
- Cause: reduced Chinese buying of U.S. soybeans (described as an effective boycott) is reducing demand and revenue for U.S. growers