Practices remain inconsistent and less rigorously enforced at wean-to-harvest sites, where gaps in biosecurity persist, experts say. As a result, the risk of pathogen introduction is heightened.

Authorities say it cannot be ruled out at this time that the virus was not of natural origin, and the country may be dealing with an artificially engineered virus.

Arlan Suderman, StoneX Chief Commodities Economist says the markets reacted positively to the 90-day delay on reciprocal tariffs for countries that reached out to negotiate with the U.S. and did not retaliate.

As tariff proposals continue to bring uncertainty, the agricultural sector is assessing how any forthcoming country-by-country trade deals might offset the disruption, or if the industry needs to brace itself for a different kind of future.

As the trade war heats up, the reality is China is still the top export destination for U.S. farmers, even if the country isn’t buying as many soybeans as 2018.

No matter the succession strategy, all producers have one similar goal: minimize or eliminate estate tax burden.