By Blake Jackson
Rising input costs continue to weigh heavily on Missouri soybean producers, but the challenges of 2025 reach beyond just the farm gate. While expenses for seed, fertilizer, fuel, and chemicals remain high, ongoing global trade tensions are creating new uncertainties for growers.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Missouri remains one of the nation’s leading soybean-producing states, harvesting around 265 million bushels in 2024 at an average yield of 48 bushels per acre. The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council noted that roughly 87 million bushels were exported during the 2023-24 marketing year.
However, the state’s soybean economy is deeply tied to international demand, especially from China, which previously purchased more than half of all U.S. soybean exports.
Renewed tariff issues and suspended trade agreements have weakened that relationship, with analysts warning exports could decline by as much as 20 percent if no new U.S.-China trade deal is reached. Reduced export activity tends to push prices lower, tightening profit margins for growers already dealing with steep production costs.
To counter this, Missouri’s soybean checkoff program is investing in local processing, biodiesel production, and soy-based products to build domestic markets. Strengthening in-state demand can help stabilize prices and provide farmers with greater flexibility during export slowdowns.
MU Extension experts recommend starting with soil testing to guide fertilizer purchases and maintain near-neutral pH levels for optimal plant health.
Adjusting seeding rates often between 100,000 and 120,000 plants per acre can help manage costs without reducing yield potential. Selecting seed traits that match field conditions prevents overspending on unnecessary technology.
For weed management, specialists caution against cutting herbicide rates or skipping residual applications, as resistance problems are more costly to fix later. Efficient field operations, fuel tracking, and precision tools like section control can also reduce expenses.
Finally, leveraging resources from Missouri Soybeans and MU Extension, including market research and regional data, allows producers to make informed decisions that enhance efficiency and maintain profitability despite volatile global markets.
Photo Credit: istock-ds70
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Soybeans