America's Soybean Farmers Need Your Help
Due to ongoing trade tariffs, soybean farmers across the country are facing a devastating crisis. Harvest is happening right now, and farmers have millions of bushels sitting in storage with nowhere to sell them.
The Problem
What's Happening Right Now
- Retaliatory tariffs: China has placed 20-125% tariffs on U.S. soybeans, making them uncompetitive
- Storage crisis: Farmers are harvesting crops with nowhere to sell them
- Financial pressure: It costs farmers about $11/bushel to grow, but they can only sell for $9-10/bushel
- Storage costs mounting: Soybeans sitting in bins cost money daily and risk spoilage
- Immediate need: Farmers need cash flow NOW to pay bills and keep their farms running
How You Can Help
While we can't replace China's massive market, there ARE practical ways you can help local farmers move inventory and generate much-needed cash flow.
🐔 Backyard Chicken Owners
Roasted soybeans make excellent, affordable chicken feed. At 60 lbs per bushel for around $13, that's just $0.22/lb compared to $0.50-0.75/lb at feed stores.
Note: Soybeans must be roasted before feeding to chickens. Learn how to roast soybeans →
🦌 Deer Hunters
Raw soybeans work perfectly for deer feeders and food plots. Deer eat them naturally, and at $13 per 60-lb bushel, it's far cheaper than commercial deer feed.
Note: Can be used raw - no processing needed.
🐷 Small Livestock Owners
If you raise pigs, goats, sheep, or other livestock, soybeans can be part of their feed mix. Significant cost savings over commercial feed.
Note: Should be mixed with other feed - not 100% of diet.
🌱 Food Plot Planting
Farmers and land managers can plant soybeans for wildlife habitat, soil improvement, and erosion control.
Note: Use as seed - plant in spring/summer.
Why This Matters
Every bushel sold directly helps:
- Generate immediate cash flow - $13 per bushel puts money in farmers' pockets TODAY
- Free up storage space - Reduces storage costs and spoilage risk
- Keep farms running - Helps farmers pay bills, buy fuel, and stay afloat
- Support rural communities - When farms struggle, entire rural economies suffer
- Maintain food security - We need viable farms for America's future
The Reality: While selling 50-100 bushels won't replace China's market, it can make the difference between a farmer making their mortgage payment this month or not. These are our neighbors who need help right now.
Take Action
Connect With Local Farmers
Reach out to soybean farmers in your area to ask if they're willing to sell bushels directly. Many farmers aren't set up for small sales, but some may be interested, especially during this crisis.
- Visit your local Farm Bureau meetings
- Check farm markets and ask vendors
- Contact your local Cooperative Extension office
- Ask at grain elevators and feed mills
Other Ways to Help
- Contact your representatives: Let them know this crisis is affecting real people
- Buy American-made products: Look for products using U.S. soybeans
- Spread awareness: Share this website and the farmers' stories
- Support farm aid programs: Advocate for assistance to help farmers weather this crisis
Local Resources (Bucks County, PA)
Bucks County Farm Bureau
Meets 4th Wednesday of each month, 7:30pm
Plumsteadville Grange, Route 611, Plumsteadville, PA 18949
Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market
Saturdays 9am-12:30pm
Route 611 & Keller's Church Rd, Plumsteadville
Penn State Cooperative Extension
Bucks County Office - Resources for farmers and consumers