For the second time in two weeks, a director with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association welcomed a U.S. senator to their farming operation. After MSGA President Darin Johnson hosted Sen. Amy Klobuchar in April at his farm in Wells, Sen. Tina Smith spent an hour at the Morgan family farm of Jeffrey and Kelli Sorenson, literally discussing “kitchen-table issues” in the Sorenson’s dining room.  

“It was great having Sen. Smith out here to get her perspective on what we can do moving forward to pass a Farm Bill, as well as help farmers out,” said Jeffrey Sorenson, who represents Minnesota on the American Soybean Association. “She’s a great advocate for us in D.C.” 

In addition to passing a fully funded Farm Bill after two years of extension, the Sorensons and Sen. Smith discussed trade turmoil, the overall farm economy, growing domestic demand and spring planting conditions. Jeff, while a self-proclaimed optimist, said tariffs were weighing on his mind this spring.  

“The most concerning part to me is we still haven’t gained back our market share with China since the last trade war,” he told Sen. Smith. “We now export about 10% less to China now than we did back in 2018, 2019, and that’s definitely weighing on us.”  

Because the U.S. typically doesn’t export as much soy during the spring and summer, Jeffrey Sorenson said there’s an opportunity to de-escalate trade tensions with China before this year’s harvest. 

“But that window is quickly closing,” he said. “It’s definitely a challenge right now for rural America.”  

Jeffrey also emphasized that value-added uses, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), could help increase domestic demand for soy.  

“Markets like SAF are key to diversifying our markets and not being so dependent on China,” he said. “We’re always looking for new uses.”  

Smith agreed.  

“Then you’re keeping the value here,” she said.  

Kelli, who works in ag lending and grew up on a farm in Nebraska, highlighted how rural communities in Redwood County – and throughout the country – revolve around a healthy farm economy. The current financial outlook is concerning, she said.  

“Everything is trending down, and as a banker, I ask, ‘What can we do to turn this around?’” she said. “They’re trying to make a profit, obviously, but it’s hard to stay optimistic. People are aware that it’s tough right now.” 

To cap the visit, Sen. Smith gave close attention to the Sorenson’s dog, George, took a closer look at their farm equipment and recorded a video for Jeffrey and Kelli’s three children, Avery, Sydney and Riley. Chatting outside on an overcast May afternoon, the Sorensons and Smith stayed on the sunny side while acknowledging the myriad uncertainties facing farmers in 2025.    

“If you’re going to be a farmer, you have to be an optimist,” Smith said, “and you’re also dealing with reality, because farming is a business.”