Louisiana soybean farmers already feeling tariff impact

VIDEO: Louisiana soybean farmers already feeling tariff impact
Published: Jun. 21, 2018 at 10:23 PM CDT|Updated: Jun. 22, 2018 at 11:33 AM CDT
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SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA (KPLC) - With only weeks until the July 6 implementation of tariffs on American goods, soybean farmers in Louisiana are already feeling the impacts.

Soybean farmer, Carl Habetz, said he's blessed to be an established farmer, otherwise, he would suffer more consequences from these tariffs.

"It's harder on young farmers than it is for me because I've been established for a long time, but it's still difficult," Habetz said.

Last year, Habetz sold $10.50 per bushel, but, because of the mere talks of tariffs, his selling point has already dropped to $9. Considering all that goes into running a farm, Habetz said younger farmers might have a harder time supporting themselves.

"The younger farmers, I feel bad for them, especially the ones who are just starting out and who don't have all the equipment paid for. You know, you're doing a lot of renting equipment or making payments. It's stressful," said Habetz.

For some farmers, the financial uncertainty of what would happen with the tariffs was enough to hold off on planting soybean crops this year. With the lowered selling point, it just wasn't feasible.

"They didn't want to plant the crop and not have a good price to support to pay for it at the end of the year," County Agent for Louisiana State University, Jimmy Meaux, said.

Even with all the risks involved, Habetz said he wouldn't want to do anything else.

"You have to love it. It has to be something that's in your blood," Habetz said.

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