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Minnesota farmers cautiously optimistic about China

Minnesota farmers are cautiously optimistic about a major trade breakthrough with China.

Michael Petefish of Claremont says he’s anxious for progress ahead of high-level trade talks between the U.S. and China next week.

“You’re always hoping for something good to happen, but it always seems to slip away at the end. So those letdowns have been tough. But certainly we would welcome any good news on trade talks advancing the issue and benefiting farmers.”

Brian Thalmann, who farms west of the Twin Cities, tells Brownfield both countries need the trade war to end.

“I try to be eternally hopeful, (but) there are days I wonder if I can keep up that optimism or not. But it seems as we’re getting more reports out of China of their economic growth slowing that the tariff issue is having a big effect in their country too.”

He says the economic troubles should motivate leaders from the U.S. and China to remove tariffs as quickly as possible.

Brownfield spoke to Thalmann and Petefish at the Minnesota Ag Expo in Mankato, Minnesota.

Michael Petefish audio:

Brian Thalmann audio: