South-central Ohio farmer Scott Metzger said the 2025 fall harvest faced challenges from an unpredictable growing season, yet overall results were manageable. Early-season wet conditions gave way to unusually dry weather in August and September, affecting soybean yields.
“Yields weren’t as good as expected, but we’ve been able to sell some soybeans and free up space in the grain bin,” Metzger said. He noted that a nearby container facility allowed him to take advantage of contracts, achieving a modest 15-cent gain on some sales.
Metzger emphasized the significance of China returning to the U.S. soybean market. “Where they’re at now isn’t where they usually are this time of year, but we’ll take the sales as they come,” he said, reflecting cautious optimism about renewed trade opportunities.
According to USDA data, the national soybean harvest has wrapped up, although Ohio’s corn harvest lags behind the Midwest average at 89 percent complete. Metzger, who will soon serve as president of the American Soybean Association, stressed the importance of global market access for U.S. farmers navigating volatile conditions.
