Aug. 15, 2025

This event listing is sponsored by South Dakota Trade.

With foreign relations and a U.S. agricultural trade deficit in the spotlight this year, trade leaders met this week in Sioux Falls to highlight opportunities for the agricultural sector at the 2025 Midwest Agricultural Export Summit.

The one-day event featured South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, Congressman Dusty Johnson (SD-At-large), Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-3), international consuls, and general and commodity organizations and covered topics such as knocking down trade barriers, priorities in Washington and forming new deals with reciprocal trade partners.

“America is at its best when we stand behind our producers, advocate for fair trade and ensure that the next generation inherits not just strong farms and businesses but strong markets,” said South Dakota Trade president and CEO Jesse Fonkert.

“The future prosperity of the Midwest depends on trade policies that work for the American worker, the American farmer and the American family, and that’s what we discussed at the summit.”

In recent years, the U.S. has experienced a growing trade deficit in agriculture, Fonkert said.

“Our farmers are leaders in production and efficiency. Our ag technology is second to none. The Midwest is a world leader in agriculture, and improving our trade relationships is not just good for the United States. It’s good for the world,” he said.

This is the fifth year for the annual conference, which provides opportunities for leaders to discuss issues and collaborate on export strategies that will enhance the region’s competitiveness in the global economy.