US farmers mull duties' profit pinch

The potential losses that Beam, Boyd and Hoffman are facing helped inspire Trump to offer an agricultural aid package valued at about $12 billion to make up for the lost income. However, all three farmers in Pennsylvania－a key state that helped Trump win the presidential election in 2016－would prefer to avoid tariffs and the safety net offered by the government.

"I would rather see no tariffs and not need any government assistance," Boyd said. "I want to see us free to export and produce as much as we can and sell it on the world market."

Hoffman, who appreciates the relief package for farmers, said it is not a long-term solution. "I would prefer that we just get trade done," he said. Because the government has not released any details of how farmers will qualify for the aid, Hoffman is not sure if he will apply.

Beam said: "I really appreciate the help, and it's nice that we are being noticed. But most farmers are very proud people and we would rather sell soybeans for $15 a bushel and pay taxes rather than sell them for $8 a bushel and take some government aid, so that we can pay all of our bills."

He said he will probably apply for aid under the program. "If I don't take it and my neighbor does, that could put me at a competitive disadvantage," he added.

Neither Beam nor Hoffman has had to curtail or cancel any spending yet. Beam and his wife have three children who have left home. Hoffman and his wife have four children and three grandchildren.

Beam, Boyd and Hoffman all supported Trump in the presidential election. Despite the possibility of damage to their balance sheets from the trade and tariff disputes, two of the three still back the president.

"There is more to being president than just the price of soybeans," said Beam, who has visited China. "There were other issues that were affecting farmers, and I really think this whole trade issue could work out to benefit both China and the US. We need China and China needs us and our soybeans. So let's sit down and make it happen."

Hoffman said: "The president understands how trade has been unfair at times for the American people. I stand beside him as he moves to set America on an even playing field with the rest of the world."

However, Boyd no longer backs Trump, and this not just because of the soybean tariffs.

"It's because of his heavy handedness in everything he does. He is cuddling with our enemies－Russia and North Korea－but is fighting with our closest neighbors and best customers－Mexico and Canada."