2025 was a tough year for U.S. row-crop farmers, with many facing record losses for yet another consecutive year. Trade has emerged as a key part of the solution to getting the agricultural economy back on track, as new trade deals could open additional markets for U.S. commodities. Ted McKinney, who previously served in the first Trump administration as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, now leads the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Having traveled the world negotiating trade agreements on behalf of the administration, McKinney says the president has always kept American farmers front of mind when pursuing new trade deals. He details what’s ahead in trade negotiations in 2026.