Too much rain and prolonged trade disputes created havoc and frustration for Minnesota farmers in 2019. Their ability to bounce back in 2020 is the prime concern of Gary Wertish, who’s been leading the Minnesota Farmers Union since 2017. While the trade war with China depressed soybean prices, Wertish and his farmer members also are worried about recapturing those markets when, and if, a trade deal is finalized. Many farmers are in weak financial condition because of several years of low commodity prices, so Wertish is pushing for government policies to keep farmers on their land, especially young farmers and those with small operations.