International trade, retaliatory tariffs and deteriorating markets are key issues facing Iowa farmers. Concerns about the future of trade and finding ways to grow exports have been heightened by growing commodity surpluses and an erosion in prices.

As part of our periodic conversations with Craig Hill, the Spokesman visited with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation president about the importance of trade to Iowa agriculture, the current trade climate and the longer-term outlook for agricultural exports.

Q: A lot has...