Trump noted China targeted agriculture for retaliation, "they even took ads saying what a person I was." The president defended the formula used for disbursing payments, saying money went to small farmers as well as large. He then said the final installment of Market Facilitation Program payments is coming soon.

"You know, the farmers came to me and said we don't want anything. We just want a level playing field," Trump said. "You have now even more than a level playing field."

The president pointed to the $40 billion to $50 billion in agricultural goods now promised as sales to China in each of the next two years under the phase-one trade deal signed on Jan. 15. Trump rattled off a list of commodities that he said will tear down market barriers and open new markets to China under the deal, including beef, pork, soybeans, poultry, seafood, rice, dairy, animal feed, infant formula and biotech products, the president said.

"This is an incredible success for the entire country and it was your fortitude, your perseverance and your devotion that made it all possible," Trump said.

The president added that the phase-one deal has created a stronger relationship with China as well. "We now have the best relationship we have had with China in many, many years and they respect us now," Trump said, also saying the relationship with Russia and other countries is better now under his administration. "We don't want people taking advantage of us."

Discussing the talks, Trump said he repeatedly walked away from talks with China, but the Chinese wanted a deal and brought his team back to the table. As this was happening, Trump said critics attacked him and media looked for farmers angry about prices and skeptical about the president's strategy.

"Thank you very much to the farmers and ranchers for standing with me and saying 'The president is right. Yes, it's tough right now but the president is doing the right thing.' Thank you," Trump said. "More than anything else, it proved to me that farmers love America and I just want to tell you that America loves our farmers."

USMCA PROVIDES MORE ACCESS

In a matter of days, the president also will sign the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement into law to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump noted Canada will provide more access to U.S. dairy farmers with U.S. dairy exports expected to grow $300 million. U.S. poultry exports could grow 50% and egg exports even more. Canada will finally provide fair access to U.S. wheat as well.

Trump noted he is going to Europe this week to speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The president said economic leaders from other world powers will hear about the strength of the American economy. Citing the 3.5% unemployment rate and rising incomes, especially for blue-collar workers, the president said the U.S. has the hottest economy on the planet now.

"Everyone wants to come back to America; everyone wants to come back to the United States. We're where the action is," he said.

VENTED ABOUT IMPEACHMENT

Trump then vented about the impeachment against him. "Tell me what I get out of it? I get impeached. By these radical left lunatics. But that's OK. The farmers are sticking with Trump." That drew another loud cheer from the crowd.

He later criticized "far-left" Democrats, saying they want to raise taxes, "load you up with regulations" and raise energy costs. "More importantly, you won't be able to afford the energy to run your farm. We'll never let it happen."

Trump hit on the tax cuts approved early in his administration that virtually eliminated the estate tax for businesses and farmers. "If you love your children, you do not have to pay the estate tax or the death tax," Trump said.

Pointing to his decision last summer to approve 15% ethanol year-round, Trump said his administration is proudly promoting ethanol. "We're providing more support for ethanol than ever before."

CHANGES TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

The president also said changes his administration was making to environmental laws would speed up reviews for infrastructure projects. He also noted the EPA's "waters of the U.S." (WOTUS) rule under the Obama administration has also been rescinded, though EPA's actions remain tied up in court.

"We have liberated American agriculture from an avalanche of environmental regulations," the president said. He later added, "As long as I'm president, the government is never going to micro-manage America's farmers."

Trump also touched on a water supply rule by the Army Corps of Engineers. Trump announced he was ordering the Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw the water rule that the president said allows federal government to restrict access to water.

"That is why I'm directing the Corps of Engineers to withdraw the rule ... and to allow states to manage water resources based on their own needs and what farmers and ranchers want. Water is the lifeblood of agriculture and we will always protect your water supply."

INVESTMENT IN RURAL BROADBAND ACCESS

The president also briefly hit on his administration's investments in rural broadband access, which includes a $20 billion program from the Federal Communications Commission that was announced earlier this month. "We are putting America first."

The president concluded, "We're the greatest country anywhere in the world and we are taking care of you."

Perdue and Trump also each offered their prayers and thoughts to AFBF President Zippy Duvall and his family. Duvall did not attend the convention because his wife of 40 years, Bonnie, passed away on Saturday after battling cancer.

"We want Zippy and his entire family to know we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers," Trump said.

Scott VanderWal, vice president of AFBF and a South Dakota farmer, addressed the AFBF convention earlier in the day. "All of our members have the Duvall family in their thoughts and prayers," VanderWal said.

Chris Clayton can be reached at Chris.Clayton@dtn.com

Follow him on Twitter @ChrisClaytonDTN

(ES/)