Despite short-term disruptions in agriculture markets, the Trump administration’s efforts to address trade disparities are a necessary step for long-term certainty, former Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill North­­ey said last week during a round table discussion with Iowa farmers.

“For the future of agriculture, it’s important to do some things that are real challenges,” said Northey, now serving as U.S. Department of Agriculture under secretary for farm production and conservation. “While we are still great traders, we have countries that...