Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Cuba as the American Flag was raised at the reopening of the U.S. embassy in Havana on Friday. Many are hoping that will lead to increased ag trade from the United States to Cuba. Prior to that, there was some question as to how future trade could be affected when former President, Fidel Castro said the U.S. owes his country millions of dollars over the decades long embargo. South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke says he’s hoping that won’t hamper trade.

Sombke says while both the U.S. and Cuba could benefit from trade, the timing of the former Cuban President’s announcement is a little strange.

Sombke is wondering if there’s an underlying reason for Fidel Castro’s comments, possibly even an attempt to gain leverage when ag trade would ramp up.