Before Donald Trump’s presidency, American farmers flourished in a stable trade environment reinforced by agreements like NAFTA and the WTO. These frameworks established reliable export markets for key crops such as soybeans, corn, and wheat, providing a strong foundation for agricultural growth. Government initiatives like the Farm Bill were instrumental in offering essential support through crop insurance and conservation funding, helping farmers navigate risks associated with unpredictable weather and volatile market conditions. This stability fostered robust agricultural exports, particularly to major trading partners such as China, Canada, and Mexico, ensuring steady demand and a sense of security for farmers despite challenges like rising commodity prices.
However, this period of stability was disrupted by Trump’s trade policies. His administration’s tariffs on key trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico, had far-reaching consequences for American agriculture. Retaliatory tariffs targeted U.S. agricultural exports like soybeans, corn, wheat, and pork, leading to substantial financial losses for farmers who depended on these export markets. The resulting turmoil allowed competitors like Brazil to capture market share that American farmers had previously dominated. The intensification of the trade war in 2019 exacerbated uncertainties, while the Trump administration’s introduction of the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) provided only limited relief. This program often favored large-scale farms and agribusinesses, leaving smaller family farms struggling and feeling neglected.
Compounding the challenges were the increased costs of farming inputs. Tariffs on essential materials like fertilizers, steel, and aluminum drove up equipment prices by as much as 78%, severely straining farmers’ profit margins. At the same time, funding cuts and freezes in critical USDA programs further deepened the crisis. Programs like the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) initiative, which connected farmers to food banks and schools, were left underfunded, disrupting local food systems and reducing access to essential nutrition programs in underserved communities. The tightening of resources for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) also severely impacted food banks, leading to bare shelves and a growing hunger crisis that affected vulnerable populations, including women, children, and pregnant mothers.
The financial strain caused by these combined factors rippled through rural economies. Farmers, who are the cornerstone of these communities, faced severe income disruptions, which in turn affected local businesses, schools, and government operations. This economic instability threatened the survival of small farms, forcing many to sell their land or abandon farming altogether. The loss of farmland and population declines in rural areas further jeopardized the future of these communities. Beyond the economic impact, the immense pressure placed on farmers took a toll on their mental health, contributing to heightened stress, depression, and anxiety across the agricultural sector.
The experiences of individual farmers underscore the gravity of the situation. Rachael Bouressa, a fifth-generation farmer in Wisconsin, relied on USDA contracts to implement cost-saving measures and improve her farm. However, funding freezes made it difficult for her to meet her financial obligations, including payments to neighboring farmers. Similarly, Adam Chappell, an Arkansas farmer who managed an 800-acre operation, struggled with uncertainty due to cuts in conservation programs that supported sustainable and cost-effective practices. Farmers like Jennifer Gilkerson in West Virginia, who produced freeze-dried fruits for schools and food banks, and Marty Marr in Illinois, who encountered reduced demand for his products coupled with rising costs for imported equipment parts, also faced significant challenges. These stories highlight the widespread and devastating impact of tariffs and funding cuts on American farmers.
In summary, Trump’s trade policies, rising costs, and extensive funding cuts have created a “perfect storm” for American agriculture. These factors have not only jeopardized the livelihoods of farmers but have also destabilized rural communities and the broader food system. The consequences extend beyond economic hardship, threatening the health and well-being of the nation’s most vulnerable populations.