Farmers and Ranchers Need Short and Long-term Solutions to Economic Woes
AFBF Staff
photo credit: Arkansas Farm Bureau, used with permission.
Farmers and ranchers are facing extreme economic pressures. Chad Smith tells us the American Farm Bureau sent letters to Congress and the Trump administration asking for immediate help and long-term solutions.
Smith: The overall U.S. farm economy is in very bad shape, and the long-term viability of the sector is in danger. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says costs have skyrocketed while commodity prices have dropped sharply.
Glenn: Cost pressures from labor, regulatory compliance, fertilizer, and energy have eroded margins for farmers, while their crop receipts have also fallen steeply since 2022. Since 2022, U.S. ag has also experienced a trade deficit and persistent non-tariff trade barriers have added to the volatility.
Smith: Both beginning and veteran farmers are having to make tough choices to survive. Farm Bureau sent a letter to Congress and the White House asking for immediate assistance.
Glenn: In the short-term, we urge leaders to authorize bridge payments for farmers before the end of 2025. These payments must be robust enough to address sector-wide gaps as the federal government continues to work to recalibrate trade strategies, stabilize prices, and strengthen key market relationships.
Smith: Glenn said it’s vital that Congress and the administration move quickly to help U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Glenn: It is extremely important that the administration and Congress move quickly to authorize bridge payments for farmers before the end of 2025, really to keep farmers afloat, and that we need swift and decisive action taken on policy solutions to increase market access and opportunities for farmers.
Smith: To read the letters, go to fb.org and click on the “News” section. Chad Smith, Washington.
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