U.S. barley farmers fear tariffs could take away key export markets. The industry has already been facing tight margins.
Beer drinking levels in the U.S. are at the lowest in 40 years. Barley farmer and Vice President of the Montana Grain Growers Association, Steve Sheffels says that farmers will ultimately pay for tariffs.
He says that the U.S. grows way more barley than can be consumed domestically and if key markets like Canada and Mexico disappear, farmers will be competing for a much more limited number of buyers.
Related Stories
Dr. Seth Meyer Concludes Service; Dr. Justin Benavidez Appointed USDA Chief Economist
Often referred to as “a steadfast voice for rural America”
Preserving equity through active risk management remains critical in a volatile, supply-driven market.
USDA data indicates that 13.7 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest rate since 2014, even as most households remained food secure.
Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
Bigger cows must wean proportionally heavier calves to justify higher ownership costs.