From Monopoly to Trade: Lawmakers heard farmers’ major concerns for this year

Ag lawmakers this year are looking for ways to increase market access for U.S. farmers and ranchers. It was a big topic at a recent Senate Ag Committee hearing.

Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) was there and said farmers shared some big concerns.

“One of the speakers talked about how farmers sell to a monopoly, that there are three or four places you can sell,” Sen. Marshall explains. “So what can we do to expand farmers, and the different markets that they can reach? Then, of course, we got to talk about trade, and certainly, we’re grateful for the past trade agreements President Trump got done. USMCA, South Korea, and Japan seem like I’m missing one or two of them. Joe Biden didn’t do any new trade. So, for four years, we’ve been idle, and we’re looking forward to President Trump hopping back in there and doing some strong bilateral trading agreements.”

Trade will be a big topic in the coming weeks. Tariffs with Canada and Mexico are on hold for one month as the two countries work out details. So far, both countries have made concessions to keep the extra duties at bay.

Related Stories
In Arkansas, farm groups have partnered with lawmakers to help furloughed or unemployed members of the military find on-the-farm jobs.
Gas is where it’s at on FarmHER Amanda Freund’s family dairy in Connecticut! Learn more about a family of innovators who care about sustainability.
FarmHER Annie Dee is a pioneer in sustainable practices, and her efforts led her to teach women farmers overseas.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

“A lot of natural instincts involved in this format.”
How many burgers could you buy instead of a house?
After losing her sight, Missouri FarmHER Alda Owen built a life on her terms — then Sweet Baby Joe came along to take it even further.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report for a closer look at how Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill changes to base acres and potential impacts on future ARC and PLC payments.
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
The Nashville Ag Club meets monthly to discuss current issues and hear from inspiring agriculture-related speakers.