Farmers warn lawmakers about the fragile state of the ag economy

“It really hamstrings our availability of financing to get loans when everything is costing 30-60% more.”

Farmers are on Capitol Hill this week, warning lawmakers about the state of the ag economy. Profits are tight, and one specialty crop grower warns it could significantly impact when he goes to the bank this year.

“The land cost, all of our input costs, the way they’ve escalated over the past 4-5 years has been nothing like I’ve ever seen before,” said Ryan Talley. “It really hamstrings our availability of financing to get loans when everything is costing 30-60% more. The available funds are no longer available.”

Prop-12 was also a big topic at the hearing.

Related Stories
Fewer cattle on feed suggest smaller slaughter numbers this winter, which could support strong prices if beef demand holds firm.
With the latest detection just across the border, animal health officials on both sides are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak before it spreads further north.
Lawmakers and ag industry groups welcomed the confirmations, citing the direct impact of these leaders on western ranchers, water and land management, conservation programs, and regulatory reform.
More than 100 pork producers traveled to Washington to meet with lawmakers and underscore the threat to small family farms.
Now the Senate must pass a version of the spending bill before the Sept. 30 deadline.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch explains how the Emergency Livestock Relief Program application process differs from other USDA aid programs.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Winter weather will challenge livestock producers working to rebuild their herds despite harsh conditions.
As we gear up for the big event, Team BUBBA’s Brent Chapman of Kansas joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to talk preparation, teamwork, and the state of competitive bass fishing.
House lawmakers are expected to vote late this afternoon to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The bill they are voting on includes some big priorities for Rural America.
A Reuters report shows China has a soybean “glut,” finding stockpiles at Chinese ports are at record levels, with crushers there holding the most supplies since 2017.
Once a year, Army crew chiefs and Black Hawk mechanics undergo live aerial gunnery training—loading, firing, and practicing the teamwork they’ll need in real missions.