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
“There’s always ways to be able to address challenges.”
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins told RFD-TV’s Kirbe Schnoor that our ag programs are imperative.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins told RFD-TV’s Kirbe Schnoor what steps the Administration might take to alleviate water issues (i.e. enlarging dams, building more reservoirs).
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins told RFD-TV’s Kirbe Schnoor that the Farm Bill is an important piece of legislation and one that she feels “really good about.”
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins told RFD-TV’s Kirbe Schnoor that trade is unpredictable, and that President Trump is committed to making America’s producers part of that conversation.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Bioethanol is becoming a global standard. For growers, that boom comes as drops in Mississippi River levels and in soybean demand occur in tandem, leaving barge space for corn and wheat.
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
With China halting U.S. soybean purchases and talks tied to broader strategic issues, growers face renewed export uncertainty.
Talks highlight the widening role of agriculture in U.S.–India trade policy, though neither side appears ready for major concessions before tariff issues and oil imports are resolved.
Southern farms are deepening online engagement for cost savings and market access, while higher-cost precision technologies face renewed scrutiny amid tight budgets.
Global trade teams and summit discussions highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. corn and ethanol exports as nations explore renewable fuel options and reduced-carbon energy pathways.