Trade policy is now the top concern for farmers, according to a Purdue University finding

A recent survey from Purdue University shows farmer sentiment is slipping in rural America, and economists say today’s problems are very different than just months ago.

“Back in August, before the election, 22 percent of the respondents in the survey chose interest rate policy as one of their top concerns versus 20 percent choosing trade policy. Since the election, over 40 percent, an average of 43 percent, of the respondents to the survey have chosen trade policy as their top concern. While the percentage choosing interest rate policy as a top concern has been falling, and this month was just ten percent,” said James Mintert.

Right now, Mintert says interest rate policy is a top concern for just 10 percent of those who responded.

Related Stories
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger recently sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins calling the policy “catastrophic” and raising concerns about its potential impact on cattle producers.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says the retaliatory tariffs aim to protect Canadian industries by targeting sectors including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics.
Reduced daily vessel capacity could create longer shipping delays for agricultural exports and imported farm inputs.
Corn inspections reached 1.1 million metric tons as Mississippi River shipments remained well above recent averages.
Industry leaders warn of losses to domestic production and jobs.
Additional 50 percent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods are now in effect as Canada vows retaliation and ag groups urge trade negotiations to continue.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy Jointly Unveil New Investments to Bring More Nutrient-Dense, Local Food into Schools and Give Cafeterias the Tools to Serve Healthier Meals
Changes in rail rates and expanded crush capacity could reshape soybean basis and marketing opportunities across producing regions.
Agricultural export prices rose in July even as broader U.S. export prices declined.
Weak grain prices could limit China’s demand for U.S. corn despite potential trade opportunities.
Smaller and regional beef processors could gain new opportunities as larger packing capacity declines.
President Donald Trump announced late Tuesday that new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods are on hold for three days, saying the two countries are close to finalizing a deal.