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
StoneX Director of Fertilizer, Josh Linville, joins us to discuss fertilizer market trends and risk management strategies to navigate an uncertain farm economy and fluctuating agricultural input costs.
Panama matters to agriculture as both a freight corridor and a potential future market for U.S. ethanol.
Ethanol and feed coproduct exports remain strong outlets for corn demand, even after April’s pullback.
Dr. Stephanie Mercier, Senior Policy Adviser for the Farm Journal Foundation, discusses USDA’s New World Screwworm eradication, sterile fly production, trade restrictions, biosecurity, and the path ahead for U.S. cattle producers.
Farm groups urged lawmakers to maintain free and fair trade across North America.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

As cattle producers continue to navigate labor constraints and rising production demands, innovation in handling systems will remain a key driver of the industry’s long-term efficiency and safety goals.
Suzanne Fanning with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin joined us to discuss the “Born to Dairy” campaign, dairy promotion efforts in Wisconsin, and the economic role of the state’s dairy industry during National Dairy Month.
Oklahoma State University extension specialist Todd Hubbs joins us for an update on wheat harvest conditions in his state and the key factors shaping marketing decisions.
The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association joins us to share their “Milkshakes on the Moo-ve” campaign and statewide dairy outreach during National Dairy Month.