With possible stronger reciprocal tariffs coming, small farmers can’t take much more, ag groups warn

A major trade deadline is growing on the horizon. In a little more than two weeks, stronger reciprocal tariffs could be a reality. However, one trade group says farmers cannot take much more, saying the ag industry is getting squeezed in more ways than one right now.

“One, we’re trying to sell our products overseas, and that’s made harder by a trade war. Two, we’re relying on inputs, whether that’s farm chemicals or fertilizer or the steel that goes into tractors. All of that gets more expensive, so farmers get squeezed on both ends, and that’s where you see bankruptcies, people getting out of farming, suicides, these are all bad things that happen when farmers get squeezed,” said Brian Kuehl with Farmers For Free Trade.

Farmers For Free Trade suggests reaching out to your elected officials to let them know what is happening on the farm.

Related Stories
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney talks about the U.S. House’s latest vote to roll back tariffs on Canada and the ongoing discussions surrounding North American trade.
Rebuilding domestic textiles depends on automation and vertical integration, not tariffs or legacy manufacturing models.
The U.S. trade deal with Argentina creates new export opportunities for U.S. livestock and crop producers but also raises competitive concerns.
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The investigation does not prove wrongdoing, but it raises federal scrutiny of a major cost center for crop producers.
For decades, U.S. agriculture has planned around feeding a growing world. Experts say that trend could reverse course in the next 30 years.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum says agriculture still needs to see U.S. products actively moving into China.
The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad connecting the East and West coasts under a single carrier.