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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

NRECA CEO Jim Matheson warns that rising electricity demand from AI and data centers could strain the grid and affect rural electric cooperatives if U.S. power infrastructure cannot keep up.
Tidal Grow’s AlignN delivers encapsulated nitrogen to leaves, boosting in-season response, yield gains, and farm profits.
Katie Keener with the National Women in Agriculture Association joins us to celebrate women in agriculture and spotlight programs and initiatives aimed at empowering female producers across the country.
Nationwide’s Elizabeth Duncan and Traci Via with Agriculture Future of America highlight the impact of women in agriculture and how mentorship and partnerships empower future farmers and ranchers.
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on current cattle market conditions and shares advice for producers seeking to stay protected in an uncertain market.