All articles tagged with #farmers
Two Navigator Research focus groups with Iowa farmers find mostly B-to-C ratings of Trump’s second term, revealing sympathy for some policy aims but concerns over tariffs and rising input costs like diesel and fertilizer, illustrating a nuanced, swing-state view that keeps GOP candidates competitive while Democrats still face challenges winning over farmers.
A cow on a southwest Livingston County farm tested positive for rabies, prompting two exposed farmers to receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. Officials say there is no current risk to the general public, urge immediate vaccination of the affected herd, and note a rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets is set for Oct. 2 in Dansville.
President Donald Trump hosted a Rose Garden End-of-Summer BBQ featuring a prime-aged beef burger, prompting backlash as rising beef costs underscore a broader affordability crisis for American families and fuel debate over imported meat and its effect on domestic ranchers.
Clay Jones’ Daily Kos cartoon riffs on beef policy and Donald Trump, while the site explains its financial strains and urges readers to donate to keep the outlet paywall-free.
Diesel prices in the U.S. are nearing a record, averaging around $5.62 per gallon, due to a tighter global supply, refinery disruptions from wartime shocks, and chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz. Diesel is a globally traded, inelastic fuel, so price spikes ripple through trucking, farming, and consumer costs for freight and goods, with little near-term relief as refineries run near capacity and inventories stay lean.
President Trump said he will exempt 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef from tariffs to lower prices ahead of the midterms, claiming the move will reduce costs and help the U.S. beef herd grow, with the beef reportedly to be sold about 25% below current market prices. An executive order implementing the plan is expected within two weeks, but ranchers oppose measures that flood the market with imports and voters continue to blame rising living costs for political fallout.
Trump traveled to Wisconsin to reassure farmers, but an offhand remark about preferring to be at the White House watching TV and blaming NBC for the rain punctuated a rough week, highlighting ongoing political headwinds.
New polling indicates Donald Trump’s approval is sinking among rural Americans as farmer anger grows, potentially eroding his support in crucial rural districts ahead of upcoming elections.
Central California peach farmers will destroy about 420,000 clingstone peach trees after Del Monte Foods shut its Modesto and Hughson canneries, leaving around 50,000 tons of peaches without buyers. Federal officials approved up to $9 million in emergency aid to remove about 3,000 acres of orchards, a move expected to avert roughly $30 million in further losses and allow growers to pivot to alternative crops.
After Del Monte Foods shut its Modesto and Hughson canneries, Central Valley peach growers will destroy about 420,000 clingstone peach trees, risking roughly $550 million in lost revenue. Up to $9 million in federal aid will help remove about 3,000 acres of orchards, reducing production by about 50,000 tons and aiming to save roughly $30 million in additional losses, while farmers pivot to other crops.
Diesel costs, spiking due to tariffs and war-related shortages, are squeezing US farmers who were already financially stressed by tariff losses and drought, risking higher production costs and tighter margins—especially for small and Black-owned farms—while advocates press for tariff relief and stronger USDA support.
USDA announced a second Supplemental Disaster Relief Program payment to eligible producers with approved 2023–2024 disaster-loss applications, increasing the payout factor to 70% (an additional 35% of the calculated SDRP payment) and extending the deadline to August 12, 2026. SDRP Stage 1 remains for insured or NAP-covered losses, while SDRP Stage 2 covers additional non-indemnified, shallow, and quality losses. The extension gives producers more time to adjust applications, as overall federal support for farmers exceeds $39 billion across SDRP and related programs.
U.S. farmers are contending with a sharp surge in fertilizer and diesel costs after Iran’s actions disrupted shipments via the Strait of Hormuz, prompting many to buy at higher prices or cut usage as spring planting proceeds, with potential spillover effects on yields and farm incomes.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) blasted the White House after it promoted OnlyFarms.gov—a parody linked to the OnlyFans brand—arguing taxpayers’ dollars are funding a ‘porn site’ parody and urging deletion of the post; the promotion drew conservative backlash amid ongoing farmer cost pressures from tariffs and energy costs during the Trump administration.
Trump’s tariff strategy aims to boost farm exports and justify $12B in direct aid, but Purdue data show farmer sentiment deteriorating (lowest since 2024), 44% say operations are worse off, and 15,000 fewer farms in 2025 with a 46% jump in bankruptcies, pressuring rural Republicans to push more aid, market access, and a new farm policy ahead of the 2026 midterms. Democrats say farmers are hurting, while many trade deals remain unfinished, limiting relief despite the administration’s claims.