American agriculture is facing challenges due to soaring costs, lack of new trade deals, and a slow international market for American-grown food. Farmers are struggling to make ends meet as input costs such as fertilizer, seed, feed, diesel, and labor have doubled since President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took office. This has led to negative balance sheets and job losses within the agriculture sector. The Biden administration’s policies have been described as brutalizing farmers, with President Donald Trump promising to cancel them if elected.
The aging population of farmers is another major issue affecting American agriculture, with a lack of young people replacing those who are going out of business. The Nebraska Farmers Network was formed to address this issue, as well as failures of big government and the greed of global investors who are buying up farmland. Foreign nations and wealthy individuals are purchasing millions of acres of farmland in the U.S., leading to higher taxes and pricing farmland out of reach for traditional farmers. This is further exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers operating on slim profit margins.
The crisis in farming is causing historically Democratic-leaning farmers to consider other options, with some expressing support for the Trump campaign. The lack of aggressive action by the administration to support farmers and protect American farmland is a concern for many in the agricultural community. The future of farming in America is uncertain, with the need for policies that will support farmers and ensure the sustainability of the industry. The importance of agriculture in the country’s history and economy is highlighted, with the recognition that farmers are facing significant challenges that must be addressed by the government.
Despite some assistance being provided to minority farm owners who have suffered discrimination, farmers across the country are still struggling to stay afloat. The lack of new trade deals and the impact of rising costs on farmers’ ability to turn a profit are key factors affecting the agriculture sector. The future of American farming will depend on the actions taken by the government to support farmers, address the issues of foreign investment in farmland, and ensure the sustainability of the industry. Farmers are looking to the upcoming election to see which candidate will prioritize their needs and work to protect American agriculture.
