American agriculture is currently facing challenges due to soaring costs and a lack of new trade deals under the Biden-Harris administration, according to farmers interviewed by Fox News Digital. Brent Johnson, a farmer and president of the Iowa Farm Bureau, stated that the agriculture sector is in a recession, with job losses and negative balance sheets becoming more prevalent. The international market for American-grown food has slowed, leading to further economic strain on farmers like John Boyd, a Virginia farmer and founder of the National Black Farmers Association. Boyd highlighted the drastic increase in costs such as fertilizer, seed, feed, diesel, and labor, all of which have doubled since President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took office in Jan. 2021.
Moreover, the current economic conditions are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to stay afloat. Farmers are paying exorbitant prices for essential resources like diesel, while the prices for crops like corn and soybeans remain low. The situation has been worsened by the lack of aggressive policies to support farmers from the current administration, as noted by Boyd. However, efforts have been made to assist minority farm owners who have faced discrimination in federal farm programs, with $2 billion in direct assistance being released under the Biden-Harris administration.
Despite this aid, the agriculture industry continues to struggle, with approximately 6,000 farms closing in 2023 alone, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This decline is part of a long-standing trend that has seen a dwindling number of farms across the country. The aging population of farmers has contributed to this trend, as there are not enough young people entering the industry to replace those who are retiring or closing their farms.
To address these challenges, organizations like the Nebraska Farmers Network have emerged to advocate for farmers and combat broader issues facing the agriculture industry. The organization highlights the median age of farmers in Nebraska, which is nearly 57 years old, and the average age of landowners, which is 67 years old. A lack of young farmers entering the industry has created a generational gap that is exacerbating the existing problems faced by farmers in the state.
One of the major issues raised by the Nebraska Farmers Network is the influx of foreign investment in American farmland, which has driven up land prices and made it harder for farmers to compete. Foreign entities, as well as wealthy investors like Bill Gates, have been acquiring large swathes of farmland, viewing it as a lucrative investment rather than focusing on its agricultural value. This trend has led to higher taxes and reduced profit margins for farmers, further complicating their ability to sustain their operations.
In light of these challenges, farmers like Boyd and Sanchez are calling for more aggressive government intervention to protect American farmers and farmland. The potential impact of foreign investment on the country’s food security is a cause for concern, as controlling the food supply could lead to broader control over the population. As the farming community faces an uncertain future, there is a growing sentiment among traditionally Democratic-leaning farmers to consider alternative political options, with some expressing support for the Trump campaign due to its perceived commitment to protecting American agriculture.
In conclusion, the agriculture sector in the United States is navigating a complex landscape of economic challenges, dwindling resources, and demographic shifts that pose a threat to the industry’s sustainability. Farmers are looking to policymakers for more robust support and protection against external threats to ensure the continued viability of American agriculture.
