Rural voters grow more angry as President Trump's agriculture agenda deepens hardship
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Farmers and ranchers across Midwestern and Southern states say rising costs, trade chaos and shrinking export markets are pushing them away from Republican candidates in the coming elections.
Rising diesel prices, higher fertilizer costs and a decline in agricultural exports have forced many farmers in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and other rural states to rethink their political loyalties, according to recent polls and statements from agricultural groups.
The price of diesel, a critical input for farm equipment, has climbed sharply since President Trump's decision to engage in a conflict with Iran, intensifying fears about whether producers can stay afloat. Farm bankruptcies have increased, and a Cato Institute commentary said that tariffs have driven up input prices and reduced export revenues.
"Because of the misuse of tariffs, record high agricultural input costs, soaring fertilizer costs, and high interest rates, farmers are facing the worst economic and financial crisis since the farm crisis of the 1980s," said John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union.
The American Farm Bureau Federation reported that current input cost levels make it unlikely that major row crops will reach break-even points this year. In addition, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association voiced alarm about a proposal to import tariff-free beef, warning that it could hurt domestic cattle producers.
Polls show that support for Republican candidates among rural voters has fallen, with roughly six in ten expressing disapproval of the administration’s handling of the economy. A Fox News poll indicated that 49% of rural voters now say they will support GOP candidates in the upcoming elections, down from a higher level in 2024.
Some farmers, such as Vance Ehmke of Kansas, said fuel expenses have risen by $50,000 compared with the previous year, while fertilizer costs have increased by $20,000 to $40,000.
In response to the worsening economic pressure, President Trump announced an $8 billion emergency assistance program for farmers, described as the Harvest Fuel Relief Program, after a prior $12 billion aid package announced in December.
Agricultural leaders, including Hansen, criticized Congress for failing to provide additional support, saying a major change in policy direction may be necessary to address the crisis facing rural America.