Farmers Struggle with Tariffs and Trade

By Scout Nelson

A town hall sponsored by the Minnesota Farmers Union brought around 60 people together at Sleepy Eye Brewing Company to discuss pressing concerns affecting family farms. Attendees voiced worries over tariffs, health care cuts, and uncertain trade policies, all of which are impacting rural communities.

Many farm families are still recovering from the effects of previous trade war tariffs, which disrupted markets and forced some farms to close. Although there were periods of economic improvement, certain markets in Minnesota have not fully recovered. The latest tariffs imposed on China, a major buyer of U.S. soybeans, are expected to lower crop prices, putting additional financial strain on struggling farmers.

Several attendees expressed frustration over the economic hardships they face. They also discussed concerns about the reduction of aid programs and the lack of transparency in policy decisions affecting vulnerable populations, including school-aged children.

Town hall meetings like this one are especially crucial in rural areas where residents often have to travel long distances to participate in discussions.  “Doom scrolling on your phone its not going to do your mental health any good,” said Molly Schweinfurter, another attendee, traveled from Renville County to connect with others. “Coming together with like-minded people is what you need to find. Find your community, and find some camaraderie in the people in your community.”

Discussions also focused on holding elected officials accountable for decisions impacting farmers, such as cuts to agricultural aid and safety regulations. “It’s important that we do things together, and that’s why these town halls and these meetings are important, to bring people together, to garnish a value of hope and concern that our government will be there for our children and our grandchildren,” said Minnesota Farmers Union Executive Director Ted Winter. “I think there was a personal commitment to each other tonight, a value that we can do better if we work together, because we all do better.”

Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo