Rising costs and stalled policy priorities are adding new pressure on America’s farmers this planting season.
Producers continue to face elevated input expenses, with fertilizer costs remaining a key concern despite some moderation in other areas.
At the same time, several ag-related policy efforts in Washington remain unresolved. A nationwide, year-round expansion of E15 fuel is still pending, a move many corn growers and ethanol advocates say would boost demand and provide market stability.
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin says, “The farmers need relief because of the tariffs. There’s just a bailout package now on the table. They’re able to try to get access to some of that money. And unfortunately they’re in that situation. E-15 is an easy way for our farmers to have new markets. It’s also good environmentally. I mean, it’s like a win win. And the only reason we haven’t gotten it done is because big oil and gas doesn’t like when E-15 is put in that gas pump.”
Lawmakers have also yet to pass a modern, five-year Farm Bill, leaving farmers without updated risk management tools and long-term certainty.
Slotkin adds, “It’s years out of date at this point. It used to be one of the most bipartisan things we did in Washington. Democrats and Republicans voting in overwhelming numbers to set farm policy. We need to do that. And then of course, USMCA or NAFTA, right on the horizon, got to make sure our farmers don’t lose ground and in fact, gain ground in any new updates to the agreement.”
Agricultural groups warn that the combination of high costs and policy gridlock is complicating decision-making on the farm, as producers head into a critical time of year.
