Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) expressed that farmers in Nebraska and the broader Midwest are already feeling the adverse effects of President Trump’s tariffs. He urged for an expansion of agricultural trade with other nations to support the farming sector.
During an appearance on News Nation’s “The Hill Sunday,” Bacon discussed the situation with host Blake Berman, particularly regarding farm workers and potential strategies to mitigate the impacts of tariffs.
“Oh dear, the agriculture community is quite anxious. Talking to the Farm Bureau and the Beef Bureau…some of the major meat producers here are feeling the pinch because of decreased market access,” Bacon noted.
“We’ve already witnessed export losses in Nebraska, primarily in Europe, particularly affecting beef and popcorn. So, there’s a recession unfolding in the farm communities across the Midwest,” he added.
While there are concerns that Trump’s tariffs might lead to a national recession, the president remains optimistic that his policies will benefit the country in the long run. He acknowledged that “anything can happen” concerning a recession but believes the economy will eventually improve.
Republicans in Congress, including Bacon, are anxious about the absence of clear outcomes or exit strategies in Trump’s trade dispute, which could significantly harm markets for wheat, corn, soy, pork, and other U.S. products.
Bacon mentioned that the prices and barriers stemming from these tariffs are adversely impacting imports of fertilizers and herbicides. Farmers nationwide are “really struggling right now” and require either relief from the tariffs or financial assistance, similar to what was provided during Trump’s earlier presidency.
Despite these challenges, Bacon emphasized his belief that farmers would fare better with open trade rather than tariffs.
Berman inquired about the urgency for Nebraska farmers to sustain their operations amid the tariffs.
“We need to resolve this by summer, or farmers will continue to face difficulties,” Bacon stated. “It looks like we’re heading into a recession here in the Midwest.”
