Oklahoma farmer, Brent Randall, says that rising diesel and fertilizer prices, along with changes in President Donald Trump's tariff policies, have made planning for future crops difficult. He adds that in recent months, the political mood among farmers, who have traditionally been strong supporters of Trump, is changing.
Farmers' Discontent
Randall states: "From my conversations with other farmers, there is more dissatisfaction with what is happening in the [Trump] administration." He continues that such feelings of discontent were not seen before, but now these changes are evident.
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This discontent could become a political problem for Trump and the Republicans ahead of the midterm elections. Trump secured 69% of rural votes in the 2024 election, but an AP-KFF poll conducted in August showed that 57% of rural voters are dissatisfied with Trump's management of the economy.
Economic and Political Challenges
Three-quarters of rural voters described the cost of living in their communities as "fair" or "poor." Additionally, a Reuters/Ipsos poll in June showed that Trump's approval rating among rural Americans has dropped to 50%.
Farmers and economic experts described four overlapping pressures: the expansion of beef imports with low tariffs, rising fertilizer and diesel prices due to the global energy crisis, and tariffs that have increased production costs and provoked reactions against American exports.
Ivana Welles, a White House spokesperson, says that Trump "has repeatedly affirmed his support for America's farmers and ranchers." She also added that the administration continues to implement tax agendas, reduce regulations, and increase energy.
Farmers who have been spoken to say that the economic consequences of Trump's policies have impacted their operations on a daily basis.
The price of ground beef in the United States has risen sharply since the end of 2020, increasing from $5.58 per pound in August 2024 to $6.92 in August 2026. This price increase has created new political challenges for Trump.
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