SIOUX FALLS, SD (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration made $15 billion in promises to agricultural producers in the final weeks before the midterm electionsinitiatives to help offset rising diesel costs and fertilizer that farmers endured largely because of its tariffs and the war in Iran.
Will this motivate more voters to turn out for elections? Agricultural States where the traditionally Republican seats are now located considered competitive is not clear. That could explain his increased focus on rural areas, including his visits Sunday to Iowa and Kansas, two days before the election.
A look at the Republican administration’s commitments to farmers:
Who will these efforts help?
In addition to payments and initiatives worth more than $15 billion announced by Trump’s Department of Agriculture, the agency is planning $13.8 billion in safety net program payments to eligible producers for the 2025 crop year, offsetting shortfalls for farmers who grow key crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat and rice.
Of the $15 billion, more than half will be spent on a one-time $8 billion payment plan for farmers shaken by soaring diesel prices. The USDA said it would release more details on the payments this month. It is unclear when payments will be made to farmers, who rely on diesel for their trucks, tractors and combines.
Gregg Ibendahl, an agricultural management specialist at Kansas State University, said he believes the payments “will more than cover increased fuel costs” and that the money could help address high fertilizer prices.
At least $5 billion has been announced in guaranteed loans to ranchers and fishermen. Another $1.8 billion will go to producers and landowners who participated in conservation programs, $573 million will go toward fertilizer manufacturing projects, and $57 million will go toward expanding meat processors. For specialty crop producers, $86.6 million in grants will be awarded to innovative projects.
On Thursday, the agency announced it would purchase up to $472.5 million in agricultural products to support producers and donate to charitable programs.
The money will come primarily from the USDA and does not require immediate approval from Congress.
The USDA also announced other efforts, such as increase sales of a diesel normally used only for off-road use, helping ranchers by making livestock sales data more transparent and strengthening wolf management policies to protect livestock.
Why farmers are struggling
It has been a frustrating year for farmers. Rising fertilizer and fuel costs have made it difficult to make a profit. Tariffs last year drove up spending on other equipment used by farmers, and the trade war with China led to a quasi-boycott of American agricultural products.
On Friday, the price of diesel averaged $6.32 a gallon, down slightly from its September peak but 70% higher than a year ago, according to the AAA auto club. Filling up a 100-gallon tank now costs $260 more than it did a year ago.
“I think that input risk is what’s really hurt farmers this year, along with the fact that there’s been a lot more uncertainty about what’s going to happen in the world,” Ibendahl said.
He said he expects these one-time payments will be a big help to farmers who otherwise wouldn’t make a profit this year, but they don’t address the broader issues that are driving up prices.
“It’s hard to go to your lender next spring and say, ‘OK, well, we’re doing pretty well this year, but it’s all because of these extra temporary payments from the government, so how much can you give me a loan (for) next year for my crop?’ “, he said.
Alexandra Middlewood, an associate professor of political science at Wichita State University, said she has heard mixed reactions from farmers, who are happy their businesses are surviving this year but view these programs as one-time bailouts rather than a long-term solution.
What farmers can vote on
Rural voters, including farmers and those who rely on the agricultural economy, were instrumental in voting for Trump.
Michael Smith, a political science professor at Emporia State University, said many rural voters like the president, but some of his policies have harm the agricultural industry. Expulsions of immigrants have threatened agricultural laborand cut to foreign aid And SNAP Food Stamps harm the market for agricultural products.
“Some people who admire Trump really only admire the person, the man,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean they necessarily like his policies. Well, Trump himself is not on the ballot this year. His policies are.”
The cost of living and access to health care are major issues for rural votersMiddlewood said. She added that there is a perception that the administration has not done enough to address these problems, even as Trump boasts at campaign rallies about a booming economy.
Middlewood, who is based in Kansas, doesn’t expect frustrated rural voters to turn to the Democratic Party, given that the state has long been a Republican stronghold. But some voters could decide not to participate in this election or vote independently, which would hurt Republican candidates.
“Independent voters make or break elections,” she said. “And so that’s really what this year is going to come down to, is these independent voters and who they’re fighting for.”
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