By Andi Anderson
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has sounded the alarm over growing financial pressures threatening the survival of U.S. farms.
In letters to President Donald Trump and congressional leaders, AFBF emphasized that farmers are facing one of the most challenging economic periods in decades.
Low commodity prices, rising input costs, and global trade uncertainty are pushing many farm families to the brink. “Across the country, farms are disappearing as families close the gates on the farms tended by their parents, grandparents, and generations before them,” wrote AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Every farm lost takes with it generations of knowledge, community leadership and the heartbeat of local economies.”
Farm Bureau leaders warned that the continued loss of farms threatens America’s food independence. As small and mid-sized farms close, rural communities also suffer from declining school enrollment, fewer local businesses, and reduced economic activity.
U.S. agriculture has also experienced a trade deficit in recent years, intensifying financial uncertainty for producers. Ongoing trade tensions with China and other partners have further disrupted key markets and export flows.
To ease immediate burdens, AFBF called for “bridge payments” to farmers before the end of 2025. “These payments must be robust enough to address sector-wide gaps and provide meaningful support,” Duvall said.
However, the organization emphasized that emergency relief alone will not solve the crisis. AFBF outlined several long-term priorities for federal leaders, including fair trade agreements, stronger biofuel policies, restoring whole milk in schools, and promoting competition in agricultural markets.
The group also urged federal purchasing programs to prioritize American-grown fruits and vegetables.
“Federal leadership can now prevent a deepening crisis,” Duvall wrote, “by taking steps to preserve our agricultural infrastructure and ensure the next generation of farmers and ranchers can continue feeding the world.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Iowa, Business