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Illinois farmers say bailout won’t fix long-term market and trade issues

Several farmers say a one-time government bailout isn’t a long-term solution to the sluggish farm economy.

Southeastern Illinois farmer Don Guinnip, who raises row crops and cattle in Clark County, says tight margins are on everyone’s mind.

“I think the thing that weighs on every farmer in the Midwest is the price squeeze we’re in.”  He says, “We’ve got very low commodity prices and that fertilizer that we’re having spread is just extremely overpriced.”

AUDIO: Don Guinnip – Illinois farmer

Central Illinois farmer Ken Franklin, who grows corn and soybeans in Christian County, says a late-season drought that led to below-average yields in some areas has compounded the issue, making an assistance package more likely.

“The farmer is not gonna keep much of that.”  He says, “It’s not gonna make it us probably profitable. It’s gonna make us limit the losses in most cases and make it to another year.”

Western Illinois farmer Brady Holst, who grows corn and soybeans in Hancock County and serves as the current vice chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association, tells Brownfield he’s concerned the aid, also aimed at easing some of the pain inflicted by ongoing trade disruptions, won’t make up for lost export market share.

“The China trade deal that might be even longer than we’re expecting because they’re both talking pretty tough on it.”  He says, “I think the biggest thing farmers want is fair markets that we can sell our beans at.”

All three producers say the instability adds to the already uncertain business of farming as they try to make plans for the 2026 growing season.  

Franklin says, “The more corn acres everybody plants, that’s going to make it harder on the market, and it’s hard to plant a lot of soybeans right now.”  He says, “You’re feeling it in the countryside a little bit where you don’t really know what to do.”

The three are also in agreement that long-term, reliable trade relationships are vital for growing product demand and producer profitability.

AUDIO: Brady Holst – Illinois farmer