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Tough season forces farmers to rely on government assistance they don’t want

Some farmers say ad-hoc assistance could be necessary to help ease pressure in the ag economy as they prepare for the 2026 growing season.

Indiana farmer Kevin Cox tells Brownfield, “I don’t want to be dependent on the government. But, we’re in a situation where we will take all of the help we can get. I had an easier time paying all of my bills in the 1980’s than I am right now.”

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins recently said the Trump administration is working on an assistance package, but the federal government must reopen for it to move forward.

Nebraska farmer Jan TenBensel says emergency aid isn’t a long-term solution and producers need access to reliable markets.

“We have to have a good working system without trade barriers present,” he says. “We’ve got to get bean exports up again as a bridge to where we can have an open marketplace. I’m afraid that’s going to be necessary. Without an aid package, there will be farmers that won’t be able to farm next year.”

Cox says rising input costs are another concern.

“They’re forecasting fertilizer prices going up another 30 to 40 percent because of demand and the tariffs,” he says. “I’m hearing farmers talk about cutting back on rates. You might be able to do that for one year, but then it takes years to build that back up again.”

The farmers say the partial government shutdown has created more uncertainty during a time where additional support is desperately needed.

AUDIO: Indiana farmer Kevin Cox