News

Year of caution

The president of the Illinois Farm Bureau says his farming operation is approaching 2025 with caution.

Brian Duncan, who raises grain and livestock in Ogle County, tells Brownfield capital expenditures are being scrutinized.

“Caution until we see some solid direction on some of these issues, whether it be trade or biofuels is probably the farmer hat I have on right now.”  He says, “At the end of the day, you know a lot of it’s going to come down to whether we get those rains in June and July or not, but keep moving forward, step wisely, as a farmer with caution.”

He says the potential market impact of threatened tariffs are a top organizational priority.

“We are keeping a very close eye on trade and how things are unfolding or developing there with our markets.”  He says, “It’s kind of a moving target, but we all know trade is so important to Illinois producers.”

Duncan says while details are scarce, the recent administration talk of reciprocal tariffs cause some concern.

“Our organization has been very supportive of trade agreements, and you know the idea of reciprocal tariffs, I think would fly in the face of some of the agreements we’ve supported,” he says.

Duncan says IFB continues to encourage the administration to fully consider the potential impact of any trade decisions on farmers and rural communities.

AUDIO: Brian Duncan – Illinois Farm Bureau