Trump's Trade War Leaves Iowa Farmers Reeling
Farmers in Iowa are still waiting for the 'golden age' of American agriculture promised by President Donald Trump, according to Aaron Lehman, president of the Iowa Farmers Union. Lehman's health insurance premiums have doubled since January due to the expiration of federal subsidies, while crop prices remain low and input costs continue to rise.
Lehman is not alone in his concerns about the administration's policies, with many farmers feeling the impact of Trump's trade war with China and the ongoing Iran conflict. The American Farm Bureau Federation projects a $32 billion loss on major crops for U.S. farmers in 2027, up from a $31 billion projected loss in 2026.
Some farmers, such as corn growers, have managed to weather the storm due to high global demand for protein, but others are struggling to stay afloat. A joint report by Iowa State University, the Iowa Farm Bureau, and the Iowa Bankers Association found that farm bankruptcies were up in 2025 and 2026 compared to previous years.
Even some of Trump's allies have criticized his trade policies, with Marc Short, former White House director of legislative affairs, saying they 'have punched farmers in the mouth.'