Farmers across the United States face a diverse range of pressures that go beyond the usual ups and downs of the growing season. Input costs are on the rise, weather extremes are hitting harder and more frequently, commodity prices are unpredictable and the ongoing trade tensions and shifting tariff policies are reshaping what it means to farm in the USA. These realities are forcing farmers to rethink how they operate and demand more adaptability, resilience and innovation.

In January of 2025, we asked over 800farmers across the USA about their level of concern on a list of 22 challenges that farmers currently face or may face in the future. This report captures the voices and concerns of farmers across the country with a focus on “new trade barriers restricting access to global markets”, and what messages they would like heard.

The level of concern varied across topics – ranging from 68% very concerned about increasing costs of production to only 11% who were very concerned about farm management software that is difficult to use.

The chart below shows the top 10 issues that American farmers are most concerned about, expressed as the % of farmers who say they are very concerned.

Trade Barriers and Tariffs

Global trade is a lifeline for USA agriculture. Barriers to trade – whether its tariffs, quotas or import restrictions – cause a wrath of uncertainty and squeeze already tight margins. The impact is felt directly by farmers as it impacts their ability to sell their goods, the prices they receive as well as the increasing costs of imported inputs. However, the level of concern can vary from farmer to farmer.

Over 70% of farmers said they were concerned about new trade barriers that restrict access to global markets – 39% indicated a high level of concern. Across regions, concern was consistent, but slightly more elevated in the Southwest states.

To better understand the real-world impact of the trade barriers and challenges, we asked farmers to share their own perspectives. We posed the question “From your perspective as an American farmer, what message would you like your government official to hear from you?”

The top messages American farmers want their government officials to hear:

Tariffs to Negotiate Better Trade Deals – There is a portion of farmers that believe the tariffs are necessary to create an even playing field for the US and trade partners, like China. They want to use tariffs and other means as a leverage to negotiate better trade deals and feel that the USA has been taken advantage of. There is a level of understanding that it could be “short term pain for long term gain”.

• Keep the pressure on. We need trade programs that are fair to the USA. We have been taken advantage of for far too long.
• Time will tell the real effects of the tariffs and policies currently in place. I am however, optimistic that they will help my business as I have lost market share over the years to Mexico for parts of my season.

Promote Free Trade, Eliminate Tariffs – On the other hand, farmers are entrepreneurs. Many believe in free enterprise and would like to see their government promote free trade. With stiff tariffs, some are concerned that key trade partners may start looking elsewhere.

• “We need fair and even trade with our trading partners to ensure the best outcomes long term. We are willing to endure some short-term hardship in return for long-term stability.“
• “Free trade with all countries is the fastest way to improve the lives of people in this country and people all over the world. Tariffs are a tax and if you tax something you will get less of it.“

Tariffs Hurt Farmers, End Tariffs Soon – Many farmers would advise their government officials that the tariffs and trade barriers are just hurting farmers, and they need to end soon. They feel that tariffs are a tax on farmers, and it could threaten the future of operations.  

• “We can tolerate this for a little while, but we can’t go on forever.“
• “We are struggling and many farmers have had to give up farming and if things do not change there will be very few farmers left.“
• “It seems like they want us to fail, they’re making it extremely hard to survive this year. I’m all for bringing jobs back to the US but they’re going to put us out of business!“

Provide Financial Support to Farmers – Some farmers indicate that current conditions are not sustainable for a long period of time. They understand that implementing tariffs may better the markets long-term but support from the government in the meantime would be helpful.

• “Farmers are going to need help from the Feds or there will be a large increase in of medium to small farmers go out of business.“
• “If the tariffs are going to affect our price and raise our cost of production, we will need an economic stimulus check to offset set out losses.“
• “I think this is the right move to try and get better markets long term but I do think farms will need continued support from disaster or market assistance programs while things shake out.“

Reduce Regulations to Make US Production More Competitive – Some farmers feel that there are too many regulations and government involvement in farming. They would advise their government officials that regulations make farmers “jump through hoops” in order to make a living.

• “Less regulations for one. We’ve been farming this land for generations, so I think that we know a little better on what works and what doesn’t.“
• “Government needs to let farmers farm and not get involved on how we farm.“
• “We farmers know about farming and marketing, so I think less government involvement would be better all around.“

There is no shortage of challenges that farmers worry about. Pressures continue to increase and shape how farmers make decisions and manage risk. Most challenges are likely not going away any time soon, making one thing very clear – farmers are resilient!