Trump promised agriculture 'golden age.' Iowa farmers say they're waiting

Key Points:

• Iowa farmer Aaron Lehman and many others are facing increased financial pressures due to doubled health insurance premiums after federal subsidies ended, rising costs for diesel and fertilizer linked to the Iran war, and low crop prices.
• Despite former President Trump's promises of a "golden age of American agriculture," farmers report growing uncertainty and financial vulnerability, with farm bankruptcies rising and a projected $32 billion loss on major crops in 2027.
• Trump's tariff policies, especially those targeting China, have disrupted key export markets for U.S. farmers, causing significant economic hardship, although corn growers have seen some relief due to strong global demand for livestock feed.
• While the Trump administration has provided direct payments and rolled back some regulations to aid farmers, experts and farmers argue these measures do not address fundamental issues in the agricultural economy or provide long-term policy certainty.
• The lack of a new farm bill since 2018 and stalled legislation on key issues like the E15 ethanol mandate contribute to ongoing uncertainty, with many farmers calling for more comprehensive support and clearer policy direction from Washington.