Blue Press Journal (Opinion) – The old adage “you reap what you sow” has never been more apt than in the case of Arkansas farmers who are now facing the dire consequences of their support for President Trump and his disastrous trade policies. Despite being warned about the potential risks of Trump’s tariffs and trade wars, many farmers in the state enthusiastically backed the president, hoping that his “America First” agenda would somehow magically benefit them. Fast forward to the present, and it’s clear that their decision has come back to haunt them.
A Perfect Storm of Problems
This year, Arkansas farmers have been hit with a perfect storm of problems that have left them on the brink of bankruptcy. A dismal global market, plunging commodity prices, and sky-high input costs due to inflation and tariffs have combined to create a perfect storm of financial woes. As the table below illustrates, the numbers are stark:
| Category | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Soybean Prices | $9.50/bushel | $7.50/bushel |
| Corn Prices | $3.50/bushel | $3.00/bushel |
| Farm Input Costs | $500/acre | $600/acre |
As one farmer lamented, “We’re facing a situation where we can’t even break even, let alone make a profit. The prices are so low, and the costs are so high, it’s like we’re being squeezed from both sides.” Another farmer added, “I’ve been farming for 30 years, and I’ve never seen it this bad. We’re talking about farms that have been in families for generations, and now they’re on the verge of closure.”
The Elephant in the Room
Despite the obvious connection between Trump’s policies and their predicament, not one of the farmers is willing to speak out against the president or the Republicans in Congress. As one farmer sheepishly admitted, “We can’t really say anything bad about Trump, because we supported him. It’s like we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.” This reluctance to criticize the president is understandable, given the fact that many farmers voted for him in the hopes that he would help their industry.
However, as the saying goes, “you can’t have your cake and eat it too.” By supporting Trump and his policies, farmers essentially made a bet that has not paid off. As economist and trade expert, Dr. Jennifer Hillman, notes, “The tariffs have had a devastating impact on farmers, and it’s only going to get worse. The administration’s policies have created a perfect storm of problems that will take years to recover from.”
The Free Market Solution
So, what’s the solution to this mess? Some might argue that the government should step in and provide a bailout to struggling farmers with our tax taxdollars.. However, this approach only serves to reward bad decision-making and perpetuate a cycle of dependency. As the old saying goes, “if you make a bad bet, you should have to pay the price.” In this case, the price is the loss of their farms and livelihoods.
As columnist and economist, Paul Krugman, argues, “The free market has a way of weeding out inefficient producers and rewarding those who make smart decisions. If farmers made a bad bet on Trump, that’s not the government’s problem to fix.” This approach may seem harsh, but it’s the only way to ensure that farmers and other businesses make informed decisions that benefit the economy as a whole.
The plight of Arkansas farmers serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of making decisions based on ideology rather than facts. By supporting Trump and his disastrous trade policies, farmers have essentially sealed their own fate. As the old saying goes, “you made your bed, now lie in it.” Perhaps next time, they will think twice before voting for a party and president that is bad for America and the economy.
Blue Press Journal 