Midwest Farmers Warn of Recession Without Urgent Relief
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) is warning that farm families across Nebraska and the Midwest are facing the early signs of a serious economic downturn—one tied directly to the ripple effects of America’s renewed fight for fair global trade under President Trump’s bold tariff agenda.
Appearing on NewsNation’s The Hill Sunday, Bacon made it clear: the farming community is under pressure, and if action isn’t taken soon, a full-blown recession could hit the agricultural heartland.
“Our biggest beef producers are losing markets overseas,” Bacon said. “Exports of Nebraska beef, popcorn, and other products are already being cut off—especially in Europe.”
Trump Holds the Line on Trade: “We’ll Be a Rich Country Again”
President Trump has stood firm in his America First trade strategy, insisting that short-term market disruptions are the price of long-term strength. “The fake news media panicked over tariffs,” Trump recently said, “but they’re going to make us rich. We’re reclaiming our economy.”
And while some in Congress fear the effects on U.S. farm exports, Trump maintains that his leadership will rebuild American wealth and manufacturing—something long overdue in rural states.
Fertilizer Costs Soar, Exports Shrink: Farmers Seek Immediate Aid
Rep. Bacon echoed concerns from farmers facing rising input costs. With tariffs increasing the price of fertilizers, herbicides, and other essential imports, many producers are squeezed from both sides—falling revenue from exports, and skyrocketing costs at home.
“Farmers are really struggling right now,” Bacon said. “They need tariff relief, or financial aid—like what President Trump wisely provided during his first term.”
No Time to Waste: Lawmaker Urges Trade Expansion to Avert Rural Recession
Bacon stressed that a deal must be reached quickly to avoid deeper pain in the agricultural sector.
“We need to get this settled by summer,” he warned. “If not, we’ll see a full recession across the Midwest farm economy.”
While Bacon supports the President’s efforts to stand strong against foreign exploitation, he believes opening up new markets for American-grown products—particularly beef, soybeans, and corn—could stabilize the rural economy faster.