en.Wedoany.com Reported - President Trump visited a farm in Wisconsin and held a discussion with farmer representatives on agricultural issues. The farmers raised specific concerns with the president regarding market monopolies, trade policies, labor shortages, and input costs.
During a panel discussion with farmers and representatives of agricultural businesses, the president highlighted his administration's economic achievements. Steve Rooney of Rooney Grain pointed out that monopolies in the input market are a serious problem for agriculture. He noted that currently, four seed and chemical companies control 78% of the market, three fertilizer companies control 90%, and four beef companies control 85% of the beef market, putting immense pressure on farmers. The president responded that the government is studying measures to address high input costs.
Farmer Ken Custer stated that farmers need to expand markets for their commodities. He believes American farmers can compete with anyone in the world, provided they have a fair trade environment. When discussing trade, Trump cited data: sales to Japan increased by 41%, to the Middle East by 48%, to the European Union by 61%, to South Asia by 63%, and to Australia by 85%. He also said the situation would improve further in about three months. Regarding trade with China, Trump mentioned that he had returned from meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and that China is purchasing billions of dollars' worth of soybeans and other commodities, with these purchases already beginning to show results.
Farmer Dennis Hawkins from Chippewa Falls raised the issue of labor shortages, calling for agricultural labor reform to ensure the availability of willing workers. Hawkins also noted that fuel costs affect every aspect of agricultural production, including all delivered items and truck surcharges. Dairy farmer Syndney Flick said that profit margins are currently thin, and as a dairy farmer, prices are not rebounding as quickly as usual. Combined with high input costs and a sluggish grain market, operations have become more difficult, with only beef prices remaining decent.
Trevor Baier, a sixth-generation dairy farmer from southern Dunn County near Elmwood, said it is good that farmers' opinions can be heard. He expressed hope for the situation to improve in three months as the president promised, and hopes the government will deliver on its commitments. Baier particularly expects that President Trump's three-month goal of improving prices will include opening additional dairy export markets. He believes that if a dairy trade agreement can be reached to raise prices, that would be the most direct way for dairy farmers to benefit.
Another farmer, Randy Koller, said he would monitor whether the president can drive progress on several key issues within the set three-month goal. Also attending the discussion were Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson, Representatives Tom Tiffany and Derrick Van Orden, former football player Joe Thomas, and Olympic gold medalist speed skater Jordan Stolz. The meeting was held at Custer Farms west of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
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