A widespread lack of awareness regarding American agriculture, which forms the bedrock of our food system, is evident even in my own home. I recently posed a question to one of my sons: “How many dairy farmers do you believe operate in this nation? What about corn, bean, and wheat cultivators?”
His immediate response was “Ten million.” In reality, there are 24,000 dairy farmers and 400,000 agricultural producers. Our internal projections suggest these numbers are poised to decrease further, to 21,000 and 300,000 respectively.
Overall, the current number of farms represents merely 28% of what existed nine decades ago.
This summer, I’ve visited farms nationwide. While observing their optimism and eagerness as they approach harvest, anticipating the fruits of their labor, I also perceived a deep-seated concern this year—a sobering yet pragmatic warning of an impending crisis with no clear refuge.
Currently, grain farmers are navigating the most difficult economic conditions since 2009. Food stability directly impacts national security. Trade routes are undergoing changes. Interest rates remain elevated. Commodity values are declining. The workforce is inadequate and hard to access, and the future of a new Farm Bill, along with its customary protective measures, is uncertain. While some of these challenges are not novel, their intricate interplay and rapid intensification are. It’s not an isolated problem; it’s a confluence of many issues. Farm bankruptcies have approximately , in comparison to last year.
These circumstances impact not only farmers themselves but also the communities they belong to. Just over five years ago, I that farmers were in a state of crisis, largely ignored by America. At that time, I underscored the market volatility and natural catastrophes, and their immediate repercussions on those who supply our food, and crucially, on their residential and working communities.
Certain aspects of the food system and its supporting communities have persistently remained unchanged. In 2024, , a primary indicator of profitability, saw an $8.2 billion reduction—a 5.6% decline, coming after a 19.4% decrease in 2023. Furthermore, the median farm income for farm households is projected to be a negative $328 in 2025. Consider the implications: a full year of dedicated labor resulting in a $328 loss. Most analyses suggest that fewer than 5% of farms will generate a profit this year, marking the third consecutive year of such trends. Indeed, almost 90% of farm families depend on external income to sustain their operations and provide for their households.
The availability of labor and immigration-related concerns are intensifying these difficulties. Moreover, shifting trade policies have closed off certain conventional markets precisely when exports are gaining strength and is advancing towards food self-reliance. Climatic conditions remain a problem, with , , and frequently appearing in news reports.
While technology offers potential solutions, broadband access in rural areas remains insufficient despite the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed in 2021. Twenty percent of rural inhabitants lack access to . The absence of technology severely limits access to healthcare and opportunities for new employment.
Furthermore, the automation of farm operations has reached unprecedented costs. Next year will mark the crop planted in U.S. history. While commodity grain prices persist at low levels, agricultural input expenses are escalating. Farmers accumulated savings and made investments four years ago when strong commodity markets offered some profitability and natural disaster aid was available. For many, these reserves are now depleted.
With private equity firms increasingly acquiring farmland financially, consolidation patterns are evolving. In Iowa alone, of its 30 million acres of agricultural land are slated for ownership change. When corporations, rather than families, own farms, local communities decline. Contract farming fails to foster deep community connections.
Additionally, the farming population is aging. There are individuals aged 75 and above than those under 35. As a cooperative owned by farmers, we observe numerous members striving diligently to retain their farms within their families.
Although consumers might not yet fully grasp the implications of the looming challenges for U.S. agriculture, their awareness is crucial.
I frequently emphasize the need to prioritize policy over politics. This situation is not political; it’s a matter of practicality. These issues have developed over decades. Historically, the American food system has been characterized by stability, safety, and affordability. Farmers have consistently borne the most significant risks within the food supply chain, and this burden is becoming intolerably heavy, with no foreseeable relief.
What actions can be taken? We require a strong trade strategy that facilitates market entry for U.S. goods. We need immigration reform that simultaneously ensures border security and addresses our labor shortages. Furthermore, a new Farm Bill is essential to offer stability to American farmers during this unpredictable period. These are the primary catalysts, though certainly, other avenues for assistance exist.
Farmers exhibit resilience, fortitude, and practicality. Incidentally, 20% of the U.S. populace resides in rural America, and they account for 44% of military personnel. A strong sense of service is deeply embedded within the farming community.
It is imperative that we heed the approaching crisis before it becomes irreversible.
This is the message I convey to my children during our family meals.
