Decades ago, during my college years, I worked as a lowly seasonal GS-4 field tech for NRCS, back when it was known as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS). It opened my eyes to the many ways our government has supported big and small farmers as well as urban homeowners across the USA since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. SCS worked with county soil and water conservation districts, farm bureaus, cooperative extensions, 4-H clubs to ensure that there was efficient use of federal, state and county funds accessible for citizens to effectively manage the natural resources of their farms and homesteads.
My boss was an ex-Marine who would greet us in the office every morning with a booming voice from his wiry 5 foot 5 inch body with "Morning folks! It's a great day to save the soil!"
He inspired me to want to be an environmental scientist. My career direction was slightly altered when Ronald Reagan and his administration decided that there was no such thing as acid rain and froze hiring in the USDA, EPA along with firing air traffic controllers. That created an immediate chilling effect on state, local and private companies who had been improving air, soil and water quality because of the Clean Air and Water regulations instituted from the Nixon years (oh, the irony). Reagan disregarded years of research (some of which I participated in as a college student) that showed damage to forests, acidification of lakes, streams and soils, devastating effects on aquatic life forms including salmon and trout eggs.
The impact of Reagan and Bush's policies on environmental quality affected not just farmers but also industries connected to fisheries, forestry, wildlife and national parks. Agribusiness and tourism (ex. fishing and hunting, camping in national parks) were and still are beneficiaries of the 80+ years of research, regulations and resource management practices of the USDA & other agencies that manage natural resources. This is R&D that most private companies don't like to spend money on because they are myopic in their focus on short-term financial gains. Here we are 40 years after Reagan's ignorant decision and watching it play out again with greater stupidity and viciousness. I hope that farmers and all the others who voted for Trump realize how much his actions will damage not just their livelihood but also entire economy and the environment. I was fortunate to still be an environmentalist as a science teacher for 30+ years. I still admire the hard work and dedication that public employees do to protect our natural resources. We all need to fight these insane actions otherwise we'll potentially face more environmental disasters than the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.
This is an amazing comment. Thank you for the history. I wasn’t aware of what happened during the Reagan years (was a blissful teenager then). But this all tracks, very much so.
I think our earth and country wouldn't be such an environmental disaster waiting in the wings if not for all the Republican administrations, who discarded regulations designed to preserve and protect our air, water and soil.
What's really frustrating is the money that was being dispersed under Biden's IRA (which now appears to be largely cancelled) was making really good strides toward addressing environmental issues. I think that most people in U.S ag, even those working in "Big Ag" would say that there has been a real shift happening with farmers, even large conventional farmers, to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. Biden was smart to promote his grant monies as not specific to climate change (which is still a hot topic button in many of the Red agricultural states) but focused instead on things like "climate resiliency." It was creating a 'safe space' (for lack of a better word) for farmers to come to the climate change/environmental table in a way that they felt comfortable with and could buy into. Sigh.
It's ridiculous that the government had to coddle red state farmers by changing the verbage from climate change to 'climate resiliency' so that they might, just maybe, consider not polluting their own land, water and air, all while giving them money.
I had forgotten about the hiring freezes beyond ATC. You reminded me of what a veterinarian told me. She inspected meat before processing, and they cut many of those jobs. That has an immediate impact on food safety! No more inspecting every carcass. From then on, it was only a few from each allotment.
And food handling requirements expect people will cook chicken thoroughly, to kill bacteria such as salmonella. (Drives me nuts when people pronounce the L in the word.)
Anyway we can get this published elsewhere? Off the cuff here, but if everyone aboard sent it to their local media—big and little—with contributor Bell’s permission and byline…. What do yous think?
I have no problem with folks sharing my post. Folks need to know that even though our country's past and present is problematic with how it has not treated all farmers fairly, (ex. black and small subsistence farmers), there are many hard working federal, state and local employees who have tried to implement programs legislated and funded with our taxes to benefit ALL of us and not just the privileged few. People also need to look at which huge agri-businesses are unfairly benefiting from loopholes at the expense of everyone else.
You also assume that all the FAFOs are from liberals- i think that is a dangerous classification- we have to stop the division. I’m an independent and vote based on issues and what I think is best for the country. My spouse is a 30 year navy vet, i grew up in a rural area and worked in the hay fields summers starting at 11 when my dad took over my step moms family farm.
I would also say FAFO! however I do agree it’s not super helpful. It comes from anger and feeling betrayed by our fellow Americans. There is responsibility and accountability people need to take for their choices. Casting a vote matters and impacts the entire country. My feeling is being stubborn is a a way to avoid taking responsibility
Regardless our current issues aren’t liberal vs conservative- it’s democracy vs fascism.
Yup all I can conclude is they are racist sexist and fascist. They mistake tough talk for power and power for respect. Just because you talk loud doesnt make you powerful and because you are a bully doesn’t mean people respect you
It's hard to be kind towards farmers or anyone else who voted Trump. I'm a rancher myself working with an endangered breed. Grant and donation funded non-profit. The votes of those bozos probably signal the final extinction of the breed I've been nurturing for fifteen years. It's hard for me not to be bitter and want some payback for what is happening.
Yes although I try to realize that this was not the plan. Many of them, like that poor young man in Missouri, Skylar Holden, who's close to losing his ranch because the grant he'd gotten now will not reimburse on receipts, just didn't pay enough attention to what and who they were voting for.
Or at least admit they were lied to. I think that's why Skylar is getting so much push back and negativity, because he's still almost protecting Trump. But he's in a terrifying spot. Spent $80,000 and now Musk has turned off the grant that was supposed to repay a good chunk of that.
I fear that Musk is the Straw Man for Trump-- when it all goes South--people wil blame him, not Donnie.. Once again, DJT will cast off a minion and skate on and on.
Skylar had no problem with his own hypocrisy of excepting a helping hand=handout from the government but voted to keep others from receiving help?!
And now he is feeling the same desperation as those he voted against?!!
I will welcome his help with saving our country, but it's too soon after hearing that my son is probably going to lose his funding for his research for me to feel badly for anyone who voted for this.
You are the one’s that have been lied to. You’ve been lied to for so long and so thoroughly that you actually don’t know what the fuck is going on anymore.
Yes, because it didn't need to be this hard, but now that it is, they definitely should be helping the rest of us with saving democracy and our country.
This will set American agriculture back a generation if not more. I'm sorry, but I have zero sympathy for any farmer who voted for Trump. There was a 900+ page document that laid out exactly what the plan was. Anyone who believed Trump when he said he didn't know anything about Project 2025 is a gullible fool. I've been involved in agriculture my entire life and I'm 64 now. I was able to see the handwriting on the wall if he was elected, but too many of my rural acquaintances are so tired in the fox news right wing bubble that they would never vote for a Democrat, especially a black woman. Unfortunately this is just going to enable Big Ag to buy up more farms for pennies on the dollar and further gut rural America. Elections have consequences and unfortunately we are all having to pay the price. If you don't already, I suggest subscribing to Jess Piper and Art Cullen on Substack for excellent views from rural communities.
The farmers need to descend en masse at the white house with their tractors and combined and other heavy equipment and congress in protest and blockade congressional offices and white house offices until funding is restored and staffing is restored. Honest have no sympathy for their role in enabling this coup and collapse. They proved to be Trump’s useful idiots who he is steamrolling out of greed grift and personal spite
This would also bring more public awareness to the devastating and cruel impact T’s actions are having on our nation’s food supply and ultimately our own access to groceries
Europe in general. In Poland, last summer, farmers were protesting the ’green deal’ ( which is shortsighted in this case), they dumped manure in front of the Congress and blocked the roads until they got what they wanted. In our case US farmers should find their spine and understand what’s good for them and do the exactly same thing.
Not only did they fuck themselves, but they fucked all the rest of us as well. So, no I have little or no sympathy for anyone who voted for trump and is finally realizing they are going to pay for it. And if they are so ignorant and self-absorbed that they would be even more stubborn and double down when they receive push back, they are a lost cause. Yes, I want these insane policies reversed, but those that brought need reversing too.
Trevor, it’s not ignorance and it’s not self-serving. At least when it comes to farmers and ranchers. It’s basically generations of being trodden upon by the U.S. government, and to a large extent, U.S. consumers plus a huge dose of a major communication gap between rural and urban communities. But, it would take too long for me to explain this in a comment. However, I do plan to address the question of “why did U.S. farmers vote for Trump” in a soon to come post.
Given the large subsidies and programs to give them access to foreign markets , Schools lunch snap other programs- they are some of the most subsidized groups in America. I grew up on a family farm before you bash me. Bottom line the GOP is for big business and $$ they don’t give a shit about the little guy - stubbornness and unwillingness to accept reality will get them more of the same
Yes I have a ton of empathy- for everyone in this country. This election was very clearly about democracy and decency. It was a fight for democracy and freedoms . This was known so their being stubborn is actually their issue - but now they have made it everyone’s we will all pay for their stubbornness.
Biden passed laws to help modernize and improve farming yet they kick the gift horse in mouth and complain they are loosing grants passed by the prior administration - my question what the hell do you want cause it isn’t coming for anyone in the GOP
We all have to work together to turn this around - this means they need to work with us and need to be open to hearing and accepting the truth if they cannot do that we can’t help them
No desire to shame them but we can’t pull punches anymore- we are in a fight for everything this country used to stand for they either stand with us and help rectify the current situation or we will all lose everything
I am over being mad - my question is are they willing to get beyond their stubbornness to work w all of us Or will they continue to cut off their nose to spite their face
Pride will be the end of them. Humility and willingness to join the fight might save us all
Yes, and if all the votes for Kamala Harris had been counted, rather being tossed, and voter registrations being cancelled In Georgia and other states, then she would have won by 3.5%. A forensic economist, Greg Palast, said this several times in the news. He's on Substack.
I really hope you do explain. Approximately nine year ago, my husband and I permanently moved to our modest lake house in a rural area of Michigan —mostly agriculture (corn, sugar beets). We both have lived in many states-and either in the city or suburbs, so as you can imagine that along with the joy of having a Great Lake as our front yard, that was also considerable culture shock. The farmers here are incredibly wealthy, so there is no down trodden masses—what there is are Confederate Flags, Militia, outright racism, and homophobia. If you are not white, heterosexual and evangelical or Catholic, you are ostracized—and I am referencing people who have lived here their entire life—the locals were more welcoming of us (to a certain degree) than they would be to a relative who was gay. The minute Trump entered the picture, it was as if it was a signal to be loud and proud of their intolerance—to say out loud what had been assumed and understood at a deafening volume. I am following your SubStack in hopes of understanding how these people who I thought were fundamentally good are not. I am not writing this in anger, just complete dismay, and desiring to understand the “why”. Thank you in advance for any insight you can provide.
Yes I actually ranch, too, but a non-profit. And have a friend who does too. Same indigenous endangered breed. We both get a lot of racism directed our way. I actually get it from both sides since I'm white with an indigenous partner. The level of racism has gotten really extreme the last few years. Why? What happened?
I'm sorry. And yes, I think it has gotten worse in the last few years. Which really kills me. A former farm manager of mine is a Black American, extremely knowledgable and passionate about food systems. She was really making a difference. She is so, so disheartened and feeling, quite honestly, betrayed right now. I can't blame her. I can't say I experienced too much sexism in my farming experiences, but I am a white woman, which certainly has protected me to a certain extent. Also, I farmed in the PacNW (Washington State) which is definitely a progressive bubble.
I meant to bring that up in my original post-I have definitely noticed a distinct lack of misogyny here—the women are strong and independent—and some are college educated—why they would support that narcissistic sociopathic sex offender felon is just beyond my comprehension. ***My husband and I are white, I assume that is why we have never personally experienced discord in the community—I am definitely a people person and would never hurt anyone’s feelings -but in conversation, I am very clear that I will not tolerate racist language —and everyone has respected.
I would like to read that. I'm in a very different situation being part of a non-profit. So in my situation, Trump was never a logical option. But I'd like to hear why farmers generally thought Trump was a good idea, especially with so many of them having gotten the infrastructure grants the reimbursement for which is now being cut off.
I think we need your explanation of why you believe farmers were trodden on by the government. As a non-farmer, admitting no expertise, it looks like an industry that sucks at the teat of the American taxpayer. What am I missing? Are we still paying farmers to produce more goods than the market needs? Thx!
Sorry but out west the ranchers have come to expect cheap grazing fees on National Forest and BLM lands. Research clearly shows cattle, sheep grazing causes massive upheaval to existing ecosystem. Clearly these animals were never meant to be in these systems. Oh and remember Amon Bundy and the thugs like him. Welfare ranching in the west
I would love to understand the “why” because that information can help us better communicate with and support everyone who is being hurt by the administration policies. Write it, and even better, do a podcast with The Contrarian, Jim Acosta, and others who have large followings. We need to cast help, not blame. Yes, I am pissed at every dumb f**k who voted for the criminal, but we need allies instead of enemies. They win by widening the gap.
As to rural vs urban understandings or misunderstandings, or disconects, it goes back millenia. Romans, Chinese Arabs, etc. Both need each other. But in today's america farmers didn't see the good they already had. Rural folk need to look in the mirror.
If they were being trod on so hard by the government, why would they be suffering now from the cutting of funds? So it is ignorance, and it is self serving, and it is their just desserts. Very sad for the ones who saw it and made the right choice but are still being punished.
Strange when government provides grants, assistance, etc. to farmers it is for the good of societ,y but when the government assists regular urban citizens that is socialism and they should pull themselves up by their bootstraps. I do have empathy for the farmers my past relatives were farmers but it is hard to have sympathy when they would not care if it was happening to others. Hopefully the spell of Trump and MAGA will be broken soon, if not I fear for America.
Hi Georgie, thank you for your work. The thing I’ve noticed about Republican voters is that when bad shit happens to them, they find a way to blame democrats. Do you see this in your community, or are the Republicans around you starting to understand that these actions are due to the Trump/Musk administration?
Oh yes. It drives me crazy. It's mainly because their information sources are so, so SO biased, and they don't even realize it. Have you gone to Fox News lately? It's like they're reporting on a whole different country. This is a major problem.
To be clear I support them and feel for them and if we need better communication or whatever it is we of course need to address
Regardless this election was a referendum on democracy- Trump didn’t hide his plans he tried but come on we could all read project 2025 which is the blueprint written by people former in trumps administration
Too many people wanted to avoids facts ans uncomfortable truths.
Sadly not an excuse - his campaign was full of hate. The prior administration enacted legislation to help them.
Immigrants aren’t the ones committing the violent crimes - Americans do that , most drugs come over the border in American vehicles or American drug mules. Pronouns while potentially annoying hurt no one and it’s this generations thing like burning bras in the 1960s. I remember a visa commercial in the -1990a celebrating the men who dressed as women to go to redskins games
The economy was strong , inflation was a worldwide issue and we were recovering faster
They listen to what Fox News tells them how they should think and they did as they were told - checking critical thinking out thr door
A democracy that assumes a level of competence from its electorate can’t exist without critical thought. It’s everyone’s responsibility
Have the same ire for those that didn’t vote.
Fear isn’t a reason for voting for fascism. Every person - mark milley bill barr and everyone from
His prior administration said he was a fascist. He is a convicted felon - by a jury of his peers. He tried to overthrow the government on Jan 6
There is no excuse. Even is like some of his policies his prior behavior and behavior since make him unqualified.
After all of that I can only conclude they are racist sexist and unamerican
Again at this point we are here - how are they going to join the fight ?
I am old enough to remember farm aid and how all of us have rallied around them over and over. They betrayed us they put a felon and a grifter in office. Why? because he talks tough- talking tough doesn’t build bridges and coalitions w out allies, doesn’t bring them markets for their crops because they were afraid of ???
I have seen some say well I did an online quiz to see who to vote for - like from where the heritage foundation? Abdicating their personal responsibility
All this accomplishes nothing I can accept they made a mistake and backed the wrong horse but they need to stand up and be part of the solution .
We will all pay for this - how do you think my spouse who is a 30 year navy vet feels where his entire career defending the ideals of America is now trash all because of what?
So, I know that if they eliminated the many contracts that Elon Musk has the government would save much more money without wrecking the economy by letting the skilled talent of professional government employees go. These and all the other crazy actions are destructive to the country. Please everyone, especially anyone who voted for Mr. Trump, contact your Congress Representative, they can stop this idiocrasy. Your voice is essential.
I was somehow unaware that *rump got a lot of votes from the farming sector. Doesn’t matter. The fact is that many folks who voted for him are going to suffer the same consequences as those of us who didn’t. We would be wise to reach out a hand and conduct ourselves in a way that jus might help move some of those folks over to the other side, ensuring that we have a landslide shift to blue in 2026. “I told you so” is not helpful right how and does nothing but further alienate. It’s incredibly difficult, no doubt (I’m having a hard time even seeing a couple family members who voted for *rump,) but if we can somehow use this as an opportunity to gain a majority in the senate and the house in ‘26, we’ve got to reach out.
I appreciate your thoughtful insights and reporting. At the end of the day, farmers and farm workers put the food on our tables. It’s a hard, demanding, and often scary way of life. Let’s draw them in with empathy and understanding, rather than fencing them out with arrogance. As someone better than me once wrote, “If you can be right or be kind, be kind.” Lord knows kindness feels downright subversive with this administration.
I live in a red state. Farmers work their asses off, they get married, they reproduce, the wives work in town for insurance and also take care of the kids and the household. They are the most dedicated people and don't deserve to be treated the way Trump and Musk are treating them.
I feel such empathy for those in the midst of this chaos. It has yet to touch me, but I know it
will... even indirectly. I am in a completely blue state, yet I still call and "harrass" my Reps and Senators. Are the Farmers equally up in arms? Do they act on their frustrations and anger?
I would characterize it as 'growing concern.' The first reactions, amongst the Trump-supporting farmers at least, have been "oh this is just a temporary roadblock and finding waste and corruption is a good thing, it will all shake out." And there's been feeling amongst many of the crop and trade organizations that major impacts - like the USAID cancellation of $2 billion in U.S. crop purchases - will be fixed, they just need to make sure the administration knows about it.
But the longer the 'temporary roadblocks' turn into permanent consequences, and the 'fixes' proposed by Republican politicians are ignored and dismissed, the more the rumbles are going to start turning into a roar. This has been something I've been watching closely in the ag trades reporting. These are the publications that largely have a very conservative readership. When they start actively reporting on "discontent," I think we can say the tide is turning.
To your point, I must say that I am heartily encouraged by the fact that industry trade publications (e.g. Meat and Poultry) are already beginning to report how the Trump administration has failed to make good on existing Federal reimbursement obligations (in this case referring to Federal "capacity" grants provided to regional meat processing facilities on a competitively-selected basis to help upgrade their physical infrastructure and expand their business).
Thank you for this explanation of all the USDA departments and functions. While I lived in a farming community when I was very young, I'm a city dweller. These cuts will severely impact the ag industry.
As wait times increase and loans aren't approved, remember to contact your congresspeople to "help" with government agencies. The more they hear from their constituents, the more they are likely to act.
Decades ago, during my college years, I worked as a lowly seasonal GS-4 field tech for NRCS, back when it was known as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS). It opened my eyes to the many ways our government has supported big and small farmers as well as urban homeowners across the USA since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. SCS worked with county soil and water conservation districts, farm bureaus, cooperative extensions, 4-H clubs to ensure that there was efficient use of federal, state and county funds accessible for citizens to effectively manage the natural resources of their farms and homesteads.
My boss was an ex-Marine who would greet us in the office every morning with a booming voice from his wiry 5 foot 5 inch body with "Morning folks! It's a great day to save the soil!"
He inspired me to want to be an environmental scientist. My career direction was slightly altered when Ronald Reagan and his administration decided that there was no such thing as acid rain and froze hiring in the USDA, EPA along with firing air traffic controllers. That created an immediate chilling effect on state, local and private companies who had been improving air, soil and water quality because of the Clean Air and Water regulations instituted from the Nixon years (oh, the irony). Reagan disregarded years of research (some of which I participated in as a college student) that showed damage to forests, acidification of lakes, streams and soils, devastating effects on aquatic life forms including salmon and trout eggs.
The impact of Reagan and Bush's policies on environmental quality affected not just farmers but also industries connected to fisheries, forestry, wildlife and national parks. Agribusiness and tourism (ex. fishing and hunting, camping in national parks) were and still are beneficiaries of the 80+ years of research, regulations and resource management practices of the USDA & other agencies that manage natural resources. This is R&D that most private companies don't like to spend money on because they are myopic in their focus on short-term financial gains. Here we are 40 years after Reagan's ignorant decision and watching it play out again with greater stupidity and viciousness. I hope that farmers and all the others who voted for Trump realize how much his actions will damage not just their livelihood but also entire economy and the environment. I was fortunate to still be an environmentalist as a science teacher for 30+ years. I still admire the hard work and dedication that public employees do to protect our natural resources. We all need to fight these insane actions otherwise we'll potentially face more environmental disasters than the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.
This is an amazing comment. Thank you for the history. I wasn’t aware of what happened during the Reagan years (was a blissful teenager then). But this all tracks, very much so.
I think our earth and country wouldn't be such an environmental disaster waiting in the wings if not for all the Republican administrations, who discarded regulations designed to preserve and protect our air, water and soil.
What's really frustrating is the money that was being dispersed under Biden's IRA (which now appears to be largely cancelled) was making really good strides toward addressing environmental issues. I think that most people in U.S ag, even those working in "Big Ag" would say that there has been a real shift happening with farmers, even large conventional farmers, to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. Biden was smart to promote his grant monies as not specific to climate change (which is still a hot topic button in many of the Red agricultural states) but focused instead on things like "climate resiliency." It was creating a 'safe space' (for lack of a better word) for farmers to come to the climate change/environmental table in a way that they felt comfortable with and could buy into. Sigh.
It's ridiculous that the government had to coddle red state farmers by changing the verbage from climate change to 'climate resiliency' so that they might, just maybe, consider not polluting their own land, water and air, all while giving them money.
Did I get that right?
They are eagerly from the hand, then spat on it. That's quite hard to sympathise with.
I had forgotten about the hiring freezes beyond ATC. You reminded me of what a veterinarian told me. She inspected meat before processing, and they cut many of those jobs. That has an immediate impact on food safety! No more inspecting every carcass. From then on, it was only a few from each allotment.
And food handling requirements expect people will cook chicken thoroughly, to kill bacteria such as salmonella. (Drives me nuts when people pronounce the L in the word.)
Anyway we can get this published elsewhere? Off the cuff here, but if everyone aboard sent it to their local media—big and little—with contributor Bell’s permission and byline…. What do yous think?
I have no problem with folks sharing my post. Folks need to know that even though our country's past and present is problematic with how it has not treated all farmers fairly, (ex. black and small subsistence farmers), there are many hard working federal, state and local employees who have tried to implement programs legislated and funded with our taxes to benefit ALL of us and not just the privileged few. People also need to look at which huge agri-businesses are unfairly benefiting from loopholes at the expense of everyone else.
Send it to every farm bureau
You also assume that all the FAFOs are from liberals- i think that is a dangerous classification- we have to stop the division. I’m an independent and vote based on issues and what I think is best for the country. My spouse is a 30 year navy vet, i grew up in a rural area and worked in the hay fields summers starting at 11 when my dad took over my step moms family farm.
I would also say FAFO! however I do agree it’s not super helpful. It comes from anger and feeling betrayed by our fellow Americans. There is responsibility and accountability people need to take for their choices. Casting a vote matters and impacts the entire country. My feeling is being stubborn is a a way to avoid taking responsibility
Regardless our current issues aren’t liberal vs conservative- it’s democracy vs fascism.
Good point
Yup all I can conclude is they are racist sexist and fascist. They mistake tough talk for power and power for respect. Just because you talk loud doesnt make you powerful and because you are a bully doesn’t mean people respect you
They literally bet the farm.
Yes… but Trump lied in his first administration and they still wanted him in if they voted for him they reap what they sow.. Just a fact.
…two party system is only one step to autocracy - FACT
…under regime every aspect of our lives will be politicized and weaponized against each other without any consequences for the regime
It's hard to be kind towards farmers or anyone else who voted Trump. I'm a rancher myself working with an endangered breed. Grant and donation funded non-profit. The votes of those bozos probably signal the final extinction of the breed I've been nurturing for fifteen years. It's hard for me not to be bitter and want some payback for what is happening.
I’m so sorry. I love working with endangered breeds as well.
Yes although I try to realize that this was not the plan. Many of them, like that poor young man in Missouri, Skylar Holden, who's close to losing his ranch because the grant he'd gotten now will not reimburse on receipts, just didn't pay enough attention to what and who they were voting for.
I'd like to know they are fighting back, as we are even when not Farmers.
We are all in this together, but I'd like to know they feel betrayed, too.
Or at least admit they were lied to. I think that's why Skylar is getting so much push back and negativity, because he's still almost protecting Trump. But he's in a terrifying spot. Spent $80,000 and now Musk has turned off the grant that was supposed to repay a good chunk of that.
Yes. I think the first step is for U.S. farmers to acknowledge they've been had.
I fear that Musk is the Straw Man for Trump-- when it all goes South--people wil blame him, not Donnie.. Once again, DJT will cast off a minion and skate on and on.
Wait!
Skylar had no problem with his own hypocrisy of excepting a helping hand=handout from the government but voted to keep others from receiving help?!
And now he is feeling the same desperation as those he voted against?!!
I will welcome his help with saving our country, but it's too soon after hearing that my son is probably going to lose his funding for his research for me to feel badly for anyone who voted for this.
You are the one’s that have been lied to. You’ve been lied to for so long and so thoroughly that you actually don’t know what the fuck is going on anymore.
Yes, because it didn't need to be this hard, but now that it is, they definitely should be helping the rest of us with saving democracy and our country.
This will set American agriculture back a generation if not more. I'm sorry, but I have zero sympathy for any farmer who voted for Trump. There was a 900+ page document that laid out exactly what the plan was. Anyone who believed Trump when he said he didn't know anything about Project 2025 is a gullible fool. I've been involved in agriculture my entire life and I'm 64 now. I was able to see the handwriting on the wall if he was elected, but too many of my rural acquaintances are so tired in the fox news right wing bubble that they would never vote for a Democrat, especially a black woman. Unfortunately this is just going to enable Big Ag to buy up more farms for pennies on the dollar and further gut rural America. Elections have consequences and unfortunately we are all having to pay the price. If you don't already, I suggest subscribing to Jess Piper and Art Cullen on Substack for excellent views from rural communities.
Thanks
The farmers need to descend en masse at the white house with their tractors and combined and other heavy equipment and congress in protest and blockade congressional offices and white house offices until funding is restored and staffing is restored. Honest have no sympathy for their role in enabling this coup and collapse. They proved to be Trump’s useful idiots who he is steamrolling out of greed grift and personal spite
This is done pretty often in France by farmers. Loads of potatoes blocking roads etc. Why not here? Who could organize that?
This would also bring more public awareness to the devastating and cruel impact T’s actions are having on our nation’s food supply and ultimately our own access to groceries
That is the way to do it.
Yes, take those tractors to the white house.
Tractors full of manure would be a nice touch
Yes I have friends who are farmers in the Netherlands. They also do this to protest anti farm policy
Would happen in France in a heartbeat. Most farmers/ranchers voted for this, correct?
Europe in general. In Poland, last summer, farmers were protesting the ’green deal’ ( which is shortsighted in this case), they dumped manure in front of the Congress and blocked the roads until they got what they wanted. In our case US farmers should find their spine and understand what’s good for them and do the exactly same thing.
Not only did they fuck themselves, but they fucked all the rest of us as well. So, no I have little or no sympathy for anyone who voted for trump and is finally realizing they are going to pay for it. And if they are so ignorant and self-absorbed that they would be even more stubborn and double down when they receive push back, they are a lost cause. Yes, I want these insane policies reversed, but those that brought need reversing too.
Trevor, it’s not ignorance and it’s not self-serving. At least when it comes to farmers and ranchers. It’s basically generations of being trodden upon by the U.S. government, and to a large extent, U.S. consumers plus a huge dose of a major communication gap between rural and urban communities. But, it would take too long for me to explain this in a comment. However, I do plan to address the question of “why did U.S. farmers vote for Trump” in a soon to come post.
Given the large subsidies and programs to give them access to foreign markets , Schools lunch snap other programs- they are some of the most subsidized groups in America. I grew up on a family farm before you bash me. Bottom line the GOP is for big business and $$ they don’t give a shit about the little guy - stubbornness and unwillingness to accept reality will get them more of the same
Yes I have a ton of empathy- for everyone in this country. This election was very clearly about democracy and decency. It was a fight for democracy and freedoms . This was known so their being stubborn is actually their issue - but now they have made it everyone’s we will all pay for their stubbornness.
Biden passed laws to help modernize and improve farming yet they kick the gift horse in mouth and complain they are loosing grants passed by the prior administration - my question what the hell do you want cause it isn’t coming for anyone in the GOP
We all have to work together to turn this around - this means they need to work with us and need to be open to hearing and accepting the truth if they cannot do that we can’t help them
No desire to shame them but we can’t pull punches anymore- we are in a fight for everything this country used to stand for they either stand with us and help rectify the current situation or we will all lose everything
I am over being mad - my question is are they willing to get beyond their stubbornness to work w all of us Or will they continue to cut off their nose to spite their face
Pride will be the end of them. Humility and willingness to join the fight might save us all
Yes, and if all the votes for Kamala Harris had been counted, rather being tossed, and voter registrations being cancelled In Georgia and other states, then she would have won by 3.5%. A forensic economist, Greg Palast, said this several times in the news. He's on Substack.
I really hope you do explain. Approximately nine year ago, my husband and I permanently moved to our modest lake house in a rural area of Michigan —mostly agriculture (corn, sugar beets). We both have lived in many states-and either in the city or suburbs, so as you can imagine that along with the joy of having a Great Lake as our front yard, that was also considerable culture shock. The farmers here are incredibly wealthy, so there is no down trodden masses—what there is are Confederate Flags, Militia, outright racism, and homophobia. If you are not white, heterosexual and evangelical or Catholic, you are ostracized—and I am referencing people who have lived here their entire life—the locals were more welcoming of us (to a certain degree) than they would be to a relative who was gay. The minute Trump entered the picture, it was as if it was a signal to be loud and proud of their intolerance—to say out loud what had been assumed and understood at a deafening volume. I am following your SubStack in hopes of understanding how these people who I thought were fundamentally good are not. I am not writing this in anger, just complete dismay, and desiring to understand the “why”. Thank you in advance for any insight you can provide.
I promise, that post is coming!
Yes I actually ranch, too, but a non-profit. And have a friend who does too. Same indigenous endangered breed. We both get a lot of racism directed our way. I actually get it from both sides since I'm white with an indigenous partner. The level of racism has gotten really extreme the last few years. Why? What happened?
I'm sorry. And yes, I think it has gotten worse in the last few years. Which really kills me. A former farm manager of mine is a Black American, extremely knowledgable and passionate about food systems. She was really making a difference. She is so, so disheartened and feeling, quite honestly, betrayed right now. I can't blame her. I can't say I experienced too much sexism in my farming experiences, but I am a white woman, which certainly has protected me to a certain extent. Also, I farmed in the PacNW (Washington State) which is definitely a progressive bubble.
I meant to bring that up in my original post-I have definitely noticed a distinct lack of misogyny here—the women are strong and independent—and some are college educated—why they would support that narcissistic sociopathic sex offender felon is just beyond my comprehension. ***My husband and I are white, I assume that is why we have never personally experienced discord in the community—I am definitely a people person and would never hurt anyone’s feelings -but in conversation, I am very clear that I will not tolerate racist language —and everyone has respected.
Wow. We are so broken.
I would like to read that. I'm in a very different situation being part of a non-profit. So in my situation, Trump was never a logical option. But I'd like to hear why farmers generally thought Trump was a good idea, especially with so many of them having gotten the infrastructure grants the reimbursement for which is now being cut off.
I think we need your explanation of why you believe farmers were trodden on by the government. As a non-farmer, admitting no expertise, it looks like an industry that sucks at the teat of the American taxpayer. What am I missing? Are we still paying farmers to produce more goods than the market needs? Thx!
Yes, would also love to understand this better too.
Sorry but out west the ranchers have come to expect cheap grazing fees on National Forest and BLM lands. Research clearly shows cattle, sheep grazing causes massive upheaval to existing ecosystem. Clearly these animals were never meant to be in these systems. Oh and remember Amon Bundy and the thugs like him. Welfare ranching in the west
I would love to understand the “why” because that information can help us better communicate with and support everyone who is being hurt by the administration policies. Write it, and even better, do a podcast with The Contrarian, Jim Acosta, and others who have large followings. We need to cast help, not blame. Yes, I am pissed at every dumb f**k who voted for the criminal, but we need allies instead of enemies. They win by widening the gap.
As to rural vs urban understandings or misunderstandings, or disconects, it goes back millenia. Romans, Chinese Arabs, etc. Both need each other. But in today's america farmers didn't see the good they already had. Rural folk need to look in the mirror.
If they were being trod on so hard by the government, why would they be suffering now from the cutting of funds? So it is ignorance, and it is self serving, and it is their just desserts. Very sad for the ones who saw it and made the right choice but are still being punished.
To all the MAGAts out there who are being impacted by trump’s insanity - welcome to Drumpfshitistan.
Cant wait for the failing rural hospitals to close due to lack of funding 😂
My EMPATHY gene has been suppressed by your vote.
Yes! I recently joined Bluesky - @farmergeorgie.bsky.social
Thank you for sharing!
Strange when government provides grants, assistance, etc. to farmers it is for the good of societ,y but when the government assists regular urban citizens that is socialism and they should pull themselves up by their bootstraps. I do have empathy for the farmers my past relatives were farmers but it is hard to have sympathy when they would not care if it was happening to others. Hopefully the spell of Trump and MAGA will be broken soon, if not I fear for America.
Hi Georgie, thank you for your work. The thing I’ve noticed about Republican voters is that when bad shit happens to them, they find a way to blame democrats. Do you see this in your community, or are the Republicans around you starting to understand that these actions are due to the Trump/Musk administration?
Oh yes. It drives me crazy. It's mainly because their information sources are so, so SO biased, and they don't even realize it. Have you gone to Fox News lately? It's like they're reporting on a whole different country. This is a major problem.
To all the MAGAts out there who are being impacted by trump’s insanity - welcome to Drumpfshitistan.
Cant wait for the failing rural hospitals to close due to lack of funding 😂
My EMPATHY gene has been suppressed by your vote.
To be clear I support them and feel for them and if we need better communication or whatever it is we of course need to address
Regardless this election was a referendum on democracy- Trump didn’t hide his plans he tried but come on we could all read project 2025 which is the blueprint written by people former in trumps administration
Too many people wanted to avoids facts ans uncomfortable truths.
Agreed. He played to their fears and they let him.
Sadly not an excuse - his campaign was full of hate. The prior administration enacted legislation to help them.
Immigrants aren’t the ones committing the violent crimes - Americans do that , most drugs come over the border in American vehicles or American drug mules. Pronouns while potentially annoying hurt no one and it’s this generations thing like burning bras in the 1960s. I remember a visa commercial in the -1990a celebrating the men who dressed as women to go to redskins games
The economy was strong , inflation was a worldwide issue and we were recovering faster
They listen to what Fox News tells them how they should think and they did as they were told - checking critical thinking out thr door
A democracy that assumes a level of competence from its electorate can’t exist without critical thought. It’s everyone’s responsibility
Have the same ire for those that didn’t vote.
Fear isn’t a reason for voting for fascism. Every person - mark milley bill barr and everyone from
His prior administration said he was a fascist. He is a convicted felon - by a jury of his peers. He tried to overthrow the government on Jan 6
There is no excuse. Even is like some of his policies his prior behavior and behavior since make him unqualified.
After all of that I can only conclude they are racist sexist and unamerican
Again at this point we are here - how are they going to join the fight ?
I am old enough to remember farm aid and how all of us have rallied around them over and over. They betrayed us they put a felon and a grifter in office. Why? because he talks tough- talking tough doesn’t build bridges and coalitions w out allies, doesn’t bring them markets for their crops because they were afraid of ???
I have seen some say well I did an online quiz to see who to vote for - like from where the heritage foundation? Abdicating their personal responsibility
All this accomplishes nothing I can accept they made a mistake and backed the wrong horse but they need to stand up and be part of the solution .
We will all pay for this - how do you think my spouse who is a 30 year navy vet feels where his entire career defending the ideals of America is now trash all because of what?
It comes down to when someone shows you who they are believe them the first time
So how do we fix it?
Project 2025 originated in Obons’ Hungary.
So, I know that if they eliminated the many contracts that Elon Musk has the government would save much more money without wrecking the economy by letting the skilled talent of professional government employees go. These and all the other crazy actions are destructive to the country. Please everyone, especially anyone who voted for Mr. Trump, contact your Congress Representative, they can stop this idiocrasy. Your voice is essential.
I was somehow unaware that *rump got a lot of votes from the farming sector. Doesn’t matter. The fact is that many folks who voted for him are going to suffer the same consequences as those of us who didn’t. We would be wise to reach out a hand and conduct ourselves in a way that jus might help move some of those folks over to the other side, ensuring that we have a landslide shift to blue in 2026. “I told you so” is not helpful right how and does nothing but further alienate. It’s incredibly difficult, no doubt (I’m having a hard time even seeing a couple family members who voted for *rump,) but if we can somehow use this as an opportunity to gain a majority in the senate and the house in ‘26, we’ve got to reach out.
Yes exactly. How we handle this - assuming our country survives - will be a defining moment for the future of U.S. democracy. IMHO
To all the MAGAts out there who are being impacted by trump’s insanity - welcome to Drumpfshitistan.
Cant wait for the failing rural hospitals to close due to lack of funding 😂
My EMPATHY gene has been suppressed by your vote.
I appreciate your thoughtful insights and reporting. At the end of the day, farmers and farm workers put the food on our tables. It’s a hard, demanding, and often scary way of life. Let’s draw them in with empathy and understanding, rather than fencing them out with arrogance. As someone better than me once wrote, “If you can be right or be kind, be kind.” Lord knows kindness feels downright subversive with this administration.
I live in a red state. Farmers work their asses off, they get married, they reproduce, the wives work in town for insurance and also take care of the kids and the household. They are the most dedicated people and don't deserve to be treated the way Trump and Musk are treating them.
I feel such empathy for those in the midst of this chaos. It has yet to touch me, but I know it
will... even indirectly. I am in a completely blue state, yet I still call and "harrass" my Reps and Senators. Are the Farmers equally up in arms? Do they act on their frustrations and anger?
I'd like to know they are....
I would characterize it as 'growing concern.' The first reactions, amongst the Trump-supporting farmers at least, have been "oh this is just a temporary roadblock and finding waste and corruption is a good thing, it will all shake out." And there's been feeling amongst many of the crop and trade organizations that major impacts - like the USAID cancellation of $2 billion in U.S. crop purchases - will be fixed, they just need to make sure the administration knows about it.
But the longer the 'temporary roadblocks' turn into permanent consequences, and the 'fixes' proposed by Republican politicians are ignored and dismissed, the more the rumbles are going to start turning into a roar. This has been something I've been watching closely in the ag trades reporting. These are the publications that largely have a very conservative readership. When they start actively reporting on "discontent," I think we can say the tide is turning.
To your point, I must say that I am heartily encouraged by the fact that industry trade publications (e.g. Meat and Poultry) are already beginning to report how the Trump administration has failed to make good on existing Federal reimbursement obligations (in this case referring to Federal "capacity" grants provided to regional meat processing facilities on a competitively-selected basis to help upgrade their physical infrastructure and expand their business).
Thank you for this explanation of all the USDA departments and functions. While I lived in a farming community when I was very young, I'm a city dweller. These cuts will severely impact the ag industry.
As wait times increase and loans aren't approved, remember to contact your congresspeople to "help" with government agencies. The more they hear from their constituents, the more they are likely to act.