By Jamie Martin
Farmers gathered in Westby, Wisconsin, to share concerns about tariffs, low prices, and transportation bottlenecks during a Farmers for Free Trade listening session. The event was part of the Motorcade for Trade tour, designed to gather farmer perspectives across the Midwest before heading to Washington, D.C.
Executive Director Brian Kuehl said the aim is to bring farmer voices directly to Congress, noting that “great countries keep their word” when it comes to honoring trade deals. He pointed to the 2024 USMCA ruling on Mexico’s GMO corn restrictions as proof of why consistent, science-based enforcement matters.
Kuehl and other speakers cautioned that launching tariff disputes with allies undermines leverage against larger competitors like China. State Senator Brad Paff linked trade disruptions to everyday costs for families, calling for policies that balance global trade with domestic opportunities such as sustainable aviation fuel.
Host farmer and Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden said rapid price drops are creating uncertainty for many. He stressed the need for congressional action on the farm bill to restore farmer confidence.
Craig Meyer, a farmer near Osceola, highlighted export challenges as Mississippi River routes approach freeze-up, leaving producers scrambling for storage due to weak basis levels.
Wisconsin Soybean Association Director Sara Stelter shared that checkoff programs are supporting new soy-based products, from biodiesel to tire compounds, to expand both local and export markets.
Speakers concluded that building reliable trade frameworks and strengthening U.S. market demand are the best ways to protect farmers’ livelihoods and ensure long-term growth.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: National