Reference News Network, October 26 report: The U.S. "Washington Times" website published an article titled "American Farmers Are Brewing a Rebellion" on October 23, authored by Kelly Suddell, the following is the translation:

American farmers are being surrounded.

According to data from U.S. courts, the number of farm bankruptcies this year has risen to the highest level since 2021. The unresolved trade war with China has severely hit the U.S. soybean market. In 2024, soybeans were the largest agricultural export category of the United States, with a total value of $24 billion.

Last year, China's purchases accounted for about half of the U.S. soybean exports. Since President Trump imposed tariffs in the spring this year, China's imports of U.S. soybeans have dropped to zero, and combined with the drop in prices due to a good harvest this year, it has made the situation of American farmers even worse. Data compiled by the Wall Street Journal shows that this year, soybean farmers will lose about $100 per acre (approximately 6.07 acres).

Meanwhile, the costs of machinery, fertilizers, and other supplies remain high. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that this year's agricultural production expenses will reach $467.4 billion, an increase of $12 billion compared to last year.

The only bright spot for U.S. agriculture is beef cattle farmers, but their success is a disaster for American consumers. Affected by the pandemic, droughts, and withered pastures, the number of cattle has not yet recovered, unable to meet the rising demand. As a result, beef prices in grocery stores have soared.

Data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that over the 12 months ending in August, ground beef prices rose 12.8%; from May to August, prices increased by 30 cents per pound (approximately 0.454 kilograms), setting a record high of $6.32 per pound. Steak prices have risen more than $1 per pound.

In last year's election, rural voters were one of Trump's most loyal voting blocs. According to data from the Pew Research Center, he led Harris by 40 percentage points among this voter group, a margin exceeding his own performance in 2020 and 2016. An analysis by the "Survey MidAmerica" organization found that Trump won an average of 77% of the vote in all U.S. counties dependent on agriculture.

However, in these rural areas, many people have begun to question whether Trump still remains committed to the "America First" agenda primarily directed at them.

"I'm a bit worried," said 65-year-old Tim Maxwell last month to the BBC. Maxwell, who runs a grain and pig farm near Moscow, Iowa, said, "Our yields, crops, and weather are all good, but the current market conditions are weak, which will put pressure on some farmers."

Despite financial anxieties, Maxwell promised to be patient with Trump. But for many in the industry, this patience is running out. Earlier this month, Trump's agreement with Argentina angered soybean farmers and cattle ranchers, many of whom believe it completely violates the "America First" spirit.

To alleviate consumer dissatisfaction when shopping at grocery stores, Trump proposed expanding beef imports from Argentina, which would erode the profits of U.S. ranchers. Trump also offered Argentina $2 billion in aid, angering U.S. soybean farmers, who are upset that Argentina is taking advantage of the opportunity to increase its exports to China, filling the gap left by them.

It is certain that Trump has felt the pressure. This week, he posted a strong criticism of ranchers on the "Truth Social" website, accusing them of not understanding his trade policies.

Trump hopes to reach an agreement with China that benefits American farmers. At the same time, the stalled Trump administration plans to distribute over $3 billion in frozen agricultural subsidies and consider using tariff revenues to launch another $1 billion in industry assistance.

"Beef is the only project we can still maintain profitability. Once the price drops, we will be in trouble immediately, and it will affect future generations," said Randy Roberts, a farmer and grain grower in Indiana, to CNN, "it will be harder for the younger generation to enter the cattle industry."

If Trump wants American farmers to stop complaining about his presidency to media outlets like CNN and the BBC, he had better start listening to their voices and focus his efforts on meeting their demands.

After all, "America First" (Translation/ Guo Jun)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7565439858685051443/

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