Forty years ago in Champaign, Ill., the first Farm Aid concert kicked off with a purpose to raise money to assist farmers struggling to make a living. About $9 million was raised in 1985 ($27 million in today’s money) and the 12-hour concert drew enough awareness to help get the Agricultural Credit Act passed in the Congress.
Originally the concert was supposed to be a one-year event but has continued every year, with Farm Aid concerts raising $85 million over that span. CNN broadcast the 40th anniversary concert last month nationwide and big-name artists David Matthews Band, John Mellencamp and Neil Young returned for performances.
Back then, farmers were facing the worst economic conditions in decades. Fast forward to 2025 and, unfortunately, farmers are again facing some of the roughest waters in a long time.
What seemed like a positive change in momentum this fall — with several favorable legislative actions taken and disaster aid moving again — has turned to disappointment. A record corn harvest is predicted this year, but there isn’t much to be exuberant about.
Missing the Target
President Trump’s bid to re-order global agricultural trade, while well-intentioned, has been a sanctimonious failure. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, who I believe has a sincere interest in doing farmers right, has been forced again and again to defend Trump’s trade decisions and tell farmers to be patient, only to have the rug pulled out from under her.
On top of Trump over-playing his hand with China, the previous presidential administration is just as much at fault. Biden’s agency heads embarked on an indulgent climate agenda instead of focusing on smart ag policies. Biden’s administration fell asleep at the wheel while the trade deficit ballooned, and his administration was unable or unwilling to get a new Farm Bill passed.
The U.S. is the most prosperous country in the world, with an ag sector that is supremely productive and laden with the latest technology. Yet farmers and consumers are still hurting.
What is wrong with this picture?
At this point, the slogan “feeding the world” feels like propaganda — a nod to an outdated notion that our farmers can overproduce, send cheap grain around the world and still prosper.
Let's Break New Ground
The truth is our government hasn’t adequately adapted to the changing realities of global trade. There needs to be more serious discussion in Washington about what practices our government chooses to incentivize. It’s time to help farmers pursue more value-based markets. And it’s also time to create an environment where responsible farmers who protect soil health, use fertilizer efficiently and effectively manage risk are rewarded.
For U.S. farmers to retain their competitiveness they must strive to be low-cost producers. That’s hard to accomplish when there is no consequence for clean-tilling fields and sending soil and nutrients into watersheds or irrigating irresponsibly as underground aquifers are put in peril.
In spite of tough times, there are reasons to hope. The Farm Bill was extended 1 year, which isn’t great but it’s a start. The One Big Beautiful Bill ushered in some important policy changes, and soybeans are shipping to China again.
To our loyal no-till readers, especially those who are struggling right now, you are not alone. Look around the Thanksgiving table and take stock of what you DO have and realize a new year will soon be upon us.
The script for 2026 hasn’t been written yet, and you hold the pen. Simply turn the page and write a new chapter.
