Farmers slam ‘out of touch’ administration policies

National Black Farmers Association President John Boyd Jr. Criticizes White House Response to Agricultural Crisis

John Boyd Jr., president of the National Black Farmers Association, voiced strong criticism of the current administration’s handling of agricultural issues, stating that it is “out of touch” with the struggles of American farmers. Boyd, speaking after an event where he felt marginalized, highlighted the lack of direct support and understanding from the White House regarding the severe financial pressures facing farmers nationwide.

Exclusion from White House Event and Perceived Insensitivity

Boyd revealed that he reached out to the White House seeking an invitation to a recent agricultural event but received no response. He noted the presence of around 800 farmers at the event, yet the National Black Farmers Association and other small, socially disadvantaged farmers were not invited. Boyd described the event, which seemed to focus on new, expensive equipment like “gold tractors,” as “somewhat insulting” to farmers grappling with economic hardship.

“We don’t have money to buy new tractors,” Boyd stated, contrasting the event’s apparent focus with the reality faced by many farmers. He emphasized that the administration’s actions and priorities appear disconnected from the pressing needs of those struggling to keep their farms afloat. This perceived exclusion, he argued, reveals the administration’s true priorities.

Mounting Financial Pressures on Farmers

The core of Boyd’s concern lies in the escalating costs of essential farming inputs and the threat of foreclosures. He reported that 190 farmers are currently facing foreclosure, a situation he believes is exacerbated by administration policies. Boyd specifically called for a farm moratorium on guaranteed loans, a measure he had previously requested from the White House without success.

“We shouldn’t be losing our farm; it’s a man-made problem that this administration did,” Boyd asserted. He pointed to the impact of global events and policies on the cost of fertilizer and fuel. Fertilizer prices have surged by 40%, translating to an increase of $140 to $200 per ton. Additionally, diesel fuel costs have risen by 37%, reaching $5 to $6 per gallon for off-road use in his area.

Administration’s Proposed Solutions Deemed Inadequate

Boyd expressed frustration with the administration’s suggested solutions, particularly the president’s advice for farmers to simply “buy some new tractors.” He found this suggestion tone-deaf, especially considering the financial strain and the unavailability of essential supplies like fertilizer.

“Do you know that the increase… is going to cost American farmers an additional $100,000 per farmer?” Boyd questioned, referencing the rising costs associated with new equipment and inputs. He criticized the focus on loans for new machinery when farmers are already facing foreclosure due to what he termed “poor policies.” The idea of taking out another loan when already in distress, he argued, is counterproductive.

Fertilizer Shortages and Disconnect with Reality

The availability and cost of fertilizer are critical issues for crop production. Boyd explained that many companies are not even selling fertilizer because it is not readily available. He directly challenged a statement from the Secretary of Agriculture, who suggested farmers already had sufficient fertilizer supplies.

“I met with some farmers out in Illinois and some from far away Indiana. None of those farmers in the meeting this week had fertilizer,” Boyd countered. “That shows you right there that this administration is really out of touch with the American farmers.” He believes the administration is only consulting a select group of farmers, not representing the broader agricultural community.

The lack of fertilizer has direct consequences for food production. “If you don’t have fertilizer, do we have food?” Boyd asked rhetorically. He explained the fundamental role of fertilizer in crop growth, stating, “It’s the first step in the process. Farmers have to apply an application of fertilizer so that the crop can make…” Without it, crops like onions, tomatoes, and corn will struggle to grow, impacting the availability of food for American consumers.

Personal Impact and Political Stance

Boyd shared the personal financial burden, noting that his tractor holds 100 gallons of fuel, costing $500 to $600 each time it needs to be refilled. He also clarified his political stance, stating he did not vote for the current president. He had previously endorsed Kamala Harris, believing her election might have prevented the current agricultural crisis.

“But the water under the bridge. We’re still farmers, and we need support,” Boyd stated, emphasizing the immediate need for assistance regardless of past political choices. He reiterated the urgency of the foreclosure crisis, with 190 farmers at risk, and expressed disappointment that no one from the administration had reached out to offer help.

Generational Loss and Consumer Impact

The loss of generational farmers represents a significant blow to the country’s agricultural capacity and heritage. Boyd warned that removing these experienced farmers from production would harm the nation. The ultimate burden, he argued, will fall on American consumers, who will face higher prices for everyday goods like apples and other produce.

“The people who are going to pay are the poor American consumers that’s going into the supermarket that’s going to be paying five dollars for an apple and all of these other things that we grow every day that we take advantage of,” Boyd said. He contrasted this reality with the administration’s focus on expensive tractors during a time of crisis.

Call for Support and Fear of Retaliation

Boyd concluded by urging the American public to support black farmers and visit the National Black Farmers Association website, blackfarmers.org, for assistance. He acknowledged that many farmers are afraid to speak out due to fear of retaliation from the administration, making his public statements particularly significant.

“My hat goes off to farmers because they are afraid to speak out and get retaliation from this administration,” Boyd said. He stressed the critical need for public support to help these struggling farmers navigate the current challenges and prevent further loss of farms and agricultural expertise.

Looking Ahead

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the administration will heed the calls for more direct and substantial support for farmers facing financial ruin. The rising costs of inputs and the persistent threat of foreclosures highlight an urgent need for policy changes that address the practical realities on the ground. Consumer access to affordable food also hangs in the balance as these agricultural challenges continue to unfold.

Source: Trump admin is 'out of touch' with American farmers: Soybean farmer (YouTube)