Farm Updates: Balancing Planting and Pig Care
Spring is on the horizon—you can feel it in the air! While some farmers are already preparing their fields, those of us with livestock face a different kind of busy. Between taking care of pigs, prepping machinery, and arranging seed and herbicide deliveries, there’s no such thing as downtime this time of year. We may not be the first ones to plant, but our plates are more than full.
Tariffs: A Reluctant but Real Concern
I’ve always been hesitant to talk about tariffs—they’re such a divisive topic. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do know this: the rhetoric around them is disheartening. Right now, corn prices are holding steady, soybean prices are down, and we won’t feel the impact on hog prices until later this summer. We’ve sold most of our 2024 crop, so that’s a relief. But the uncertainty weighs on us. At the end of the day, we have to trust the process—whatever that means now.
A Letter to Our Elected Officials
The life of a farmer is unique—financially, emotionally, and physically. I reached out to my fellow farmers online and asked, “What would you tell our elected officials?” Here’s what we came up with:
Farming Is Hard
We’re not just dealing with crops and animals—it’s the uncertainty of the market, the health of our livestock, weather, and unexpected obstacles. Farming can feel like a gamble, and it’s only passion and purpose that keep us going.
Fair Prices, Not Handouts
We don’t want subsidies—we want a level playing field. American farmers are the best in the world, and we can compete when the rules are fair. Government support during COVID helped many of us survive. That wasn’t a handout—it was a lifeline.
Climate Change
Farmers are adapting. We’ve been making changes for decades to be more efficient and climate-conscious. Ethanol and biofuels are great examples of how we contribute to a cleaner future. Yes, there’s always room to improve, but we’re doing our part.
Animal Agriculture Needs Defending
Animal ag is too often unfairly blamed for climate issues. Studies used to criticize meat production are often flawed or incomplete. If you want credible, science-based insight, reach out to Dr. Frank Mitloehner from UC Davis (@GHGuru). He’s one of the best voices we have on this topic.
Let Us Be Heard
We represent less than 2% of the population. Often, we feel decisions are being made for us without involving us. Visit our farms. Talk to us. Too many policies come with hidden agendas and unintended consequences.
Support the Next Generation
Transitioning a farm isn’t easy. Land and equipment are expensive. And we’re often asset-rich but cash-poor. New taxes or eliminating the step-up basis could put generational farms at risk. We need solutions—not obstacles.
All Kinds of Farmers Matter
Farming isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s organic, conventional, large, or small—each farm has different needs. Every farmer wears many hats: one minute you’re elbow-deep fixing a manure pipe, the next you’re analyzing GPS data to protect water quality. That’s the reality of modern agriculture.
My Final Message
Farmers aren’t asking for applause—we’re asking not to be ignored or penalized. Think twice about new policies that could hurt us. We need to make room for the next generation, and we need all kinds of farms to feed this country.
Environmental Products Made from Corn
Here’s something fun: Did you know corn can be turned into biodegradable items like plastic silverware, poop bags, drinking straws, and even floss picks? It’s one more way farmers are contributing to a sustainable future.
