Like many I didn't like tariffs, BUT: I've learned some things which have merit to consider. The Chinese tariff made by Trump before and was NOT rescinded buy Biden. The Chinese govt subsidizes up to 80% of the tariff on it's Chinese exporters goods. If don't those products won't be purchased by consumers in the major market making a huge impact on the people involved in that sector. Also this is a great expense to the Chinese govt. So, u can see why tariffs are a to be acknowledged as a strong bargaining tool. In the 1800's our govt lived off tariffs for it's income. Then they implemented the Income Tax ( I believe it was during one of the world wars). Europe is a brutal place to the outside to do business because of their tariffs. Trump is talking of 60% to China and 10-20% to everyone else. He knows stuff and rest of world knows he does and he scares them compared to our past weaklings. To go along with this he wants to do away with the income tax. It would give Americans so much more $$ to spend offsetting the loss and increasing the demand for American made goods and JOBS. So.... Trump knows one heck of a lot about business compared to professional politicians that just spend, spend to buy votes. I'm so enthused to watch how this administration works at cutting out the massive amt of waste in our fed govt. This time Trump is not surrounding himself with politicians suggested by the GOP as much as people he feels will help do the job. No doubt we all may find a little pain that could affect us to straighten this situation out.
Very interesting, I did not talk to any farmers in my area in favor of Harris. On tariffs, yes they're bad, yes Trump put some on before but Biden left them on. As I understand Trump tells Mexico if they don't cooperate in curbing illegals coming into this country and they don't do better job stopping cartels bringing so much drugs into the U.S. he will impose a 100% tariff.
I agree tariffs and trade wars are devastating. One side benefit of the collapse of Corn King in this country and it's pollution would be the massive amount of reduction in corn acres. Less seed needed, less commercial fertilizer needed, less herbicide and pesticide chemicals needed, less replacement ag equipment needed.
MAYBE tariffs are becoming our only answer, think about it. I am curious when I hear politicians and other people say we need to bring back mfg. and good paying jobs back into this country. How can we when the cost of production is so much cheaper in other parts of the world and one is right next door? Consumers have been voting for jobs to leave this country and be in the rest of the world instead of American made for years with their purchasing decisions because it is CHEAPER than made here. Also like it or not continually higher wages and more benefits have a direct cost of the goods made here or anywhere. Ironically it's quite often the same ones that say there's no good paying jobs.
One question, you refer to Family Farms? What is the definition of a 'Family Farm'? I ask this of people that refer to 'saving Family Farms'.
In addition to the threat of tariffs, shouldn't the fact that the Farm Bill was not done in 118th Congress also concern the farmers? The Republicans don't want to fund it to the extent that it should be, they want future years limits on the snap program, but yet don't want to close the tax loopholes for the millionaires, billionaires and corporations. Generally the farm bill has been a bipartisan success, but the 118th has been a nightmare with the hard right flank.
Aaron your essay is sobering to say the least. All logical thought point to tariffs in general, and agriculture specifically, with negative outcomes. I can only dream that out Iowa farmers will turn against Donald Trump. Thankyou for your opinion and perspective. Tom S.
Thank you Aaron. I certainly hope farmers are thinking about the ramifications of a second administration with a dangerous, narcissistic man at the helm - reality - a sinking ship.
What was seen in the article "Farmers as Trade Pawns> Again?" which quoted Mr. Lehman about the financial position of small farmers certainly holds true for comparatively small operation fruit and vegetable growers, farmers in Southwest Miami-Dade County, Florida.
When the Trump Administration negotiated the Treaty with Mexico to replace NAFTA, no consideration for protection was given to the above-mentioned small op Florida farmers and growers.
Why mention it? Southern Florida is the only source for domestic fruits and vegetables (4 to 6 weeks during the winter) when other areas are frozen or lack water resources for agriculture.
Should he return to office, expect more market demand for winter fruit and vegetables; restaurants and hotels in the state are likely to be major players no matter the price!
Faced with greater costs and foreign competition, growers and farmers in Southeast Florida have an alternative: sell out to developers and builders which removes agricultural land from the wintertime market. Forever.
And to think that it is now agricultural policy in the USA when other nations struggle to grow crops in desert areas (See Egypt)!
With grain farmers facing low corn & soybean prices, the last thing we need is the threat of tariffs to further threaten our incomes. Well said, Aaron Lehman.
Like many I didn't like tariffs, BUT: I've learned some things which have merit to consider. The Chinese tariff made by Trump before and was NOT rescinded buy Biden. The Chinese govt subsidizes up to 80% of the tariff on it's Chinese exporters goods. If don't those products won't be purchased by consumers in the major market making a huge impact on the people involved in that sector. Also this is a great expense to the Chinese govt. So, u can see why tariffs are a to be acknowledged as a strong bargaining tool. In the 1800's our govt lived off tariffs for it's income. Then they implemented the Income Tax ( I believe it was during one of the world wars). Europe is a brutal place to the outside to do business because of their tariffs. Trump is talking of 60% to China and 10-20% to everyone else. He knows stuff and rest of world knows he does and he scares them compared to our past weaklings. To go along with this he wants to do away with the income tax. It would give Americans so much more $$ to spend offsetting the loss and increasing the demand for American made goods and JOBS. So.... Trump knows one heck of a lot about business compared to professional politicians that just spend, spend to buy votes. I'm so enthused to watch how this administration works at cutting out the massive amt of waste in our fed govt. This time Trump is not surrounding himself with politicians suggested by the GOP as much as people he feels will help do the job. No doubt we all may find a little pain that could affect us to straighten this situation out.
Interesting take. thanks much.
Very interesting, I did not talk to any farmers in my area in favor of Harris. On tariffs, yes they're bad, yes Trump put some on before but Biden left them on. As I understand Trump tells Mexico if they don't cooperate in curbing illegals coming into this country and they don't do better job stopping cartels bringing so much drugs into the U.S. he will impose a 100% tariff.
I agree tariffs and trade wars are devastating. One side benefit of the collapse of Corn King in this country and it's pollution would be the massive amount of reduction in corn acres. Less seed needed, less commercial fertilizer needed, less herbicide and pesticide chemicals needed, less replacement ag equipment needed.
MAYBE tariffs are becoming our only answer, think about it. I am curious when I hear politicians and other people say we need to bring back mfg. and good paying jobs back into this country. How can we when the cost of production is so much cheaper in other parts of the world and one is right next door? Consumers have been voting for jobs to leave this country and be in the rest of the world instead of American made for years with their purchasing decisions because it is CHEAPER than made here. Also like it or not continually higher wages and more benefits have a direct cost of the goods made here or anywhere. Ironically it's quite often the same ones that say there's no good paying jobs.
One question, you refer to Family Farms? What is the definition of a 'Family Farm'? I ask this of people that refer to 'saving Family Farms'.
In addition to the threat of tariffs, shouldn't the fact that the Farm Bill was not done in 118th Congress also concern the farmers? The Republicans don't want to fund it to the extent that it should be, they want future years limits on the snap program, but yet don't want to close the tax loopholes for the millionaires, billionaires and corporations. Generally the farm bill has been a bipartisan success, but the 118th has been a nightmare with the hard right flank.
Julie. I continually hear 'close loopholes for millionaires, billionaires, corps.', I would like to see these printed out.
As u refer to them do u know what they are? I'd like to know.
Why don't Democrats go after these loopholes, make them public? Answer: $$$$$$$$$$$
Thank you Aaron! Excellent reminder of Facts and problems with Tariffs!
Aaron your essay is sobering to say the least. All logical thought point to tariffs in general, and agriculture specifically, with negative outcomes. I can only dream that out Iowa farmers will turn against Donald Trump. Thankyou for your opinion and perspective. Tom S.
Thank you Aaron. I certainly hope farmers are thinking about the ramifications of a second administration with a dangerous, narcissistic man at the helm - reality - a sinking ship.
I'm thinking more of a ultra extreme far left candidate that makes no bones about more and more taxes to fund more free stuff.
We need to jog peoples' memories this week - thanks for writing this Aaron, and thanks for sharing it Bob!!
What was seen in the article "Farmers as Trade Pawns> Again?" which quoted Mr. Lehman about the financial position of small farmers certainly holds true for comparatively small operation fruit and vegetable growers, farmers in Southwest Miami-Dade County, Florida.
When the Trump Administration negotiated the Treaty with Mexico to replace NAFTA, no consideration for protection was given to the above-mentioned small op Florida farmers and growers.
Why mention it? Southern Florida is the only source for domestic fruits and vegetables (4 to 6 weeks during the winter) when other areas are frozen or lack water resources for agriculture.
Should he return to office, expect more market demand for winter fruit and vegetables; restaurants and hotels in the state are likely to be major players no matter the price!
Faced with greater costs and foreign competition, growers and farmers in Southeast Florida have an alternative: sell out to developers and builders which removes agricultural land from the wintertime market. Forever.
And to think that it is now agricultural policy in the USA when other nations struggle to grow crops in desert areas (See Egypt)!
M SMITH
(29 OCT, 2024)
With grain farmers facing low corn & soybean prices, the last thing we need is the threat of tariffs to further threaten our incomes. Well said, Aaron Lehman.