As US midterms approach, farmers decide what to plant and how to vote
Summary
U.S. farmers are changing what they plant as higher fuel and fertilizer costs squeeze farm finances ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The economic pressure is also shaping political campaigns, including Democratic efforts to win rural and farm-state voters.Key Facts
- Arkansas farmer Paul McKinney’s family plans to plant less rice next year and focus more on soybeans, which cost less to produce.
- University of Arkansas economist Ryan Loy cited trade disruptions, the war in Ukraine, tariffs, drought and the war on Iran as factors that have raised costs or disrupted farm markets.
- Arkansas has its lowest rice acreage since the 1970s, according to the article.
- Loy found that urea fertilizer costs peaked about 39 percent above the amount in his farm budget, while diesel costs averaged about 72 percent above budget.
- Loy estimated the higher costs added about $343 million in expenses for Arkansas farmers.
- President Donald Trump announced an $8 billion fuel-relief program for farmers after providing $12 billion in tariff-related aid in 2025.
- Farm bankruptcies in the first three quarters of 2026 were up 19 percent from the same period the previous year, according to an analysis cited in the article.
- Democrat Hallie Shoffner is challenging Republican Senator Tom Cotton in Arkansas, while several rural congressional districts and Senate contests are being watched as possible Democratic gains.
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