Feb. 22, 2026 Editor, The News-Gazette: Writing from the (very cold) Midwest during visits with family, I have seen more numbers that matter that are relevant to our current presidential administration. As reported in the McLean Chronicle in Normal, Illinois: U.S. corn storage has almost reached capacity, as stagnant market prices combined with continuing increases in crop production represent supply and demand uncertainties for both crop and livestock producers.
Administration approval has been given to quadruple the size of Argentinian beef exports to the U.S., from $20 billion to $80 billion. Tariff relief for American famers, initially announced by the president as a $12 billion discretionary fund, has not changed.
Bankruptcy cases filed by American farmers were up 46% in 2025 compared to 2024.
Necessary crop and livestock data, crucial to farmers for spring planting plans and livestock production decisions, have increasingly become inconsistent. DOGE cuts plus other administration decisions have resulted in both late data releases and surprise data revisions.
All of these numbers represent substantial problems adversely affecting American producers and consumers. Farmers have learned over the years that U.S. farm policy is closely connected to our international policies. For example, they benefited from increased demand and better prices during the Marshall Plan, but suffered when Carter imposed grain embargoes. The current administration’s policies, which are unpredictable and uncoordinated, have increased the business risks for family farmers who are already subject to inherent, well-known farming risks.
Like before, there are several possible conclusions from these numbers that reflect on the current presidential administration. The list is only a part of the evidence that shows they are incompetent in understanding the economic and business factors involved in farming. Or, it is evidence they don’t care. Finally, like I’ve said before, it may be both. DENNY GARVIS Lexington
