LITTLE ROCK — As the growing season ramps up, Arkansas farmers are voicing concerns over the impact of tariffs on the agriculture industry.
At a Farmers for Free Trade town hall in North Little Rock, many farmers expressed support for balanced trade policies but noted that tariffs on major U.S. trading partners are affecting their bottom line.
“There’s no pretty way about it,” said one farmer.
“If you want to call it a war or whatever, there’s always blood spilt in a war, and it’s economic blood in this circumstance, and we are on the front line as farmers.”
Farmer and State Senator Blake Johnson highlighted the rising costs in agriculture.
“You’re increasing the cost of fertilize. Last year, I think that it was like $450 a ton for urea. Right now, it’s over $600, close to $650 or something like that,” he said.
Brian Kuehl, executive director of the nonprofit Farmers for Free Trade, pointed out that Arkansas soybean farmers are particularly affected.
“Exports to China have declined by 50% within four months,” he said.
“If you’re a farmer who raises soybeans, that’s a big deal because it means it’s put downward pressure on your prices.”
Kuehl added that exports to other countries are at their lowest levels since 2020.
“If you’re a farmer, you’re paying more for farm chemicals, paying more for fertilizer, paying more for tractor parts. If you can get the tractor parts at all, because so many of the parts come from other countries, so you’re paying more for your inputs, but then you’re getting less for your outputs,” he said.
