In recent discussions about the state of agriculture in America, one clear sentiment has emerged: there is significant concern about the impacts of foreign ownership of farmland, particularly by entities from China. This topic is gaining traction not only in South Dakota, where the state has had restrictions on foreign ownership since 1979, but also across the entire nation as farmers and ranchers grapple with rising costs and declining profits under the current administration’s policies.
One of the biggest worries for farmers and ranchers stems from the staggering increase in the costs they face. Fuel prices, fertilizer, and other essential supplies have skyrocketed, while commodity prices have taken a downturn. Just how bad is it? The agriculture sector is projected to face a trade deficit exceeding $30 billion this year, setting an unsettling precedent. This is a stark contrast to previous years when the balance sheets leaned much more favorably towards surpluses. Farmers feel the crunch in their wallets, which, as many know, tends to be a pretty big deal.
These economic pressures have become almost unbearable for many American producers. The Biden-Harris administration has been labeled as failing by many in the agricultural community. Farmers see a better chance for their livelihoods with policies reminiscent of the Trump administration, where decisive action was taken to stand up to unfair trade practices. Under Trump, there was a perception of strength, which made countries like China hesitant. Now, however, they perceive weakness. When someone is weak, bullies often come out to play, and in this case, it seems farmers feel they are getting bullied.
The issue of China purchasing American farmland raises eyebrows as well. Specific details around how much land has been acquired by these foreign entities remain murky, which only adds to the growing anxiety. The call for stronger regulations and a clear stance on foreign ownership is echoed by many who want to protect American agriculture. There is a distinct belief that strong leadership in the White House can change the tide and help American farmers regain a competitive edge in the global market.
As the political landscape shifts and election season heats up, candidates are keenly aware that the American voter often makes decisions based on their pocketbooks. With inflation biting consumers on essentials like groceries—up over 20%—it’s likely that many will keep score. The critical question remains: are people better off than they were four years ago? For a multitude, the answer leans towards “no,” which indicates a yearning for change. As the conversation turns towards the upcoming elections, there’s a sense of urgency for the agricultural community, hoping to steer policies back to favoring American interests.
The current geopolitical landscape adds another layer of complexity. With Israel facing increasing tensions and a need for support against threats from Iran, there’s a highlighted need for a strong American presence. The message is clear—projecting strength, not weakness, is key in both foreign policy and domestic agriculture. The stakes are high, and many conservatives believe that it’s time to get a leader in the White House who isn’t afraid to stand firm against these challenges. After all, protecting our farmers and standing by our allies is as American as apple pie (or should we say, American-made corn on the cob?). The upcoming elections might just be the turning point not only for the farmers and ranchers but for the very fabric of American agriculture itself.
