2018 Farm Outlook

Page 18 2018 Logan County Farm Outlook Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Oct. 25, 2018 T he government’s decision this summer to aid farmers harmed by world trade problems is said to provide a safety net, help remedy some of the income losses, and offset the damage caused by the trade wars. In July, Trump announced a $12 billion aid package to help farmers hit hard by tariffs on crops. The government will dole out about $6 billion in relief to help farmers weather trade wars. Farmers can apply once their harvest is complete and they know their production numbers for the year. The United States Department of Agriculture said wheat, livestock, and dairy farmers have already received some of the money. However, soybean producers, who will receive many of the direct payments. have not applied since their harvest season is not completed. In a July 24 report, CBS News said “Aid will come in three ways: (1) Direct payments to farmers who have been hurt by escalating trade tensions, (2) a food purchase program, in which the government will buy unsold food and distribute it to food banks, [and] (3) a program in partnership with the private sector to create new export markets for American farmers.” In August, the USDA provided more details on how these programs will help farmers. Their Farm Service Agency is managing a “Market Facilitation Program” which will “provide payments to corn, cotton, dairy, hog, sorghum, soybean, and wheat producers.” Ag subsidies lift producers to balance the effects of tariffs and world trade CONTINUED By Angela Reiners Mid-October in Logan County the last corn fields were coming in. Here, Vernon Klockenga combines a field north of Lincoln. Photo by Jan Youngquist