Trump administration promises US farmers $15 billion in the weeks before
the midterms
[November 02, 2026]
By SARAH RAZA
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — President Donald Trump's administration has
made $15 billion worth of promises to agriculture producers in the last
few weeks before the midterm elections, initiatives intended to help
offset higher costs for diesel and fertilizer that farmers have endured
largely due to his tariffs and the war in Iran.
Whether that will motivate more voters to turn out in agricultural
states where traditionally Republican seats are now seen as competitive
is unclear. It may explain his increased attention on rural areas,
including visits Sunday to Iowa and Kansas, two days before the
election.
A look at the Republican administration's pledges to farmers:
Whom these efforts will help
Besides the more than $15 billion worth of payments and initiatives
announced by Trump's Department of Agriculture, the agency plans $13.8
billion in safety net program payments for eligible producers for the
2025 crop year, offsetting shortfalls for farmers who grow key crops
such as corn, soybeans, wheat and rice.
Of the $15 billion, more than half will go toward an $8 billion one-time
payment plan for farmers buffeted by soaring diesel prices. The USDA
said it will release more details about the payments this month. It is
not clear when the payments will go to farmers, who rely on diesel for
trucks, tractors and combines.
Gregg Ibendahl, a farm management specialist at Kansas State University,
said he estimates the payments to “more than cover the increase in fuel
costs,” and that the money could help with high fertilizer prices.
At least $5 billion was announced in guaranteed loans for ranchers and
fishermen. An additional $1.8 billion in payments is for producers and
landowners who participated in conservation programs, $573 million will
go toward fertilizer manufacturing projects and $57 million is for
expanding meat processors. For specialty crop producers, $86.6 million
in grants will be awarded to innovative projects.
On Thursday, the agency said it would purchase up to $472.5 million in
agricultural commodities to support producers and give to charitable
programs.
The money will primarily come from the USDA and doesn't need immediate
congressional approval.
The USDA also announced other efforts, such as expanding sales of a
diesel normally used only for off-road use, helping ranchers by making
cattle sale data more transparent and strengthening wolf management
policies to protect livestock.
Why farmers are struggling
It has been a frustrating year for farmers. Increased costs for
fertilizer and fuel have made it difficult to turn a profit. Last year,
tariffs drove up expenses for other equipment that farmers use, and the
trade war with China resulted in a near boycott of U.S. agricultural
goods.
On Friday, diesel was averaging $6.32 per gallon, down slightly from its
peak in September but 70% higher than the price a year ago, according to
motor club AAA. Filling up a 100-gallon tank now costs $260 more than it
did one year ago.
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President Donald Trump speaks and announces action to help farmers
and ranchers, as a group of farmers and ranchers stand behind, Sept.
4, 2026, in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington. (AP
Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
“That input side risk, I think, is the thing that really has hurt
farmers this year, as well as the fact that there has been a lot
more uncertainty about what’s going to happen in the world,”
Ibendahl said.
He said he expects these ad hoc payments to be a big help for
farmers who otherwise would not make a profit this year, but they do
not address the broader issues driving up prices.
“It’s hard to go to your lender in the next spring and say, ‘OK,
well, we’re looking pretty good this year, but it’s all because of
these extra temporary government payments, so how much can you make
me a loan (for) next year for my crop?’” he said.
Alexandra Middlewood, an associate professor of political science at
Wichita State University, said she has heard mixed reactions from
farmers, who are happy their business will survive this year but see
these programs as one-time bailouts rather than a long-term
solution.
What farmers may vote on
Rural voters, including farmers and those who rely on the
agricultural economy, have been an instrumental voting group for
Trump.
Michael Smith, a political science professor at Emporia State
University, said many rural voters like the president, but some of
his policies have hurt the agriculture industry. Immigrant
deportations have threatened the agricultural labor force, and cuts
to foreign aid and SNAP food stamps hurt the market for agricultural
products.
“Some people who admire Trump really just admire the person, the
man,” he said. “But it doesn’t mean they necessarily like his
policies. Well, Trump himself isn’t on the ballot this year. His
policies are.”
Cost of living and access to health care are top issues for rural
voters, Middlewood said. She added that there is a perception the
administration has not done enough to address these issues, even as
Trump boasts at campaign rallies about a booming economy.
Middlewood, who is based in Kansas, does not expect frustrated rural
voters to shift to the Democratic Party, given how long the state
has been a Republican stronghold. But some voters may decide to sit
out of this election or vote independent, which would hurt
Republican candidates.
“Independent voters make or break elections," she said. "And so
that’s really what it’s going to come down to this year is those
independent voters and who they’re breaking for.”
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