American Farmer: "We Need a Farm Bill"

Summary

• Farmer John Bartman details a severe and rapid cost spike for liquid urea fertilizer: from $11,000 last year to $21,000 currently, representing a critical input cost surge.
• Highlights a structural increase in global fertilizer demand driven by Trump-era trade policies that spurred Brazil to massively expand soybean and corn acreage, consuming fertilizer year-round.
• Expresses deep frustration and bearishness due to policy uncertainty, labeling the current situation a "man made crisis caused by Donald Trump" and doubting promised Chinese purchase volumes.
• Argues the core problem is lack of demand and stability for US agricultural products, citing loss of competitiveness from trade agreements like the South American free trade deal with Europe.
• States that according to the American Farm Bureau, every single commodity grown is currently unprofitable, creating a dire economic environment for farmers.
• Notes that farm equipment sales are down 50% from the prior year, linking it directly to widespread farm unprofitability.
• Criticizes the political focus, claiming important issues like carbon sequestration markets have been shelved due to the current administration's actions.
• Views the proposed farm bill as essential but is skeptical of its passage and effectiveness, noting Republican nervousness about reopening SNAP program debates.