Feb. 13, 2025 The Midwest Center For Investigative Reporting
Tariff hikes have farmers bracing for another trade war
During his first month in office, President Donald Trump imposed higher tariffs on Chinese goods, along with making threats to hike tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
For America’s farmers, it’s a return to the trade war policies of Trump’s first term that created financial hardship and uncertainty.
This week’s feature story by Mónica Cordero takes a closer look at how farmers are bracing for another trade war.
"It certainly does increase the level of uncertainty," said Ernie Goss, an economist at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. "This uncertainty manifests itself in areas such as purchasing (less) farmland and agriculture equipment.”
Mónica’s story also explores why some view Trump’s tariff policies as more extreme than those of his first term and why the negative impacts of a trade war are hard to reverse even when stability returns.
Any financial harm to farmers also has a ripple effect within rural communities, along with the broader U.S. economy.
— Ben Felder, editor in chief
EPA environmental justice staff ousted amid ongoing industrial ag complaints
By John McCracken, Investigate Midwest
In John McCracken's latest story, he sheds light on how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made significant cuts to its environmental justice office, just as it is handling critical complaints about industrial agriculture’s impact on marginalized communities. With cases involving swine and poultry operations in communities of color still under investigation, these staff reductions could delay efforts to address pollution and health risks in vulnerable areas.
Read more.
Nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, makes up 59% of Iowa’s agricultural emissions—largely driven by skyrocketing fertilizer use and livestock manure. In just two years, fertilizer purchases jumped 45%, adding to emissions that intensify extreme weather and threaten crop yields.
This week’s Graphic of the Week breaks down the data behind Iowa’s emissions surge and the climate policies at risk under President Trump’s rollback of conservation funding.
View the graphic here.
OPINION: The social cost of climate change isn't zero, Mr. President
By Dave Dickey, Investigate Midwest
In his latest opinion piece, Dave Dickey takes on President Trump's recent executive order to set the social cost of carbon to zero. He argues that this move undermines crucial efforts to tackle climate change. With global efforts at stake, Dave makes the case for a more accurate, science-backed approach to climate policy.
Curious about the potential consequences? Read the full column here.
ICYMI: Trade disputes and their latest impact on US ag
By Christopher Walljasper, Investigate Midwest
With trade policy once again in the spotlight, our 2018 report on President Trump’s tariff war under his first term provides important context on how past disputes shaped the agricultural economy.
In 2018, farmers faced retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners, including China, Canada, and the European Union, impacting exports and farm income. While a $12 billion aid package was introduced to offset losses, many questioned whether it could truly compensate for lost markets.
As global trade tensions continue to evolve, the effects of past trade policies continue to shape the ag sector, offering lessons for today’s trade landscape.
Read more.
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Investigate Midwest is an independent, nonprofit newsroom. Our mission is to serve the public as a watchdog over influential agricultural corporations and institutions through in-depth and data-driven investigative journalism.
