Jason Smith: Putting Missouri farmers first

(From Eighth District Congressman Jason Smith)

Every August, I visit farms, ranches, and small businesses across southeast and south-central Missouri as part of my Farm Tour. It’s an opportunity to not only showcase the folks who drive our economy, but also to hear directly from them about the challenges they face. The feedback I receive is incredibly valuable in helping me craft solutions to the challenges our rural communities face.

This year, my Farm Tour included stops in 22 of Missouri’s 8th Congressional District counties. And there’s no question that the top challenge facing many farm families right now is the painful state of the agriculture economy.

At BW Farms in Sikeston, Meredith Farms in Caruthersville, and Ryan Riley Farms in Risco, the folks I met with made it clear that this is a very difficult time for farmers down in the Bootheel, especially for rice, cotton, corn, and soybean producers. Farmers opened their spreadsheets and bank statements to show me the tough reality of this year’s row crop season – a powerful reminder of both their challenges and resiliency. I shared their stories and data with my colleagues in Washington to underscore why our farmers need assistance now more than ever.

The hardships our farmers are facing are a direct consequence of President Joe Biden’s harmful policies. Since President Trump left office in 2021, commodity prices have plummeted. The price of crops like soybeans are down 28% and the price of rice is down over 10%. The $5 billion agricultural trade surplus we had during President Trump’s first term slipped to a $50 billion deficit under Biden. Making matters worse, production costs have stayed high.

I’m grateful that we now have a president who truly cares about our rural communities. But undoing the damage caused by Biden will take some time. I’m working very closely with President Trump to get our farmers the support they need.

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which I coauthored, included policies that make up 80% of the Farm Bill. It included the first meaningful improvements to the farm safety net since 2002, made a $6 billion investment in crop insurance, which – among other things – will make higher levels of coverage more affordable, enhances current livestock disaster programs, and more. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill will provide relief for our farmers, but I know more must be done. I’ll continue urging the administration to move quickly to get our farmers the support they deserve.

Throughout my Farm Tour, I heard from farmers, ranchers, and small businesses about the positive impact of the tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The legislation’s full expensing provision will help family-run farms and businesses, like Highland Dells Ranch in Jackson and Dahlbeck Distillery in East Prairie, purchase new equipment. The bill included several other key provisions that are important for farmers, ranchers, and small businesses, whether it’s the Death Tax exemption, enhanced reference pricing, or the 199A small business deduction – which affects 98% of farms across the country.

Good trade policy significantly benefits economies like ours that are driven by agriculture. The America First trade agenda that I, as chairman of the committee with jurisdiction over trade, am working hand-in-hand with President Trump to advance is having a major positive impact on Missouri farm families.

Increased market access like what President Trump secured in the agreement with Japan is a win for rice, corn, and soybean producers; Japan will expedite implementation of a 75% increase in purchases of American rice and made a commitment to purchase $8 billion of U.S. agricultural goods, including corn, soybeans, fertilizers, and bioethanol. This is just one example of the numerous trade wins President Trump has delivered. In addition to securing more trade deals, we also need to fight back against unfair trade practices in countries like India and Brazil that keep our agriculture products out of their markets.

During my Farm Tour stop at Rhodes Farms, a cow-calf operation in Bollinger County, owners Obed and Wanda Rhodes had plenty of praise for President Trump’s trade agenda. Thanks to his trade deals with countries like the U.K. and Australia, livestock producers have access to new markets. At the end of my visit to Rhodes Farms, Obed and Wanda took me down to Hurricane Creek, which runs through their farm and for decades has been used by local churches to conduct baptisms. The Rhodes family represents the best of Missouri agriculture, faith, and tradition.

I know these are trying times for our farm families. But I am working in lockstep with President Trump and his administration to deliver sustainable, lasting solutions that safeguard our way of life. The resiliency of Missouri agriculture inspires that fight every day.