

Trump’s Trade War Is Stressing Red State Farmers
18 snips Jun 11, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Bryant Kagey, a Missouri farmer feeling the impact of tariffs firsthand, shares his journey navigating uncertainty in agriculture. He reflects on his support for Trump and questions the long-term strategy behind the trade war. Kagey details the fluctuating market conditions that threaten his soybean sales to China. The conversation also touches on generational farming challenges, the shift towards modern practices, and the complex relationship between politics and rural livelihoods, highlighting a critical moment for American farmers.
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Missouri Farmer's Trade War Story
- Bryant Kagey runs a family farm in Missouri producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and cattle.
- He explains that tariffs make his commodities less competitive globally, risking lost sales to other countries.
Uncertainty in Tariff Strategy
- Trump’s tariff strategy seems unclear, wavering between long-term manufacturing revival and short-term bargaining.
- This inconsistency creates uncertainty for businesses and farmers like Bryant Kagey.
Realistic Limits on Manufacturing Return
- Large-scale manufacturing return to the U.S. is unrealistic due to pay disparities compared to countries like China.
- Economies and worker preferences make some manufacturing sectors unlikely to relocate stateside.