What A Day The Reality of Being An American Farmer Right Now
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Oct 27, 2025 Phil Verges, a seasoned soybean and corn farmer from western Wisconsin with 45 years in agriculture, shares the harsh realities facing American farmers today. He discusses the profound economic toll of trade policies and tariffs, revealing how they led to steep price drops and financial stress. Verges highlights the struggles of younger farmers dealing with mental health issues and the urgent need for better public support and policy changes. He also sheds light on the rising costs of inputs due to dependency on imports and the unprecedented challenges that lie ahead.
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Lifetime Farmer Facing Tariff Shock
- Phil Verges has farmed soybeans, corn, and hay for about 45 years and runs roughly 500 acres by himself.
- He described the 2018 tariffs as a market shock that depressed prices and shifted China toward South American suppliers.
Tariffs Can Cause Long-Term Market Loss
- Verges says repeated tariff rounds damaged U.S. reputation with global buyers and accelerated China's shift to other suppliers.
- That reputational loss makes it harder to regain market share even if tariffs later ease.
Losing Per-Acre Money While Costs Rise
- Verges reports currently losing about $85 per soybean acre and faces higher input costs like fertilizer.
- He explained that many fertilizers are imported, so tariffs push input prices up while crop revenues fall.