The record rain in the Midwest will likely prevent a large portion of this year’s crop from even getting planted.
Paul DavidsonAmerican farmers already plagued by a near biblical parade of misfortune that includes years of low prices and a trade war with China are now grappling with record Midwest rain that will likely prevent a large portion of this year’s crop from even getting planted.
“This is more than a cyclical thing,” says Gary Schnitkey, an agricultural economist at the University of Illinois. “It’s a series of events that we’ve never seen come together. … It’s going to be a blow to everyone’s financial position.”Tips to dodge robocallers:Agriculture makes up less than 1% of U.S. gross domestic product, down from about 8% in the late 1940s, according to JPMorgan Chase. Still, a downturn in the sector could trim economic growth – projected at about 2.
She says she may still file some prevented planting claims, depending on the weather in coming days and weeks. China began buying some American soybeans again early this year as talks between the two countries resumed. But Chinese officials recently announced they would halt all purchases after President Donald Trump stepped up tariffs against the country last month.
The Dwyers have scuttled plans to buy a $20,000 trailer to transport goods. They’re pinching pennies at the grocery store and thinking of forgoing swimming lessons for their three kids this summer. Mexico and Canada have targeted rural America as a way to punish Trump, and the economic harm could be felt for years, said Laurie Fischer, CEO of the American Dairy Coalition.