Finding a long term farm aid fix after huge agricultural losses

What this episode covers

The Trump administration proposed $12 billion in aid to farmers to help recover from temporary market disruptions and high production costs.  However, the administration did not mention the effect of the tariffs that Trump put into place, which critics have said are responsible for decreased agricultural exports and hurting farmers’ bottom lines.  While these one-time payments are expected to provide some relief, some farmers and economists want to see a long-term farm bill.  In Episode 8, we’re handing the reins to our States Newsroom colleagues at the Kansas Reflector. Over in Topeka, the Kansas Reflector Podcast spoke with Jennifer Ifft, an extension specialist in agriculture policy at Kansas State University. Ifft talked with Kansas Reflector senior reporter Morgan Chilson about why long-term aid from the federal government is needed to support farmers. Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States composed by David Singer. A special thank you to Morgan Chilson from the Kansas Reflector.  Got questions? An episode idea? Email us at [email protected]. Click here for the full transcript:  Relevant reading from States Newsroom outlets and partners:  Trump to send $12 billion in one-time payments to farmers to offset ag losses (States Newsroom D.C. Bureau) Illinois ag director says Trump trade policies are ‘crushing’ farmers (Capitol News Illinois) ‘We need fundamental changes’: SD farmers react to Trump’s farm aid payments (South Dakota Searchlight) Iowa panel warns of ‘mixed’ economic picture, predicts slight revenue upturn (Iowa Capital Dispatch) Wisconsin agriculture faces uncertainty heading into 2026 (Wisconsin Examiner)  Photo: Cattle roam in a pasture near Killdeer in southwest North Dakota. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)