Capitol News

Michigan farmers are facing significant financial challenges as tariffs supported by former GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers impact their operations. Farmers in the state report increased costs and reduced access to international markets, which is affecting profits and putting family farms at risk.

Mike Rogers recently stated that “working families [are] not paying more” due to the tariffs he supports. He also claimed there is “no appreciative inflation” and was recorded at a campaign event making light of concerns about higher prices, suggesting such hardships are “worth the financial strife being put on the American people.”

Joey Hannum, spokesperson for the Michigan Democratic Party, criticized Rogers’ stance: “Mike Rogers’ chaotic tariffs are crushing Michigan farmers: spiking costs, shutting off markets, and pushing multi-generational family farms toward bankruptcy. While Michigan farmers worry if their businesses will survive, Mike Rogers mocks them and denies they’re paying more because of his failed Price-Hike Agenda.”

Reports from local media outlets provide further detail on these impacts. According to WJRT, local farmers are seeing input costs rise by 20% while commodity prices have dropped 30% since the tariffs were enacted. Bill Hunt of Hunt Farms Inc. in Davison said China, a major buyer of soybeans, has stopped purchasing from Michigan growers. As a result, farmers expect losses between 60 to 90 cents per bushel of soybeans and a 25-cent loss per bushel of corn this year.

“If we don’t change agriculture’s direction right now, we are going to be in a world of hurt,” Hunt told WJRT.

Bridge Michigan reports that some West Michigan farmers do not expect to make any profit this harvest season; many hope only to break even. Jim May, a farmer based in Sparta, noted: “I don’t think we’re even going to cover expenses… Last year was bad enough… This year is worse.” Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association added: “This is an uncertain time for Michigan farmers and rural businesses that work with them… But no doubt, today is different.”

Trade data shows steep declines in agricultural exports during the first half of 2025 compared to last year—soybean meal exports fell by 46%, wheat exports declined by 89%, fresh cherry exports dropped by 62%, and fresh apple exports decreased by 58%.

Tim Boring, director of Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said he continues hearing from concerned producers statewide: “Tariffs are jeopardizing agricultural jobs, disrupting rural economies and reducing Michiganders’ access to affordable food.”