U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offices in the Quad Cities area were forced to close during the government shutdown. Now, even though the shutdown has not ended, those offices are opening. This is because of an order from President Trump and the White House. It’s an act they hope will provide farmers with some temporary assistance by opening up $3 billion of existing funds for aid.
“The President has the authority under existing law to spend that money,” said Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley (R). “He’s decided to use it on serving the family farms in the United States.”
Illinois congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi believes the focus should shift to finding a solution to open trade.
“Nobody can out compete an American farmer, as long as the playing field is level,” said Krishnamoorthi. “Should be making sure markets are open to our farmers.”
One local Illinois farmer agrees. Dennis VanDaele says he would rather get the profits through selling his crops.
“I do not want a check,” said VanDaele. “I want my money from the market place.”
He compared a potential bailout from the federal government to the Paycheck Protection Program during the pandemic.
“My accountant finally told me after about six months, you got to stay on the same playing field as everybody else and everybody else is taking it so I finally broke down and took it,” said VanDaele.
Increasing input costs paired with the low prices from this year’s crop is putting pressure on farmers. It’s making them adjust their approach and plant less for next year.
“Rather than putting on what this next crop is going to call for, if we have a normal crop,” VanDaele said. “I’ve elected to cut back to two-thirds of what I’ve normally put on.”